Middlesex University Dubai has launched its new Women in Sport: Changing the Narrative and Breaking Boundaries series through the London Sport Institute in Dubai (LSID). The opening session brought together five Emirati women athletes, including Olympians and the UAE’s first female professional MMA fighter, to discuss their experiences in elite sport and the support needed to help more women and girls pursue sporting careers.
- Location: Middlesex University Dubai, Knowledge Park Campus
- Organisation: Middlesex University Dubai and London Sport Institute in Dubai
- Status: Three-part series launched on September 30, 2026
- Who is affected: Women and girls interested in sport, athletes and future sports professionals
- Industry focus: Athlete development, women’s health and sports careers
- What’s next: Two further sessions covering women’s health and careers in sport
What is Middlesex University Dubai’s Women in Sport series?
Middlesex University Dubai has launched a three-part Women in Sport series aimed at exploring how more women and girls in the UAE can participate in sport, progress as athletes and develop careers across the wider sports industry.
The first session, held at the university’s Knowledge Park Campus on September 30, brought together five Emirati sportswomen to discuss their journeys and the changing landscape for women in UAE sport.
The series is being delivered through the university’s London Sport Institute in Dubai and focuses not only on sporting achievements but also on the pathways, support systems and opportunities behind them.
Which Emirati athletes took part in the first session?
The opening discussion, titled “We Emerge Stronger and Better: Identity, Heritage & the Next Generation,” featured athletes from different sporting backgrounds.
The session was moderated by Emirati weightlifter and mental health advocate Amna Al Haddad.
The panel included Maryam Alfarsi, the UAE Olympian and first Emirati female sprinter to compete at the Olympic Games; Amenah Almuhairi, a UAE snowboarder who represented the country at the Asian Winter Games and Youth Olympic Games; Zamzam Al Hammadi, the Emirates’ first female professional MMA fighter and a PFL MENA athlete; and Maha Al Shehhi, a UAE national team Olympic swimmer.
Their discussion looked at what it takes to compete at an elite level, from intensive training and competition schedules to the family, sponsorship and funding support required to maintain a sporting career.
The athletes also spoke about the experience of representing the UAE internationally and the importance of creating stronger opportunities for future generations.
What did the athletes say about women in UAE sport?
Maryam Alfarsi highlighted the importance of visibility and encouragement for young girls interested in sport.
Alfarsi made history at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games when she competed in the 100-metre sprint at the age of 16. Speaking about the importance of events such as the Women in Sport series, she said they can help women athletes gain greater visibility and build stronger support networks.
She encouraged young girls to believe in themselves, remain consistent and feel confident about pursuing opportunities in sport.
Maha Al Shehhi, who also represented the UAE at the Paris 2024 Olympics, said equal opportunity gives athletes a fair chance to develop and compete.
She also pointed to the increase in training opportunities and elite competition available to Emirati women in recent years.
How can young athletes balance education and sport?
The discussion also covered the challenge of balancing academic commitments with elite-level training.
Amenah Almuhairi, who is also an LSID student, shared her experience of managing university studies alongside snowboarding training and competitions.
According to the university, flexibility around her sporting schedule has helped her continue her education while competing.
The panel also examined how education and sporting systems can work together so young athletes do not have to choose between developing their sporting abilities and pursuing academic goals.
For students considering competitive sport, this remains an important part of building a sustainable pathway.
What are the next Women in Sport sessions?
Middlesex University Dubai said the series will continue with two further sessions over the coming months.
The next discussion, “Women’s Health: Training Through Every Life Stage,” will focus on wellbeing and exercise across different stages of women’s lives.
The third session, “Breaking Into the Game: Women’s Careers On and Off the Field,” will widen the conversation beyond athletes. It will look at career opportunities available to women across the wider sports industry.
This includes the professional roles that support sport beyond competition and athletic performance.
According to Charvi Ajay Bhatt, Sports Partnerships and Development Executive at MDX Dubai, the university wants the series to look at the opportunities and support systems that allow sporting achievements to happen.
The university said the wider aim is to create more accessible routes for women to participate in sport, progress within the sector and build professional careers.
Building More Opportunities for Women in Sport
For UAE residents, the series highlights that opportunities in sport extend beyond competing in tournaments and representing the country.
Young women can pursue different pathways as athletes, students and sports professionals, while discussions on education, health, funding and support can help address practical challenges.
The series also gives established Emirati athletes a platform to share their experiences with students and aspiring sportswomen.
With two more sessions planned, Middlesex University Dubai is continuing the conversation around women’s participation and career development across the UAE sports sector.
FAQs
What is the Women in Sport series at Middlesex University Dubai?
It is a three-part panel discussion series launched by Middlesex University Dubai through its London Sport Institute in Dubai. It focuses on women’s participation, progression and career opportunities in sport.
Who participated in the first Women in Sport session?
The opening panel featured Maryam Alfarsi, Amenah Almuhairi, Zamzam Al Hammadi and Maha Al Shehhi, with Amna Al Haddad serving as moderator.
When was the first Women in Sport session held?
The first session took place on September 30, 2026, at Middlesex University Dubai’s Knowledge Park Campus.
What will the next sessions discuss?
The second session will focus on women’s health and training through different life stages. The third will explore career opportunities for women both on and off the field.
Where can people find information about future sessions?
Middlesex University Dubai said information and registration details for future sessions are available through its Women in Sport programme.
Middlesex University Dubai’s Women in Sport series puts the experiences of Emirati athletes at the centre of a wider discussion about participation, education, health and careers. With two more sessions planned, the programme will continue exploring how women can find more opportunities across the UAE’s sports sector.
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