On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, Sharjah Women’s Sports (SWS) marked a milestone with the graduation of the first batch of the Sports Media Diploma (Sports Analysis). The six-week program, consisting of 70 hours of specialized training, welcomed 14 participants from diverse sport backgrounds, equipping them with the technical and media skills necessary for professional sports analysis.

Empowering Women in Sports Media

During the ceremony, Her Excellency Hanan Al Mahmoud, Vice Chairperson of SWS, emphasized that the Sports Media Diploma (Sports Analysis) aligns with the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SWS, who has consistently advocated for enhancing women’s presence in sports media. She stressed the importance of equipping female athletes with the knowledge and skills needed for responsible and insightful media appearances, ensuring they contribute positively to sports education and awareness.

"This diploma represents a significant step toward empowering women in the sports media landscape, enabling them to deliver accurate and insightful analysis that reflects the rapid development of women’s sports. We congratulate our graduates and hope this program will be a gateway to stronger female representation in both local and international sports studios."

Moza Al Shamsi, Director of SWS, highlighted the dual approach of the program, which covered both technical and practical aspects of sports analysis. The curriculum focused on interpreting match results and analyzing team and player performances using data-driven insights, while also providing hands-on training in sports studios to develop professional presentation skills. The integration of modern analytical tools ensures that graduates can deliver comprehensive and engaging sports coverage.

Regarding the selection criteria, Al Shamsi explained that all participants were chosen based on their specialized sports backgrounds, including current and former athletes, national team members, and sports administrators. The program also ensured diversity in sporting disciplines, incorporating fencing, volleyball, shooting, basketball, and more, equipping graduates with a broad understanding of various sports to enhance their analytical depth.

Latifa Al Hosani: A Step Toward Leadership in Sports Analysis

Latifa Al Hosani, a former fencer, board member of the UAE Fencing Federation, and Vice Chair of the Women’s Committee at the Arab Fencing Federation, expressed her excitement about joining the program, stating: “This diploma is a natural extension of my leadership development journey, following my graduation from the Sports Leadership Program. It has equipped me with analytical and media skills, enabling me to leverage my fencing expertise in a broader sports media context. With scientific and methodological tools at my disposal, I am now ready to contribute to sports analysis across various media platforms, further strengthening my role at both the local and regional levels."

In addition to her role as a sports AI specialist at SWS, Latifa highlighted that the program introduced her to advanced analytical tools applicable to live broadcasting and behind-the-scenes analysis, enhancing her confidence and ability to deliver high-quality sports commentary.

Nadwa Al Sawwan: Simplifying Sports Analysis for a Wider Audience

Nadwa Al Sawwan, a volleyball player at SWS and the UAE national team, as well as a sports technical monitoring executive at SWS, credited the program with transforming her approach to sports analysis: "Before, my post-match interviews were often influenced by raw emotions, making it difficult to articulate a structured analysis. Now, thanks to the Sports Media Diploma, I can deliver clear, technical insights in an accessible manner, ensuring that audiences—both casual viewers and experts—can grasp the game’s dynamics. This program has given me the confidence and expertise to communicate effectively and contribute meaningfully to sports media."

She also expressed her gratitude for being part of both the Sports Media Diploma and the Sports Leadership Program, acknowledging SWS’ ongoing efforts to develop female leaders and analysts in the sports industry.

Recognizing Achievements and Future Opportunities

The ceremony concluded with the official graduation of the first batch, with SWS expressing its pride in this achievement. The diploma represents a pivotal step toward increasing female representation in sports analysis, ensuring that women can lead conversations and shape narratives in the sports media industry.

The program also awarded participants an internationally recognized certification from the University of North Carolina, opening new career opportunities for graduates in sports analysis studios at national and international tournaments. Moving forward, SWS aims to expand and enhance the program in collaboration with media and academic institutions, reinforcing its commitment to empowering women in sports broadcasting and analysis.