The FBM Ladies Sports Academy and Abu Dhabi Sports Council have confirmed that the 5th International Conference of Sports for Women (ICSW) and the FBM Awards will take place back-to-back for the first time in November 2020.

As well as the two events there will be five days of activities and educational initiatives as sporting icons, industry leaders and role models from the world of international sports gather in the UAE capital to celebrate women’s sport.

Taking place from November 13-17, 2020, the week of women’s sport will be organised by the Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy (FBMA) and Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC).

“Next November will be a memorable week in the history of women’s sports in the UAE,” Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairwoman of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy and Chairwoman of the Abu Dhabi and the Al Ain Ladies Clubs, said.

“To combine two such important events, together with other community and educational activities, will be an important milestone and testament to the important role of FBMA and its mission.

“Women’s sports and sportswomen stand on the threshold of a new era. We have seen huge strides forward over the last few years and we have an exciting future ahead.

“Next November we will bring together leaders from around the world to celebrate success, and most importantly to continue to make progress and address fundamental issues for women in the sporting arena.”

Biennial flagship conference ICSW promotes and supports the FBM Ladies Sports Academy’s vision of instilling sports into UAE culture and the daily life of all Emirati women, while advancing the global women’s sports debate.

The last conference, staged in 2017, saw some of the most inspirational industry leaders and influencing figures in women’s sport come together, including three Ministers of State, three Olympic medallists, the winner of 10 Special Olympics medals, the founder of the Beirut Marathon, an 86-year-old record-breaking Ironman competitor, and countless sports industry pioneers, attracting over 2,000 visitors from all around the world under the unifying theme of ‘Inspiring Generations’.

The FBM Ladies Sports Academy Sports Awards meanwhile take place every four years, drawing leaders from across the sporting world to honour the stand-out performances and work achieved by athletes, federations, governing bodies, media and others in the field of women’s sports worldwide. The ceremony features 15 award categories

In addition to the conference and the awards ceremony, a key focus of the week’s activities will be to support and engage with key higher education institutions in the UAE. Next year students, professors and higher education faculties will be invited to take part in a variety of educational activities at university campuses and during ICSW itself.

ICSW will take place at the Emirates Palace Hotel next year from 16 – 17 November, with the FBM Sports Awards and gala dinner taking place at the same venue on the evening of 17th. Registration for the conference will be free, whilst the awards and gala dinner are by invitation only.

Further information on how to register for the conference, how to submit nominations for the Awards, and details on the other planned events and activities will be announced by the Organising Committee in the new year.