A new era of Emirati women is reshaping the sports scene in the UAE, breaking traditional boundaries and inspiring many to follow — including the first Emirati parkour coach, the first Emirati woman to compete internationally in padel, and a UAE national football team player.
Leading this transformation is Amal Murad, a 33-year-old mother of two, who stands out as the region’s first Emirati parkour coach. Her journey from a corporate graphic designer to a fitness entrepreneur showcases the bold spirit defining modern Emirati women.
“It was definitely quite a leap,” Murad reflects on her career shift. “One of the biggest challenges is letting go of financial stability. When you choose an unconventional path and become an entrepreneur, you learn to adapt to changing circumstances each month.”
Memorable Moment
Murad’s breakthrough came when she received recognition from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, as a parkour athlete after being chosen to represent his team in the Government Games, now Dubai Games.
Through her business “Leap of Hope,” a clever play on her name, Amal (meaning hope in Arabic), Murad has established a platform empowering women through movement. “Leap of Faith means jumping into the unknown but trusting God will guide you. Since my name is Amal, meaning hope, it made more sense to call it that,” she explains.
Her approach to parkour challenges common misconceptions. “The biggest misconception is that it’s an extreme sport involving jumping off buildings. It’s not. Parkour is about movement and finding the safest, most efficient way from point A to B. It’s about seeing obstacles as ways to reach your destination, not as barriers.”
The discipline in parkour resonates with Murad’s philosophy. “Parkour is a discipline teaching you to overcome fear with patience. It may look extreme, but it’s about discipline, not ego.”
Balancing motherhood with her athletic career offers unique insights. “Motherhood taught me compassion and to accommodate others with different priorities who still choose fitness,” she says. “Balancing motherhood and athletics meant letting go of being a perfect mother or athlete.”
Her message to young Emirati women is powerful: “Ask yourself, ‘how can I serve others?’ Stop chasing fame as it’s valueless. If a societal problem needs solving, be the one to find solutions.”
Breaking Barriers
Joining Murad in redefining Emirati women’s sports are other trailblazing athletes. Aishah Al Awadhi, 24, became the first Emirati and Arab woman to compete internationally in padel and earn a ranking. “A proud moment in my padel career was earning a wild card for an international tournament in Abu Dhabi,” Al Awadhi says.
UAE National team footballer Areej Al Hammadi has elevated women’s football regionally, participating in the AFC Women’s Champions League quarterfinals. “It proves that Emirati women can achieve much with minimal resources if given the chance,” she reflects.
Vision for the Future
Murad’s entrepreneurial journey continues, adapting through challenges like Covid-19 by shifting from group classes to online sessions and developing an app. Her vision extends beyond personal success: “I aim to support government initiatives to inspire change in younger generations and motivate people of all ages to embrace fitness.”
These pioneering women represent more than individual achievements; they signify a pivotal shift in Emirati sports culture, proving that with determination and support, barriers can become stepping stones for future generations.
