Lina Khaled Almaeena has been a key figure in Saudi Arabia’s social and economic transformation, particularly in the fields of women’s empowerment, sports, and entrepreneurship. As the co-founder of Jeddah United Sports Company, a former member of the Shoura Council, and a business leader, she has dedicated her career to creating opportunities for women and promoting a healthier, more inclusive society.
Her contributions align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes economic diversification and increased female participation in various sectors. Through her efforts, Almaeena has helped shift perceptions, advocating for greater inclusion of women in sports and leadership roles.
Early Life and Academic Background
Born and raised in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Lina Almaeena developed a passion for communication, leadership, and social change from an early age. Her interest in media and psychology led her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a minor in French. She later advanced her education with a Master’s degree in Psychology, a discipline that equipped her with a deeper understanding of human behavior, motivation, and social dynamics.
Her academic background has played a vital role in shaping her approach to leadership, enabling her to navigate complex societal changes and promote initiatives that empower individuals, especially women, in Saudi Arabia.
The Founding of Jeddah United: Pioneering Women’s Sports in Saudi Arabia
In 2003, recognizing the lack of opportunities for women in sports, Almaeena co-founded Jeddah United Sports Company (JUSC), Saudi Arabia’s first private sports company focused on training and coaching both female and male athletes in basketball, volleyball, and football.
At the time, women’s participation in public sports was limited, and access to athletic training was scarce. Through Jeddah United, Almaeena aimed to provide a structured and professional environment where women could engage in sports while promoting the values of teamwork, fitness, and leadership.
The impact of Jeddah United has been significant:
- Increased Female Participation in Sports: Jeddah United played a key role in advocating for the importance of women’s sports and helped normalize female athletic activities in Saudi society.
- International Representation: The company has taken female teams to compete in international tournaments, showcasing Saudi women’s athletic capabilities on a global stage.
- Community Engagement: JUSC regularly hosts sports events, training camps, and youth programs to promote a culture of health and fitness among Saudi citizens.
Through this initiative, Almaeena contributed to a broader cultural shift that led to greater acceptance of women’s sports in Saudi Arabia, paving the way for more opportunities in athletics, including the eventual establishment of women’s teams in official Saudi leagues.
Expanding Business Leadership and Entrepreneurship
Beyond her role in sports, Almaeena has demonstrated strong business acumen by expanding Jeddah United into a broader sports management and events company. Under her leadership, the company has organized sports tournaments, facilitated youth engagement programs, and promoted sports education as an essential part of personal and professional development.
Her entrepreneurial spirit also led her to establish a sportswear brand under the Jeddah United name, further strengthening the connection between sports, identity, and empowerment. By offering high-quality, locally designed athletic apparel, she sought to encourage more people—especially women—to embrace an active lifestyle.
Her success in business and sports entrepreneurship has positioned her as a role model for aspiring female entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia, demonstrating that women can thrive in traditionally male-dominated industries.
A Voice for Change: Appointment to the Shoura Council
In 2016, Almaeena was appointed as a member of the Shoura Council, the consultative assembly that advises on legislation in Saudi Arabia. Her appointment was part of a broader move toward increasing female representation in government and policy making.
During her tenure, she played a crucial role in advocating for policies that supported:
- Women’s Empowerment: She worked on initiatives aimed at increasing female participation in the workforce, education, and sports.
- Youth and Sports Development: Almaeena emphasized the importance of integrating sports into national development programs and education curricula.
- Health and Wellness: She championed policies promoting physical fitness and well-being as essential aspects of Saudi Arabia’s public health strategy.
Her presence in the Shoura Council was a milestone in Saudi Arabia’s governance landscape, as it highlighted the growing role of women in shaping national policies.
Advocacy for Women and Social Progress
Beyond her governmental role, Almaeena is actively involved in several organizations and initiatives that support social and economic development. She is a member of various committees dedicated to:
- Economic Diversification: Encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation to align with Vision 2030 objectives.
- Youth Empowerment: Mentoring young professionals and guiding them toward leadership roles.
- Cultural and Sports Development: Advocating for greater investment in sports infrastructure and public engagement initiatives.
She has also been a frequent speaker at international conferences, where she discusses the role of women in leadership, the benefits of sports in society, and strategies for fostering inclusive economic growth.
Recognition and Awards
Almaeena’s contributions have been widely recognized on both a national and international scale. She has been listed among the Most Powerful Women in the Middle East, an acknowledgment of her influence in shaping social, business, and sports policies.
She has also received awards for entrepreneurship and leadership, celebrating her efforts in breaking barriers and fostering opportunities for women in Saudi Arabia.
Her achievements have inspired many young women to pursue careers in sports, business, and public service, further accelerating progress toward gender inclusivity in the Kingdom.
Personal Endeavors and Commitment to Social Causes
In addition to her professional achievements, Almaeena has taken part in personal initiatives aimed at raising awareness for important social causes.
One of her most notable endeavors was joining a team of Saudi women to climb to the Everest Base Camp to promote breast cancer awareness. This experience demonstrated her dedication to using sports as a tool for social impact and advocacy.
By engaging in such initiatives, Almaeena continues to inspire others to take an active role in community development and social responsibility.
Impact on Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has placed a strong emphasis on economic diversification, women’s empowerment, and the promotion of sports as a means of enhancing quality of life. Almaeena’s work directly contributes to these objectives in several ways:
- Encouraging Sports Culture: By normalizing women’s participation in sports, she has contributed to a cultural shift that aligns with national health and wellness goals.
- Entrepreneurship and Economic Growth: Her ventures in sports management and business have added value to Saudi Arabia’s emerging private sector.
- Policy Influence: Her role in the Shoura Council has helped shape policies that support women’s inclusion in public life.
As Saudi Arabia continues to transform, Almaeena’s contributions remain integral to fostering a more inclusive and dynamic society.
Future Vision and Continued Impact
Looking ahead, Almaeena aims to further expand her work in sports, entrepreneurship, and public service. She envisions:
- Greater Integration of Sports in Schools: Encouraging structured physical education programs that promote lifelong fitness habits.
- Increased Women’s Leadership Opportunities: Supporting mentorship and training programs that prepare women for leadership roles in various industries.
- Global Collaborations: Partnering with international organizations to bring innovative sports programs and business initiatives to Saudi Arabia.
Her commitment to empowering women and fostering societal growth continues to make a lasting impact, inspiring future generations to pursue leadership and active engagement in shaping Saudi Arabia’s future.
In Conclusion
Lina Almaeena’s career reflects a deep commitment to social progress, women’s empowerment, and sports advocacy. From co-founding Jeddah United to serving on the Shoura Council, she has played a pivotal role in transforming perceptions and creating new opportunities for Saudi women.As Saudi Arabia moves forward with its Vision 2030 initiatives, Almaeena’s work will remain a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s evolving landscape. Her dedication to fostering healthier, more inclusive communities ensures that her influence will continue to be felt for years to come.
