Adwa Al-Arifi: Powering Saudi Arabia’s Women’s Sports Revolution

As Saudi Arabia accelerates toward Vision 2030’s goal of transforming the nation into a vibrant society and thriving economy, sports has emerged as a vital tool for empowerment. One leader at the heart of this movement is Adwa Al-Arifi, whose groundbreaking work has opened doors for women and youth across the Kingdom, blending strategic innovation with Vision-aligned execution.

Early Life and Education

Born in Riyadh in 1988, Adwa Abdulrahman Al-Arifi obtained her Bachelor of Business Administration from Al Yamamah University in 2011. Yet, from a young age, it was sport that stirred her deepest passion. By 2006, while still a student, she co-founded Saudi Arabia’s first women’s football club, Al-Yamamah, a bold move that sparked the Kingdom’s grassroots women’s football movement.

In 2008, she launched the country’s first community Women’s Football League in Riyadh, laying the groundwork for structured female participation in the sport. Her early leadership helped break barriers for Saudi women and inspired future national programs.

Leadership Role in Sports Sector

Adwa’s professional trajectory is a testament to her dual expertise in business and sport. Starting her career in asset management at Saudi Fransi Capital, she later consulted for Portas Consulting, helping shape Saudi sports strategy. Her government career began in 2019 when she joined the Ministry of Sport as Investment Director.

She swiftly rose through the ranks, serving as Deputy Minister of Strategic Planning and Investment (2020), and then as Assistant Minister for Sports Affairs (2022–present). In this high-level role, she oversees the Kingdom’s sports programming, international events, and youth-focused initiatives across all regions.

“We’re proud to see women in leadership roles, in sports federations and the private sector. This is how Vision 2030 comes to life.”
– Adwa Al-Arifi

A Mission that Inspired a Generation

With over 18 years of service in the sports sector, Adwa has built an inclusive ecosystem for women and youth. She was instrumental in establishing four national women’s football teams, launching two professional women’s leagues, and introducing a school league program now involving over 70,000 girls weekly.

Her leadership extends beyond the Ministry. She is a Board Member of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, where she sits on the Women’s Committee, and holds key positions on the Olympic Council of Asia’s Women Committee, the Trojena 2029 Winter Asian Games Committee, the Saudi Games Committee, and the Executive Committee of the Mahd Sports Academy.

Championing Sports on Global Stages

Adwa Al-Arifi is not only a policymaker but also a powerful public voice representing Saudi Arabia's sports vision. In 2024, she addressed the Fortune Most Powerful Women International Summit in Riyadh, sharing insights on how innovation and inclusive leadership can unlock prosperity through sport.

She also spoke at Cityscape Global 2024 on the "Stadiums & Mega Panel," highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing portfolio of international sports events and the Kingdom’s transformation into a global epicenter for sport.

In an earlier engagement, she took part in the 3rd Advisory Committee for GCC Women’s Sports, helping launch the Digital Identity for Female Athletes across the Gulf, advancing the visibility and empowerment of women in sports across the region.

Scientific Innovation and National Impact

Adwa leverages her business acumen to engineer policy transformation. She helped architect the National Sports Sector Strategy, the Federations Transformation Strategy, and the Clubs Support Strategy, each driving institutional reform and unlocking private sector investment.

These strategies integrate sport into public health, education, and economic diversification, ensuring that athletics contributes to Vision 2030’s broader societal ambitions.

Recognition and Legacy

Adwa’s work has received national and international accolades. She was named to Leaders Under 40 by Sport Business in 2024. Her influence spans global sport diplomacy, and she has played pivotal roles in winning bids for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 and Asian Games Riyadh 2034.

She also sits on the steering committee for Saudi Arabia’s historic bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034, further underscoring her role as a national ambassador for Saudi sport.

Why Adwa Al-Arifi Inspires a Generation

• Co-founded Saudi Arabia’s first women’s football club and league.
• Broke barriers as first Saudi woman on SAFF Board and Olympic Committee.
• Spearheaded youth and women’s leagues impacting tens of thousands.
• Key architect behind national sports strategies under Vision 2030.
• Led Saudi Arabia’s hosting of global events: Formula E, F1, ATP, Club World Cup.
• Influential board member on Asian and Olympic sport committees.
• Strategic force behind major international bid wins: AFC 2027, Asian Games 2034, FIFA 2034.

Final Thoughts

Adwa Al-Arifi’s journey exemplifies how sports can serve as a catalyst for national transformation. Her story isn’t just about sports. It’s about executing Vision 2030, overcoming barriers, and creating lasting impact.

Follow her journey on LinkedIn and Instagram to witness the continuing evolution of sport and society in the Kingdom.