Banaat FC aiming to mark new era for women’s football in UAE

DUBAI: A new women’s football team, Banaat FC, has been launched in the UAE to coincide with the recent Emirati Women’s Day event.

The Dubai-based club was founded by Budreya Faisal with a mission to raise the profile of women’s football in the country, leading to more opportunities for young players to take up the game throughout the Emirates.

Leading the team will be coach Noora Al-Mazrouie, whose playing career saw her keep goal for the UAE national team.

With players such as the talented Amal Wael and goalkeeper Maha Al-Blooshi already signed up by the club, Al-Mazrouie will be looking to build a team capable of competing locally and regionally in the coming years.

Founder Faisal said that Banaat FC would be aiming to forge a bond with the local community, and in return hopefully receive reciprocal support for the team from a new generation of fans.

“Community is our backbone. Their support will be our strength,” she added.

Faisal noted that Banaat FC came about from conversations with like-minded female football fans who had realized that women’s football in the UAE had stagnated in recent years.

Faisal, who is also founder and CEO of sports marketing agency Ghost Concept, said: “We thought we’ve got to make this better.”

UAE national team coach Houriya Al-Taheri has also lent her vast experience to support the project. The former UAE international is also a FIFA-certified coach, the first Arab woman to achieve the status.

Faisal pointed out that Banaat FC was not looking to be “just another name” in football, but rather a catalyst for real change in the women’s game.

Embracing the message, our time is now, the club aims to elevate women in football to the recognition levels they receive in other UAE sectors.

Faisal added that the club would welcome new players, supporters, and sponsors.

“Without our community, we’re just a name. Let’s change the game, side by side,” she said.