From 2 to 12 February, Sharjah will transform into the ultimate female sporting platform for the fifth edition of the Arab Women Sports Tournament (AWST). 78 clubs from 18 Arab countries will come together for a week of events including basketball, volleyball, table tennis, athletics, archery, shooting, fencing, show jumping and karate.

And if watching the sport isn’t your thing, AWST is also hosting a panel discussion, Female Athletes in Arab World, which aims to highlight the opportunities and challenges that come women’s way in sports. The session will present suggestions to the media industry and decision-makers to augment the media’s pivotal role in advancing women’s sports.

Held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness Ruler of Sharjah, 2020 will mark the largest participation ever in the history of the Olympics-themed event.

The UAE tops the list with 15 participating clubs, followed by Saudi Arabia with 12; Bahrain with eight; Kuwait with six; and Oman with three.