Women’s participation in sports across Saudi Arabia has increased by more than 150 percent since the launch of Vision 2030 in 2016, according to figures reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The significant growth reflects a broader national push to empower women through greater access to sports, physical activity, and athletic development.
The increase marks a substantial shift from just over a decade ago, when opportunities for women in sport were limited and largely informal. Today, Saudi women are competing in national leagues, representing the Kingdom on international stages, and contributing to a growing sports ecosystem supported by government initiatives and private-sector engagement.
According to SPA, more than 330,000 girls are now registered in sporting programs across the country, with participation extending from school sports leagues to professional teams. The report also noted that over 70,000 girls compete in school-level competitions, 37 national women’s teams have been established, and 97 certified female coaches are now active within the sector.
The SPA added that, during the Sports Investment Forum 2025 in Riyadh, Assistant Minister for Sport Affairs Adwa AlArifi noted that more than 400 women’s sports clubs now operate across the Kingdom.
A New Era in Women’s Sports
The rapid rise in participation is closely attributed to Saudi Vision 2030, which outlines objectives to improve quality of life through greater access to sport and fitness. The government has rolled out a series of reforms in recent years aimed at removing barriers for women in sport, including the introduction of physical education for girls in all schools, the development of women’s gyms and clubs, and the creation of public spaces that encourage physical activity.
The Ministry of Sport has prioritized infrastructure development, athlete training, and international competition as key components in achieving Vision 2030 targets. In parallel, the Ministry of Education has played a key role in institutionalizing sports participation from a young age.
The growth of grassroots sports has helped pave the way for the emergence of elite female athletes in a wide range of disciplines. The Saudi national women’s football team, established in 2021, played its first international match in 2022. That same year, the Women’s Premier League was launched, featuring eight teams in its debut season. In 2024-2025, 10 teams faced off in the Women’s League.
Saudi women are also gaining recognition on the international stage. In taekwondo, Dunya Aboutaleb made history by winning bronze at the 2022 World Championships, becoming the first Saudi woman to medal at the event. Meanwhile, in boxing, Yara Alamri secured the Kingdom’s first-ever Asian medal in women’s boxing.
From school gyms to international podiums, Saudi women are now represented at every level of the sports world. Their growing presence not only reflects a shift in policy but also a wider cultural change taking hold across the Kingdom.
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