Saudi Women’s Sports Witness Historic Growth Under Vision 2030, Empowering a New Generation of Champions

Photography: Courtesy of SPA.

Riyadh, April 18, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Saudi Arabia’s sports sector has witnessed a remarkable transformation, particularly in the field of women’s sports, as the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reforms continue to drive national empowerment and inclusion across all sectors. Once limited in scope, women's sports are now flourishing, achieving national milestones and producing world-class athletes who are competing and winning on the global stage.

Backed by robust government support and the leadership of Minister of Sport Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, Saudi women are taking significant strides in local and international sports arenas. The development is part of a broader national strategy aimed at enhancing quality of life and expanding opportunities for women in every field.

The transformation includes infrastructure projects such as the construction of women’s sports facilities, gyms, and stadiums, and the enhancement of public spaces to encourage physical activity. Targeted training programs have been introduced to increase participation in various disciplines and improve performance, while school leagues and sports education programs have laid a strong foundation for early athletic development.

Since Vision 2030’s launch, female sports participation has increased by over 150%. More than 330,000 girls are now registered in various sports, supported by 97 certified female coaches. Over 70,000 girls actively compete in school leagues, and 37 national women’s teams represent the Kingdom in international competitions.

Milestones in Women’s Sports

Saudi women made their Olympic debut in 2012 when Sarah Attar and Wojdan Ali Seraj represented the Kingdom in track and field and judo, respectively. In 2019, the establishment of official women’s sports clubs marked another significant turning point, enabling participation in global tournaments and supporting a generation of athletes across disciplines.

The formation of the national women’s football team in 2021 and the launch of the Women’s Premier League in 2022 under the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) further solidified the Kingdom’s dedication to women’s sports. That same year, the national women’s football team played its first international match, securing a 2–0 victory over Seychelles.

Star athletes such as tennis player Yara Alhogbani, taekwondo champion Dunya Aboutaleb, and racing driver Reema Juffali have emerged as role models, achieving international accolades and inspiring future generations. Aboutaleb, for example, became the first Saudi woman to win a medal at the World Taekwondo Championships in 2022, in addition to other regional victories.

Track and field star Sarah Attar, fencing champions Lubna Alomair and Al Hasnaa Al Hamad, and equestrian Dalma Malhas have also elevated the Kingdom’s standing on the world stage. Meanwhile, boxer Yara Alamri made history by winning Saudi Arabia’s first Asian medal in women’s boxing and capturing ten medals—eight gold and two bronze—in just two years.

Policy Support and Investment Potential

The Ministry of Sport, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, has rolled out physical education programs for girls in all schools, integrating sports into daily life and promoting fitness from a young age. Neighborhood clubs across the country now offer increased access to training and health programs for women.

Speaking at the 2025 Sports Investment Forum in Riyadh, Assistant Minister for Sport Affairs Adwa AlArifi reported the existence of over 400 women’s clubs offering programs at more than 1,000 locations across the Kingdom. Leaders Development Institute Director-General Mezna AlMarzooqi highlighted the economic potential of women’s sports, calling for greater private-sector investment to generate sustainable growth and inclusive participation.

Conclusion

The rise of women’s sports in Saudi Arabia is not merely a byproduct of reform—it is a direct reflection of strategic vision, inclusive policymaking, and strong leadership. As Saudi athletes continue to win medals and set records, they are also redefining cultural narratives, proving that women’s sports are not only a matter of competition but of national pride and global relevance.