Saudi Arabia | Soccer shocker … HE is a SHE in stadium
TAIF: Haya Saad Al-Sultan is a devoted fan of the Saudi Al-Ittihad footballers, so much that she has attended matches incognito, dressed as a Saudi man, according to yesterday’s Al-Watan newspaper.
“Whenever there was a football match I would find a place in the stands amidst men,” she said. “Of course, I would dress like a man wearing a thobe and other sport outfits, including black glasses, concealing all my feminine features.” Women are not allowed to attend sporting events unless they are women-only activities. To achieve such an unusual feat of attending the more popular men-only events, Haya would wrap the head scarf over her face and don large sunglasses.
This isn’t the first time this young Saudi woman would venture out as a man. As an aspiring filmmaker interested in Bedouin culture, Haya recently shot outside Taif “I’m a Bedouin,” a musical clip for the UAE singer Alwasmi for Abu Dhabi Television. Haya began directing songs three years ago, after studying production and taking a degree from King Abdulaziz University.
She says she wants to obtain a doctoral degree in anthropology with an emphasis on the nomadic cultures of the Arabian Peninsula. Haya’s plans include launching a channel for Taif focusing on tourism and heritage. She didn’t say whether she would be attending any future football matches wrapped up as a shy Saudi man.