Banaat FC
Banaat Football Club is an Emirati women’s football club competing in the UAE [Women's Football League|UAE Womens Football League]. Founded by Budreya Faisal in 2023, noted for its rapid rise in regional football, partnership with Nike, and commitment to empowering Arab women through sport and culture.
History
Banaat FC was founded by Emirati entrepreneur Budreya Faisal, noted for her contributions to sports, culture, and creative storytelling in the Arab world. Conceived as a project to elevate Arab women’s football and create a culturally grounded platform for female players, the club went from idea to launch in just 26 days, officially debuting on 28 August 2023 to coincide with Emirati Women’s Day.The name Banaat - Arabic for “girls” - reflects the club’s mission to empower young women through football while representing Emirati identity and values. In its first year, Banaat FC was launched in collaboration with GQ Middle East, featured by FIFA, and sponsored by TikTok, quickly becoming one of the most visible women’s teams in the region.
During the 2023-24 season, Banaat FC competed in the UAE Women’s League First Division, finishing third in the league. In 2024, the club became the first independent women’s team in the Middle East and North Africa to sign a sponsorship deal with Nike. On 4 January 2025, former Arsenal and Manchester City player Bacary Sagna was appointed as head coach, marking another milestone in Banaat FC’s rapid rise.