Dubai: Princess Haya Bint Al Hussain, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, will share her wealth of experience as an Olympic athlete, member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), former President of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) and humanitarian with an audience of sports industry leaders, iconic athletes, students and faculty heads in November.
Princess Haya will be giving the opening keynote speech at this year’s International Conference of Sports for Women (ICSW), to be held in Abu Dhabi at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from November 6 and 7.
The theme of the conference, which is in its fourth year, is “Inspiring Generations”.
The conference will feature two keynote speeches, six panel discussions, and a variety of workshops and exhibits from sponsors and various organisations with special interest in sports.
Organised by the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy (FBMA), ICSW has developed a glowing reputation internationally as a platform to address the most pertinent issues in women’s sports today, in addition to offering a unique networking opportunity for sports and business professionals.
The conference also stands to reflect Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak’s vision for sport to become a part of daily life for UAE national women.
Sports have always been an integral part of Princess Haya’s life.
At the age of 13 she became the first female to represent Jordan internationally in equestrian show jumping.
In 1992, she became the first and only female to win a pan-Arab equestrian medal when she won the individual bronze at the pan-Arab Equestrian Games.
In 2000, she represented Jordan in show jumping at the Sydney Olympic Games, and was her nation’s flag-bearer at the event.
Recognising the positive and empowering impact sports has had on her own life, Princess Haya has made it her goal to empower young girls everywhere through sport, an ambition that has been reflected over the years in her admirable work as a member of the IOC and as President of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the international governing body of equestrian sports. In 2015, she received the esteemed Longines Ladies Award in recognition of her dedicated efforts to improve equestrian sports.
Princess Haya said: “The UAE is committed to supporting women in various fields, and I’m always delighted to see efforts like ICSW that highlight the UAE’s role in empowering women. To be able to give my support to such an inspiring initiative by Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak is without a doubt something of which I am very proud.”
“Sport has helped shape me into the person I am today. I’ve experienced the incredible role that sports can play in improving a person’s life and in helping individuals to grow and develop. My hope is that, in time, every girl across the world will have the chance to participate in sports and experience the passion and joy it can bring. I believe that by promoting sports as a way of life, we can build the foundation for a healthier and happier future for our societies, a vision that FBMA has adopted in this unique event. I’m looking forward to sharing my experience and promoting that vision at ICSW this November,” she added.
Registration for ICSW are now open to all members of the public, but spaces are limited. Those who wish to attend can register now via the event’s official website www.fbma.ae/icsw. For any inquiries or event information, email icsw.enquiries@fbma.ae.
