The Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee (SAOC) was inaugurated in 1964 and was recognised in 1965 under the Olympic Council of Asia. And of course, embracing the Olympic movement and values through developing, promoting and protecting the Olympic Movement in Saudi Arabia, in accordance with the Olympic Charter. From 1964 to 2020 SAOC had eight presidents starting with His Excellency Shaikh Abdulrahman ibn Abdullah Abalkhail (1964-1975), HRH Prince Faisal ibn Fahad ibn Abdulaziz (1975- 1999), HRH Prince Sultan ibn Fahad ibn Abdulaziz (1999-2011), HRH Prince Nawwaf ibn Faisal ibn Fahad ibn Abdulaziz (2011-2014), HRH Prince Abdullah ibn Musaed ibn Abdulaziz (2014-2017), His Excellency Mohammed ibn Abdulmalki Al Alshaikh (2017), His Excellency Advisor Turki ibn Abdulmohsen Al Alshaikh (2017-2019), and finally HRH Prince Abdulaziz ibn Turki Alfaisal (2019-Present). In addition, Saudi Arabia is an Islamic country where law is implemented by the Sharia (Islamic Religious Law) and thus involves all aspects of people’s lifestyle including sports. This meant that this also drive people motives and actions, and was and still a key in promoting sports and participation in physical activities in the country. Respecting culture and tradition were another factor that contributed to the development of SAOC and sports in Saudi throughout the eight presidency periods, and this makes it a different and unique example among other respectable countries. The issue of women participation was delayed due to cultural aspects; however, the door was always open for parents to encourage their children and introduce them to sports. Consequently, when the opportunity came later, many women joined their preference choice of sports and dedicated their time to learn, train, and enhance their skills through competitions. Some of which were amateurs, while others were already at an advanced level, yet both were supported and nurtured by the Ministry of Sports and SAOC. Equal opportunities in sports were also granted fully in 2018 as women became athletes, coaches, administrators and board members at the Ministry of Sports’ federations, and at SAOC various committees.
Despite the short period of presidency for HRH Prince Abdullah people believed that what was achieved during his two years of presidency will help the following presidents build their legacy on the right path.
Twelve participations: 1972, 1976, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016
Sydney Olympics 2000 - Khalid Aleid - Equestrian (Individual Show Jumping) - Bronze
Sydney Olympics 2000 - Hadi Souan - Athletics (400m Hurdles) - Silver
London Olympics 2012 - Ramzy Al Duhami, Abdullah Al Saud, Kamal Bahamdan, Abdullah Sharbatly - Equestrian (Team Show Jumping) - Bronze
Singapore Youth Olympics 2010 - Dalma Malhas (Equetrian - Show Jumping) - Bronze
Buenos Aires Youth Olympics 2018 - Mohammed Aseeri (Karate 61kg ) - Gold