For decades, sports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) were a male-dominated domain. Women’s participation in physical activity was limited by cultural barriers, societal expectations and a lack of opportunities. Until recently, girls in KSA had no access to physical education (PE) in schools, reflecting the deeply ingrained gender disparities in sports. However, the tides are turning. Driven by Vision 2030 and a progressive leadership, KSA is taking bold steps to transform its sports landscape into one that embraces women’s inclusion, empowerment and achievement. Education has emerged as a pivotal force in this transformation, fostering awareness, reshaping societal attitudes, and equipping the next generation of women with the knowledge and skills to lead in sports (Nahari & Makopoulou, 2024). This shift carries broader implications beyond KSA, offering lessons on how education and progressive policies can catalyse gender equity and inspire global conversations about the role of sports in social change. While progress has been remarkable, the road ahead is filled with challenges that require persistence and innovative solutions.

In this blog post, I delve into the key areas shaping the future of women’s sports in the Kingdom.

Educating the pioneers of change

‘Until recently, there were no standardised programmes for female PE teachers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’

Education is the cornerstone of transformation, and the same holds true for women’s sports. Historically, KSA required male PE teachers to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree in PE, including three and a half years of theoretical study and a four-month practicum. Women, on the other hand, have had to chart a different course. Until recently, there were no standardised programmes for female PE teachers.

Today, there are two main pathways for training women in sports education. The long-term goal involves universities offering a five-year bachelor’s degree in PE, while the short-term approach focuses on training current female teachers from other disciplines to deliver PE classes. With six universities now offering sports-related degrees for women and more than 12,000 female teachers trained in sports programmes, the foundation for change is being laid.

The numbers, however, are only a start. Enrolments remain modest, with just 311 women currently pursuing degrees across such disciplines as PE, fitness and sports science. KSA is also taking strides in professional coaching, training 257 female coaches by 2019 (OECD, 2020).

Challenges on the path to equality

While these efforts are commendable, the challenges remain significant. Transforming a male-centric sports culture into an inclusive ecosystem requires overcoming deeply ingrained barriers. The following outline four critical challenges.

1. Shifting cultural perceptions

Saudi society has long resisted women’s sports under cultural, rather than religious, justifications. Addressing this requires a narrative shift, highlighting the health, social and economic benefits of physical activity (PA). Importantly, sports must be framed as harmonious with Islamic values, with examples like modest dress enabling women to participate confidently.

Princess Reema bint Bandar, President of Saudi Federation of Mass Participation, is the first woman to lead a multi-sports federation in the KSA.

Source: ‘Princess Reema’ by World Economic Forum/Boris Baldinger is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

2. Building female leadership

Female leadership in sports organisations, such as the Ministry of Sports and the KSA Olympic Committee, has grown in recent years. However, the number of women in decision-making roles remains limited. Additionally, the lack of media representation for Saudi female athletes makes it harder for younger women to find role models who inspire them to pursue sports.

3. Developing a qualified workforce

The scarcity of trained female PE teachers, gym instructors, coaches, referees and managers is a significant hurdle. Without robust academic and vocational programmes tailored to women, the sports sector struggles to deliver high-quality activities. Cross-disciplinary training in recreation, health and management is essential to meet the needs of a growing market.

4. Making sports affordable

The private sector currently dominates women’s sports in KSA, with fitness centres charging high membership fees. For many women, these costs are prohibitive, limiting access to PA. The public sector must step in, offering affordable programmes that cater to diverse interests and age groups.

Seeds of progress

Despite challenges, KSA has made notable progress in women’s sports, including licensing female-only gyms, increasing female leadership roles, and boosting participation in international competitions. Initiatives like the ‘Move to Game’ campaign highlight growing enthusiasm for PA. Additionally, training programmes and frameworks like the Saudi Fitness Standards and the Register of Exercise Professionals are empowering women as coaches, trainers and instructors, setting new benchmarks in the fitness sector.

The road ahead

Building a sustainable and inclusive sports system for women in KSA will take time, collaboration and resilience. Addressing cultural resistance, developing leadership, and creating a qualified workforce are vital steps. Equally important is ensuring that sports facilities are accessible and affordable for all women, regardless of their socioeconomic background.

As KSA sprints towards its Vision 2030 goals, the seeds of passion, perseverance and teamwork have been planted. The next step is to nurture these seeds, ensuring that women across the Kingdom can thrive in sports and PA. With each milestone, Saudi women are not only breaking barriers but also inspiring the next generation to dream big and reach higher.

In the end, women’s sports in KSA is not just about participation – it’s about redefining possibilities and rewriting the narrative for generations to come. However, this raises a critical question: Are the challenges faced by women in sports in KSA unique to its cultural and societal context, or do they reflect broader, global issues of gender inequality in sports?

References

Nahari, L., & Makopoulou, K. (2024). ‘Writing is not like doing’: Girls’ views and perceptions of physical education provision in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Sport, Education and Society. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/13573322.2024.2387148

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development [OECD]. (2020). Education in Saudi Arabia. https://www.moe.gov.sa/ar/education/studies/Documents/Education%20in%20Saudi%20Arabia.pdf