Destination KSA - Your Guide to Saudi

Destination KSA - Your Guide to Saudi
Offbeat

The Saudi Connection Of The Nike Pro Hijab

By Mohammed Mirza

Share

facebook linkedin telegram whatsapp

With more and more Muslim women embracing sports, Nike has planned to launch a line of headgear that caters to the market. It is expected to be officially launched by the spring of 2018. Twitter has since gone berserk as the first batch of photos of the product came in. The Nike Pro Hijab has […]"

The Saudi Connection Of The Nike Pro Hijab

With more and more Muslim women embracing sports, Nike has planned to launch a line of headgear that caters to the market. It is expected to be officially launched by the spring of 2018.


Twitter has since gone berserk as the first batch of photos of the product came in. The Nike Pro Hijab has been almost over a year in the making, in fact, the first seeds are believed to have been planted way back. And, it all somehow has its connections to Saudi Arabia.

London 2012

In 2012’s London Olympics Saudi Arabia for the first time ever fielded female athletes to the Olympics. Runner, Sarah Al Attar, took to the field sporting a Hijab. She received an ovation upon completing her run and her photos splashed on many international newspapers.

Photo Credit: execreview.com
Photo Credit: execreview.com/Sarah Al Attar

Nike has even officially announced that they were inspired by Sarah Al Attar and Emirati weightlifter Amna Al Haddad.

Photo Credit: nisaanetwork.net/
Photo Credit: nisaanetwork.net/Amna Al Haddad

Rio 2016

Sarah again participated in the Olympics in Rio. This time around she was accompanied by a fellow hijab-clad runner, Kariman Abuljadayel, who took part in the women’s 100 meters event who was wearing a full black body suit.

Photo Credit: dailymail.co.uk/Kariman Abuljadayel
Photo Credit: dailymail.co.uk/Kariman Abuljadayel

It was not only like these 2 were wearing Hijab, there were athletes from other countries that donned the Hijab, but not many, barring America’s Ibtihaj Muhammad managed to gain enough limelight.

Photo Credit: themuslimvibe.com/Ibtihaj Muhammad
Photo Credit: themuslimvibe.com/Ibtihaj Muhammad

With the stage all set it was only a short wait before brands started showing interest to the needs of this growing market. It just so happens that the biggest sporting brand, Nike, which itself wields a great deal of influence in the sporting world has developed this product at a time when not all sports allow women to compete in hijabs.

Perhaps, it will be products like these and broader acceptance of cultural and religious norms that will pave way for more Saudi women to take on sports professionally.


Share

facebook linkedin telegram whatsapp

Keep Exploring

Saudi Arabia Secures Hosting the 2026 FEI World Championships in Al Ula

By Mohammed AlMahdaly

Ring of Fire: Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk in a Historic Showdown

By Haneen.Sh

Explore Culture At Al-Suwaidi Park

By Haneen.Sh

Epicon: NEOM Unveils its Luxurious Coastal Destination

By Haneen.Sh

Experience Enchantment at Disney: The Castle, Riyadh Season 2023

By Haneen.Sh

Get Ready: Tickets for Saudi Games 2023 Available Now

By Haneen.Sh

Discover ROKA Riyadh’s New Family-Friendly Brunch Experience

By Haneen.Sh

All You Need To Know About Riyadh Season’s Wonder Garden

By Haneen.Sh

Riyadh Zoo 2023 is Back For its Second Edition

By Haneen.Sh

BLVD Forest: an Interactive Setting to Delve into Natural Wonders and Encounter Rare Wildlife

By Mohammed AlMahdaly

Invisibilia Experience: Contemplative Spaces and Interactive Challenges in Boulevard City

By Mohammed AlMahdaly

Luxury Retreat at Rosewood Jeddah

By Haneen.Sh

Orjwan Ammar’s Inspiring Rally Racing Journey in the Saudi Toyota Championship

By Haneen.Sh

Fashion Commission Prepares for the Fourth Edition of Sustainable Swap Shop in Jeddah

By Destination

Riyadh Season 2023 To Host The First-Ever Global Dog Festival

By Haneen.Sh

An Exclusive Sneak Peek at Fatima Al-Banawi’s ‘Basma’

By Haneen.Sh