Shaima Saleh Al-Husseini, Managing Director of the Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA), participated in a panel discussion at the Women in Middle East and North Africa (WiMENA) forum at Chelsea Football Club in London on June 6. The panel, titled ‘Country Focus: Saudi Arabia’s Sporting World’, was chaired by Simon Penney, who previously worked for the UK government as the HM Trade Commissioner for the Middle East. Other notable speakers included Jan Paterson of NEOM, Mohammed Awlia of the Saudi Ministry of Sport, Martin Whitaker of Saudi Motorsport Company, Ben Faber of CSM Sport & Entertainment, and Madeleine Burns of the UK’s Department for Business and Trade. The discussion delved into Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 initiative, highlighting the Kingdom’s significant investment in the sports sector and its journey towards hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2034.
WiMENA is dedicated to amplifying women’s voices in the mainstream economy. It provides a critical platform for addressing gender inequalities and fostering collaboration between women in the UK and the Middle East. Shaima’s participation underscored the shared belief between WiMENA and the SFA that sport is a powerful catalyst for social and economic change. By promoting women’s participation in sports, both organizations aim to break down gender stereotypes, build self-esteem, and empower women and young girls.
Shaima’s insights at the WiMENA forum shed light on Saudi Arabia’s strategic initiatives to integrate women into the sports sector, reflecting the broader goals of Vision 2030. Her involvement also emphasized the critical role that sports play in driving societal change in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
