Dubai: The Dubai Sports Council (DSC) organized a prominent sporting and community event to celebrate Emirati Women’s Day, attracting an impressive turnout of more than 600 women from various segments of society. The event, held at Dubai Mall as part of the "Dubai Mallathon" initiative, was designed to raise awareness about the vital importance of sports and its positive impact on women’s lives.

The celebration witnessed high-level attendance from senior officials and community leaders, including His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council; His Excellency Khalifa Rashid Al Hamli, Director of the Office of the Minister of Defense; Her Excellency Naima Ahli, CEO of the Dubai Women Establishment; and Her Excellency Maitha Al Shamsi, CEO of the Social Empowerment Sector at the Community Development Authority in Dubai.

Serving as an extension of DSC’s continuous efforts, the initiative reflects a strategic commitment to supporting and empowering women in the sports sector. The event highlighted the pioneering community partnership that underscores the continuous achievements of Emirati women, reaffirming their pivotal role as fundamental partners in the nation's sustainable development.

To crown the efforts and dedication of Emirati women in sports, the ceremony honored a select group of five female champions who have recorded significant qualitative achievements: Hana Al Nabulsi, Maryam Karim, Maha Al Shehhi, Noura Khalf, and Shahd Bu Debs. The recognition aimed to celebrate their athletic excellence and motivate upcoming generations to pursue outstanding results in future championships.

His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, extended his congratulations to Emirati women, expressing immense pride in their pioneering achievements across all fields. “The limitless support from our wise leadership has made women active partners in building society and shaping the future, particularly in the sports sector, where they have demonstrated exceptional competence and merit,” he stated.

H.E. Hareb added: “The Dubai Sports Council is keen to be strongly present on this precious national occasion, driven by our belief that empowering women athletically is an investment in the health, happiness, and vitality of the entire community. The ‘Dubai Mallathon’ initiative reflects this strategic direction, and we are delighted by this massive turnout, which confirms the passion Emirati women have for sports and their dedication to adopting a healthy, active lifestyle that builds generations capable of continuing the journey of excellence.”

Her Excellency Naima Ahli, CEO of the Dubai Women Establishment, expressed her pride in the participation of the establishment’s employees, emphasizing that physical activity is a crucial component of a balanced lifestyle that directly enhances women’s overall well-being. “We were delighted to participate in the 'Dubai Mallathon' organized by the Dubai Sports Council in celebration of Emirati Women’s Day, which truly reflected the spirit of community engagement and the importance of sports in building a healthier, more vibrant society,” she said.

H.E. Ahli further noted: “Women's quality of life is a primary pillar within the operational strategy of the Dubai Women Establishment. Therefore, we consistently encourage our employees, and women in general, to adopt healthy lifestyles, believing that good health positively impacts their contributions across all aspects of life and work. We are proud of our partnership with the Dubai Sports Council and our shared commitment to supporting women, increasing their participation in sports, and making physical activity a daily routine, which further enhances Dubai’s global standing among the leading cities for quality of life.”