Saudi women to be allowed in sport stadium

E-Paper | June 14, 2026

comments

Join our Whatsapp Channel

Add Dawn as a trusted source

Saudi Arabia's strict interpretation of Islam prohibits unrelated men and women from mingling.—AFP photo

RIYADH: A government-run Saudi Arabian newspaper reports that for the first time in the conservative Muslim country, women will be allowed to attend soccer matches in one of the country's stadiums.

Al-Sharq newspaper on Saturday quoted unnamed officials as saying that women will be able to watch the matches in a new facility that will be completed in 2014 in the western port city of Jeddah.

The officials say that the new stadium will include a family section with private cabins and balconies for women who wish to attend the games.

Saudi Arabia's strict interpretation of Islam prohibits unrelated men and women from mingling. Women and men in Saudi Arabia remain highly segregated and are restricted in how they are allowed to mix in public.

Our readers are at the heart of everything we do.
Do you have a thought to share or a way we can improve? We’d love to hear it. Reach out to us at feedback@dawn.com.

Mohdudul Huq

Jan 28, 2012 07:26pm

Saudi Arabia and his government always take right step for his country and their people. Amen.

Recommend 0

Muthu,India

Jan 28, 2012 11:46pm

These are just cosmetic measures to pacify the women of saudi arabia who are becoming more assertive with each passing day. These small liberties may be rolled back any day if the clerics decide that women watching matches amounts to blasphemy.

Recommend 0

Agha Ata

Jan 29, 2012 01:19am

No country will ever make any progress in modern world unless its women are free and work with men shoulder to shoulder.

Recommend 0

Aisha

Jan 29, 2012 02:38pm

I do agree with you, women should gain the freedom, it's sad that women are told all their duties but not their rights which told us in Quran, it's not fair! I think it's time for Muslim women to open the Quran and challenge their systems but sadly women who talk about freedom are scared of Islam in our country. For those i will only say that Quran is not just for the Imam in your local masque, it's for you as well.

Recommend 0

Branded Content

Why SQD-Mini LED is the display breakthrough we’ve been waiting for?

The display industry is entering a new phase, where reducing trade-offs is as important as pushing performance limits.

The Palms at Silk Gardens introduces a new family address in Karachi

The Palms places families at the heart of its vision, offering thoughtfully planned 2 and 3-bedroom units in a secure, peaceful and community-led environment.