Okaz/Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Soccer team abayas have become the new way for women to express their support for their favorite soccer teams after the General Sports Authority allowed women into sport stadiums.

Women for the first time watched soccer matches between local teams in stadiums in Jeddah and Riyadh last month and in Dammam on Saturday.

Abaya designers have produced a line of soccer themed abayas (the loose over-garments, essentially a robe-like dress worn by Muslim women).

Riri Al-Aboud, a fashion designer, said the idea to design soccer-themed abayas started in 2016.

“I’ve always been a soccer fan. But once the decision to allow women to enter sports stadiums was announced, I began designing soccer-themed abayas. I try to make every design unique and creative to give women the ability to express their personalities and their support for the teams they want,” said Al-Aboud.

She said there are 14 teams in the Saudi Professional League, but only a few of them are popular and in constant demand.

“Most of the customers want Al-Etihad or Al-Ahli abayas. I am proud of making women’s experience in the stadiums a happy and joyful one. I am personally a supporter of Al-Ahli team, but I do not discriminate against supporters of other teams. They all represent our country,” said Al-Aboud, who wants to have a kiosk at Al-Jowhara Stadium to present her abaya designs.