Banaat FC
| Full name | Banaat Football Club |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2023 |
| Owner | Budreya Faisal |
| Manager | Bacary Sagna |
| League | UAE Women's Football League |
| 2023–24
2024–25 2025–26 | UAE Women's Football League Division II, 3rd |
| Website | banaatfc |
Banaat Football Club (Arabic: بنات أف سي) is an Emirati women’s football club competing in the 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. [1]
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. [2]
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. [2]
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. [2]
Home venue
Banaat FC does not have its own venue. It instead plays and trains at Al Nasr Club in Oud Metha. [3]
References
- ^ "بنات أف سي؛ تغيير مستقبل كرة القدم الإماراتية للسيدات". Inside FIFA (in Arabic). FIFA. 28 November 2023. Retrieved 5 April 2025.
- ^ a b c "About Banaat FC". Banaat FC. 2025-10-08. Retrieved 2025-10-22.
- ^ "Banaat FC's Grateful Journey with Al Nasr SC". Banaat FC. Retrieved 2025-10-22.