JEDDAH: When the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, or Arábia Saudita, was announced during the Olympic Parade of Nations in Rio, the world waited to see what the athletes would be sporting — especially the women.
The men wore crisp, custom-made thobes from Lomar. The women wore long, loosely-fitted outfits with intricate embroidery, their heads veiled with dark scarves and adorned with traditional headdresses, made of hanging beads of lead, silver and old coins or twisted fabric, resembling a halo. They wore sneakers ... and smiles.
The garments were created by Al Nahda Philanthropic Society for Women, a charitable initiative that supports local Saudi women from low-income families.
Speaking to Time Magazine about the choice of the Olympics outfits and her message to young women watching the Games, Princess Reema bint Bandar, vice president for women’s affairs of the General Sports Authority, said the designs were created to reflect the diversity of our national heritage: Saudi green and elements from each of the regions, such as Najd and Hejaz.
Asked how it felt to watch the women athletes represent the Kingdom, she said: “I’m proud that our nation is being represented by four women dressed in a wardrobe created for them by women that honor our heritage. It is the true amalgam of our past, present and future.”
How has her experience been like thus far in the new role? “It’s been a whirlwind with us all traveling to Rio. I will assume my full role once I return to Riyadh after the Games. I am very honored to have been offered this position and I hope to be able to have a positive impact.”
In her message to young Saudi girls watching the Olympics, she said: “As Saudi women we are expanding the opportunities to engage and participate in our world. Opportunities are being created in the Kingdom today, and, if you work hard, anything is possible. Just ask the four ladies representing Saudi Arabia in Rio.
The men wore crisp, custom-made thobes from Lomar. The women wore long, loosely-fitted outfits with intricate embroidery, their heads veiled with dark scarves and adorned with traditional headdresses, made of hanging beads of lead, silver and old coins or twisted fabric, resembling a halo. They wore sneakers ... and smiles.
The garments were created by Al Nahda Philanthropic Society for Women, a charitable initiative that supports local Saudi women from low-income families.
Speaking to Time Magazine about the choice of the Olympics outfits and her message to young women watching the Games, Princess Reema bint Bandar, vice president for women’s affairs of the General Sports Authority, said the designs were created to reflect the diversity of our national heritage: Saudi green and elements from each of the regions, such as Najd and Hejaz.
Asked how it felt to watch the women athletes represent the Kingdom, she said: “I’m proud that our nation is being represented by four women dressed in a wardrobe created for them by women that honor our heritage. It is the true amalgam of our past, present and future.”
How has her experience been like thus far in the new role? “It’s been a whirlwind with us all traveling to Rio. I will assume my full role once I return to Riyadh after the Games. I am very honored to have been offered this position and I hope to be able to have a positive impact.”
In her message to young Saudi girls watching the Olympics, she said: “As Saudi women we are expanding the opportunities to engage and participate in our world. Opportunities are being created in the Kingdom today, and, if you work hard, anything is possible. Just ask the four ladies representing Saudi Arabia in Rio.
