Saudi Arabia has been provisionally approved as a member nation of the International Surfing Association (ISA), the organization announced today in a press release.
With this nation, there are 110 member countries of the body that governs Olympic surfing.

As detailed in the statement, CEO Nouf Al Nasser is at the helm of the Saudi Surfing Federation (SSF) and “is already setting an example for development and diversity.” And, they already have goals to launch a series of national competitions, including the inaugural Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) National Championships for surfing and SUP, in early 2023.

“The Saudi Surfing Federation is very excited to join the ISA at this important time for the sport following its successful debut at the Tokyo Olympics. We strongly believe that our membership in the ISA will help us accelerate the development of surfing, stand-up paddling and wakesurfing across the country. Our aim is to see young Saudi men and women taking up surfing, SUP and wakesurfing, with the long-term ambition of developing Saudi surf athletes to compete in future Olympic Games,” said Saudi Surfing Federation CEO Nouf Al Nasser.

“I am excited for our friends in Saudi Arabia to experience the joy and love of surfing in all its forms through our support of this new Saudi Arabian Surfing Federation. I am especially happy to congratulate Nouf Al Nasser and welcome her into the ISA family with open arms. Having a woman at the helm of this fledgling federation is incredible and a tribute to surfing’s contribution to a better world,” said ISA President Fernando Aguerre.

“Gender equality has always been a priority for me personally and for the ISA and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate this mission. I can’t wait to see the positive effects of surfing on young women and men in Saudi Arabia with this new federation!” she concluded.