Women’s sports in Saudi Arabia: reality, obstacles and aspirations in light of Vision 2030

This study explores the structural and cultural obstacles facing Saudi women in sport and examines how participation reflects broader patterns of social change under national reform initiatives. Using a mixed-methods design, data were collected from 138 survey respondents and five semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal that while health, fitness and self-fulfillment are key motivators, women encounter economic, institutional, and moral constraints that shape their ability to engage in sport. High membership fees, limited access to enclosed facilities and persistent gendered norms remain critical barriers. Family approval and social perceptions continue to mediate women’s choices, illustrating that participation is not solely an individual act but a social negotiation embedded in moral expectations. The study contributes to understanding how legitimacy, gender and modernization intersect in the Saudi context and calls for policy frameworks that link institutional reform with community-level acceptance to sustain women’s participation in everyday life.