RIYADH, 7 December 2007 — Despite dramatic advances in the number of women worldwide participating in sports, Saudi women remain unable to practice sports at an amateur level in the Kingdom. Some Saudi sports specialists believe that women are prevented from participating because of cultural attitudes — something that hampers the amount of support they are given. Dr. Rashid Al-Hamed, general director of the Saudi Tennis Federation, believes that if there were enough international level sports facilities accessible to women in the Kingdom then women could explore their physical potential, regardless of cultural barriers. “Currently businessmen are investing money in having sports facilities for the elite rather than for the less well-off,” said Al-Hamed, adding that the current situation of sports facilities hamper women from taking part in sports. Dr. Abdul Hameed Al-Masood of sports education at the Ministry of Education and general director of the Saudi Federation of Gymnastics Fund, said there are serious misconceptions about sports in the Kingdom. “The majority of Saudi women consider sports as something that only overweight people turn to in order to lose weight. Women need to be encouraged to involve themselves in sport activities and understand that sports are not only healthy but also entertaining, especially in our society where women have a limited entertainment outlet,” he said. Dr. Majedah Besar, a women’s activist, said: “We are in need of special committees to take the responsibility of encouraging women to participate in sports and promote respect for women and girls, who wish to practice sports according to Shariah law.” She added: “Saudi society still resents women doing sport. This is exacerbated by sporting organizations paying too little attention on this area.” She added that the committee should be responsible for funding sport facilities and organizing sport activities and tournaments for women. Women interviewed by Arab News expressed their dissatisfaction at the lack of sports facilities for women in the Kingdom. They added that the facilities that are available are either of low quality, too expensive, or limited in the activities they hold. It is difficult to count the exact number of women’s clubs in the Kingdom. However, some people estimate there are 25 sports clubs in the Kingdom catering for women. Activities include fitness classes, spas and a few outdoor physical activities. In Riyadh, a city of five million, there are only three women’s sports clubs. In many sports centers around the world, members are entitled to enjoy all services. However, sports centers in the Kingdom charge membership fees and then separate fees to use facilities. Shayma Al-Utaibi, a 27-year-old teacher, registered herself at a leading sports center in Riyadh, paying SR780 to learn how to swim. Once she completes her course she will have to pay SR50 a day to use the pool. “Sports clubs in the Kingdom are very expensive and this is because women have no other alternative but to use the few venues, which are available and which monopolize charges,” said Al-Utaibi. Many women complained that sports clubs are inconveniently located far from urban areas. “It’s a big challenge getting to a club,” said Badriah, a 33-year-old Saudi mother. “Since I am not allowed to drive a car and most of the clubs are located too far from the city, I face a lot of difficulties. I have to ask my husband to take me around,” she said, adding that she often misses sports lessons. “If there were more clubs in residential areas, then women wouldn’t need to beg male family members to take them around,” she added. Other women expressed concern at the lack of facilities at sports centers. Rania Al-Karawi is a big fan of football and believes that this sport is not restricted to males. However, she is unable to play football anywhere. There are no clubs providing women with the chance to play football. “Almost all clubs offer a very limited range of sport,” she said, adding that her passion for football has never stopped. She still plays at home in the yard. | 
