Emirati Ruqaya Ahmed Al Zaabi achieved golden sports achievements with her children Al-Yazia, Maitha, Mohammed, Ahmed and Ghaith, the five talents in individual sports “archery, horse riding and swimming”, which contributed to her being crowned with the “Best Arab Sports Mother” award, within the ceremony of the eighth edition of the “Fatima Bint Award”. Congratulations to women’s sports 2024.”
Ruqaya Al Zaabi told Emirates Today: “I am proud, accompanied by my husband, Abdullah Mohammed Al Samahi, who also holds the position of Secretary-General of the Taekwondo Federation, of our five children, whom we encourage from an early age to practice sports as a way of life, in a sports family, before continuing to support and direct them to enter competitions and tournaments.” Whether our eldest daughter, Al-Yazia (17 years old), who has achieved remarkable achievements in the sport of shooting (sackton rifle), And Maitha (15 years old), who practices equestrianism, in addition to our three children, Mohammed, Ahmed, and Ghaith, who compete in swimming and have local achievements, in a journey that has succeeded over the past years and up to the present day, in Ghaith winning three gold medals and one bronze, and Mohammed and Ahmed achieving two gold medals. And two silver medals, and Al-Yazia won two silver medals, in addition to first places in tournaments in Abu Dhabi.”
She added: “The five children also tend to practice archery, especially since we as a family go weekly to practice this sport as a hobby, in addition to other activities such as mountain climbing, which we practice together at least once a month on the weekends.”
Al Zaabi, an employee at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, confirmed that the sporting aspect is part of the concept of healthy living that the family pursues and encourages, along with academic excellence and scientific innovation. She said: “We encourage our children that sporting excellence comes hand in hand with scientific excellence.” Two years ago, Al-Yazia won the Coding Program Award and obtained a certificate from Apple.
Al Zaabi pointed out that her three sons, who are members of the Fujairah Martial Arts Club, played a major role in making her get rid of the state of “phobia,” or what is known as the great fear of swimming pools. She said: “My previous escape from drowning caused me a state of fear of falling.” Swimming pools, but my children and their constant encouragement helped me break the barrier of fear and return to swimming.”
She continued: “With my husband, I make sure to constantly follow up on my children in the competitions and tournaments in which they participate. The presence of the family, especially the mother, in the stands and her encouragement of the children is always reflected in giving them positive energy and motivation to exert more effort towards distinction, excellence and reaping achievements.”
.. I am proud to receive an award bearing the name “Mother of the Emirates”
Ruqaya Al Zaabi said after being crowned with the “Best Arab Sports Mother” award, during the ceremony of the eighth edition of the “Fatima Bint Mubarak Women’s Sports Award 2024”: “I am proud to receive this award, which bears the name of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (Mother of the Emirates), President of the General Women’s Union. President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation, I also extend my thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed. Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, for his continuous stances and support for the sports march, and to the Fujairah Martial Arts Club for embracing my children and making distinguished efforts in highlighting sports successes.”
She explained: “The great support from (Mother of the Emirates) represents the inspiring motivation in encouraging Arab women to excel in all fields, and I am honored to receive this award designated for (Best Arab Sports Mother), after competing with the Egyptian Sahm Al-Qurm and the Syrian Maitha Hashem.”
She added: “Being crowned with this award gives me more responsibility to continue supporting my children with their ambition to reach the world level, and to ensure that UAE sports are honored and the country’s flag is raised in the largest forums. Many sports in the country have succeeded in reaching the world level, and we must do more to return again to Olympic glory. And gifting the country more Olympic medals.”
She continued: “The mother is the primary supporter and inspiration for children, especially in childhood, and I consider this award the best honor for (the sports mother), which reflects the importance of the mother’s support for her children in excelling not only at the level of sports, but in all fields, and the keenness to return the debt to this country.” Al-Muttaha, which established that all its children be able to be creative, and it is only for us as mothers to reveal the talent that our children possess, direct them to the right path, and confirm that the children of the Emirates are always capable of reaching the first positions. On the international scene.”
Ruqaya Al Zaabi:
• Thank you, “Mother of the Emirates” for the unlimited support for women in all fields.
• The sports aspect is part of the concept of healthy living followed and encouraged by the family.
• The family supports practicing sports in parallel with academic excellence and scientific innovation.
. .
