Haya Sawan: Catalyzing Health and Empowerment in Saudi Arabia

Haya Sawan’s multi-faceted career as a fitness leader, social media motivator, and female empowerment advocate stands as a transformative force in Saudi Arabia. As Vision 2030 seeks to foster healthier, more engaged communities, Sawan’s initiatives align with the Kingdom’s aspirations by creating accessible spaces and empowering resources for women’s health, fitness, and wellness. A managing partner at Motion Academy, franchise owner of Playball Saudi, board member of the Saudi Surfing Federation, and founder of SheFit, Sawan exemplifies the modern Saudi woman whose contributions inspire a generation.

Educational Foundation: Laying the Groundwork for Creativity and Design

Haya’s journey began with a solid academic foundation, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Dar Al Hekma College. This formal education developed her creative instincts and cultivated her skills in concept creation, design, and project execution—traits that would later support her brand-building ventures in wellness and fitness.

Early Career: Blending Design with Brand Identity

Starting her career in interior and brand design, Haya demonstrated a keen eye for visual aesthetics and spatial planning. As an interior designer, she contributed to high-profile projects such as the Lexus Showroom and P&G’s Industrial City renovation, showcasing her organizational skills and eye for detail. Her subsequent role as Creative Director at Lovesac allowed her to deepen her understanding of brand identity, marketing, and consumer experience. Through showroom design and participation in global exhibitions, she mastered the skills to execute concepts from ideation to implementation.

A Vision Realized: Founding SheFit and the Rise of Saudi Female Fitness

In 2019, Haya launched SheFit, a groundbreaking fitness initiative for Saudi women. Conceived as a local Saudi female fitness brand, SheFit redefined traditional gym models by focusing on creating a comprehensive, supportive environment that prioritizes wellness, mental health, and physical fitness. With meticulous planning, Haya developed SheFit's business plan, designed location layouts, and crafted a unique marketing strategy aimed at engaging women across the Kingdom.

Under her guidance, SheFit grew into more than a fitness studio—it became a community for women seeking to improve their health, resilience, and self-esteem. Through partnerships, school activations, and corporate wellness programs, SheFit reflected Haya’s vision to encourage an active, balanced lifestyle accessible to all Saudi women.

Expanding Influence: Social Media Content and Public Engagement

Recognizing the power of digital platforms, Haya has leveraged her social media presence as a space to inspire, educate, and motivate. As a self-employed content creator, she crafts impactful content focused on fitness, self-development, and habit-building. Her posts are known for blending practical advice with motivational insights, offering her followers tangible steps toward achieving their wellness goals. By connecting directly with her audience, she strengthens her community impact and broadens her reach to inspire individuals beyond geographical boundaries.

Motion Academy and Playball Saudi: Building Future-Ready Fitness Models

In 2024, Haya became a managing partner at Motion Academy, and in 2023, she acquired the franchise rights for Playball in Saudi Arabia. Motion Academy represents a forward-thinking space designed to cater to evolving fitness needs, emphasizing innovative training methods and community-centered experiences. Meanwhile, Playball Saudi is a sports program aimed at fostering early-stage athletic skills in children. With Playball, Haya promotes physical activity among young Saudis, aligning her work with Vision 2030’s objectives to encourage youth participation in sports and healthy lifestyles.

Board Member of the Saudi Surfing Federation: Championing New Frontiers

As a board member of the Saudi Surfing Federation, Haya contributes to the development of surfing as a sport within Saudi Arabia, pioneering a relatively new field in the Kingdom. Her involvement reflects her commitment to diversifying athletic opportunities and supporting emerging sports that empower individuals to explore novel forms of fitness and competition. Her role in this organization allows her to influence policy and strategy at a national level, reinforcing her dedication to creating broader avenues for personal growth and physical wellbeing.

Conclusion: An Inspirational Force for Vision 2030

Haya Sawan embodies the transformative spirit of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Through her entrepreneurial endeavors, social media presence, and public health advocacy, she reshapes perceptions of fitness, community, and women’s empowerment in Saudi Arabia. Her work demonstrates the power of aligning personal passion with public impact, inspiring Saudis of all ages to embrace healthier lifestyles and pursue their potential. As Haya continues to innovate, her journey serves as a testament to what visionary leadership and commitment can achieve.