The international growth and geographical spread of skateboarding as an activity through the turn of the millennium and beyond has been a phenomenon to observe.
It could be said that skateboarding’s greatest single achievement was that leap out of heartlands and into everywhere- a fact reflected in the 65 nations (and counting) currently represented on the World Skateboarding Tour.
As part of our charter commitment to develop skateboarding wherever we can, World Skate run projects and seminars in everything from coaching to competition judging and growing participation across genders for the betterment of the activity and all involved.
In so doing, we have both the opportunity and the honour to work with some skateboarding scenes which are in comparative infancy but nonetheless full of energy and can-do optimism which everybody can do with more of in their lives.
So World Skate were glad to take up an invitation from the Saudi Arabian Extreme Sports Federation to host a Judging Seminar in Riyadh, which would allow the skate scene there to begin holding national contest series' with a view to developing their own Saudi skateboarding team able to join the WST in time.
Veteran WST Judge Dani Lebron and World Skate’s own Martin Karas hosted two full days of practical judging exercises and theory which gave scene builders like Yazeed Almeghrabi, Snoop Dog, Fahda Alkhayyal, Ruba Bawazir and Shareef Masarani the wherewithal to begin running the events which will draw their nascent scene together and build it up as other neighbouring nations already have.
The seminar also saw Saudi Arabia's first two female skateboarding judges inaugurated, both of whom subsequently became part of the judging team at their Federation-sanctioned skate contests since- which is not only a first for the country, but for the region- and is a development which bodes well for the future of skateboarding in the country.
With the seed-planting project completed, we circled back with our host Mr Yahya Alameer to find out a little bit more about the past, present and future of skateboard culture in Saudi Arabia.
Can you tell us a little bit about the history of skateboarding in Saudi Arabia? When did skateboarding first appear as a pastime?
Skateboarding in Saudi Arabia began to gain popularity in the early 2000’s, influenced by global culture through media and the internet.
Initially, skaters faced challenges due to a lack of infrastructure, but a growing local community helped establish makeshift spots and
eventually developed formal skateparks. Recent government support for sports as part of Vision 2030 has further encouraged the sport’s growth,
leading to a vibrant skateboarding community today.
Is the Saudi skateboarding scene centred around Riyadh, or are there smaller scenes in other parts of the country?
While Riyadh is a major hub for skateboarding in Saudi Arabia, the scene isn’t limited to the capital. Smaller skateboarding communities can also be found in cities like Jeddah, Dammam, and Khobar. Each of those urban areas has its own local enthusiasts, makeshift spots- and, sometimes, dedicated skateparks. Skateboarding culture in Saudi Arabia is gradually spreading beyond major cities, with young skaters actively participating in competitions and events throughout the country; contributing to a broader, more vibrant skate scene.
I know that Riyadh’s BLVD Skatepark has developed a strong following- is that a template for other places in the country to follow?
BLVD Skatepark in Riyadh has successfully built a vibrant skate community by hosting events like Skate Jams, serving as a model for
other locations in the kingdom. This approach emphasises the importance of community engagement, and regular events to foster
participation. Expanding that model to public parks, by establishing seventy-to-a hundred permanent skateparks in Riyadh by 2030 could significantly
enhance the skateboarding scene here. By providing top-quality facilities, skaters will have the necessary spaces to develop their skills.
This initiative can help create a thriving skateboarding culture across the kingdom.
What sense do you get of the level of interest from young people in skateboarding as an activity?
Interest in skateboarding is rising among Saudi youth, as the Federation actively promotes the sport through school visits and other activation
programs. These initiatives are inclusive, engaging both male and female participants, aiming to foster a vibrant skateboarding culture
across the kingdom.
How did the World Skate Judging Seminar help develop your ability to host and run skateboarding events?
The World Skate Judging Seminar trains organisers on judging criteria and best practices- promoting fairness and professionalism in
skateboarding events. Additionally, it encourages reliance on national elements, allowing for cultural representation and authenticity in
competitions- while also offering valuable networking opportunities. 
What’s next for skateboarding in the Kingdom? How do you see it developing?
Saudi Arabia is focused on preparing local skateboarders for the upcoming Asian Games, with efforts to develop training programs,
quality coaching, and competitive opportunities. The Saudi Arabian Extreme Sports Federation aims to nurture talent and provide resources,
with the goal of having Saudi skaters achieve podium finishes and showcase the sport’s growth in the country.
Where should people check out if they want to know more about skateboarding in Saudi Arabia?
You can find all the details about events, competitions, and training programs related to skateboarding on the official website of the Saudi Extreme Sports Federation or via Instagram!
If you are a National Federation that would like to host a skateboarding development seminar in the fields of Judging, Coaching or Gender Equality get in touch via Questo indirizzo email è protetto dagli spambots. È necessario abilitare JavaScript per vederlo.!