Participation by Saudi women in sports and physical activity has continued to climb, with figures for 2026 showing notable gains across community programs, school leagues, and major running events.
The share of women achieving at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week reached 52.9% in 2026, up from 43.1% the previous year. Among adults aged 18 and above, the same proportion — 52.9% of women — now meet this weekly activity threshold.
The growth is also visible at large public events. Female participation in the Riyadh Marathon climbed to 25.8% in 2026, compared with 18.7% back in 2022, reflecting rising interest in organised competition and endurance sports among women.
Building the base
At the grassroots level, more than 70,000 girls now take part in school sports leagues, while over 1,000 coaches are helping to develop women's sports across the country. Together, they form the foundation for a wider pipeline of athletes and active residents.
Officials and organisers attribute the upward trend to broader sports programs, greater access to activities, the expansion of women's leagues, school-based sport, and new training opportunities. For communities in Riyadh, Jeddah, and beyond, the figures point to more venues, events, and pathways for women and girls who want to stay active or compete.
The continued expansion underlines how everyday participation — from weekly exercise to mass-participation marathons — is becoming a routine part of life for a growing number of women across the Kingdom.
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