Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Stores and tailor shops across the country have more women visitors these days placing orders for abayas of local soccer clubs in preparation to attend domestic football matches after the go-ahead decision by the Saudi government to allow them in stadiums in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam from early 2018.

Al-Salam Mall in Jeddah an abaya store has started to promote new collection representing football teams in the Saudi Football League.

Mahmoud Saad, a sales representative at one of the abaya stores, told Saudi Gazette that tailors across all their five shops are working overtime to churn out abayas representing local football clubs as demand from female customers grow.

“On a daily basis, a large number of such abayas are stitched in our five shops,” said Saad.

“Female fans have started to place orders for football abayas in order to cheer their favorite teams.”

The price of football abayas usually depends on the fabric used. “The price ranges between SR350-SR900 and the increase is based on the fabric,” he said.

Bassma Aqeel, a university student who is following local football league, said: “Wow, I like these abayas and I am going to get one for my favorite team.”

She said she already has three different jerseys of her team but noted that she could wear such abayas if it is allowed at the football stadium.

The General Sports Authority (GSA) has announced recently that football stadiums will open doors for women on Jan. 12 when Al-Ahli club hosts Al Batten in Jeddah’s King Abdullah stadium. The GSA has reserved 10,000 seats for women.