ABSTRACT
While this chapter aims at providing a broad perspective about the role of sports in the lives of women in the Middle East, it should be noted that, whereas there are general statements which can be made about this population, the region is not homogeneous as each country has a host of unique issues specific to their nation and the pace of change as it relates to women's rights both on and off the sports field. With that said, the author will thus highlight key benchmark moments within the evolution of sport for women in the Middle East, showcasing the success to date. Further, the author will discuss areas where future issues may arise specifically as they relate to the rules and regulations being made by various international sports federations (IFs) that directly affect this population, particularly now that more women from the region are participating in competitive sports on the global stage.
