Al Jawhara Magazine Highlights Jeddah United and Lina Al-Maeena’s Journey

In an interview published by Al Jawhara magazine on 22 September 2019, Lina Khaled Al-Maeena reflected on her sporting journey and her role in founding Jeddah United, highlighting how her passion grew into opportunities for training, participation and achievement.

Lina’s connection with sport began with her father’s encouragement and through playing basketball with her family and at school. With the founding of Jeddah United, that passion became the foundation for an environment where team sports build self-confidence, develop leadership and teach the value of punctuality and respect for opponents.

Despite early difficulties securing facilities, coaches and referees, she continued working to create opportunities for women and children to participate in sport, guided by the motto “Sport for All.”

Notable milestones included the Jeddah United team receiving a medal from the French Senate during its visit to Paris in 2017, and a sportsmanship award at the Arab Club Championship in Sharjah. Lina also received an award recognising her success as a self-made businesswoman in 2010, and was included on Forbes’ list of the 200 most powerful Arab women in 2014.

The interview also explored her experience on the Shura Council, her participation in international parliamentary events, and her journey to Everest Base Camp to raise awareness of the importance of sport. She also shared her vision for women’s empowerment, emphasising that progress can go hand in hand with preserving identity, faith and the Arabic language.

This journey reflects Lina’s belief in the positive impact of sport on individuals and communities, and her ambition to create opportunities for others to develop their abilities while promoting the values of teamwork and sportsmanship both on and off the court.