Saudi women continue to make remarkable strides across various fields, and Reem Hazzazi stands as a shining example in the world of sports. She has emerged as one of the Kingdom’s first internationally certified female weightlifting referees, raising expectations and inspiring a new generation to challenge norms once seen as insurmountable.
Her journey began just over three years ago when she first stepped into a weightlifting hall. Unlike most who were drawn to the athletes and the roar of the crowd, Hazzazi found herself captivated by the quiet precision of the referees. That moment sparked her determination to enter the sport, not as an athlete, but as an official.
“I realized I didn’t just want to watch weightlifting; I wanted to be part of it, but from a different angle,” she recalled.
The path was not easy. Weightlifting had long been considered a male-dominated sport, and few imagined women in refereeing roles. “The biggest hurdle was breaking the stereotype,” she said. “At first, people were surprised to see me in this role. But with persistence and hard work, that surprise turned into respect.”
Her curiosity drove her to master the rules of the sport, studying the details of the snatch and clean-and-jerk while training alongside senior referees. She quickly realized that officiating required accuracy, discipline, and a deep understanding of the game.
Support from her family, peers, and the Saudi Weightlifting Federation proved essential. Under the leadership of Mohammed Al-Harbi, the federation offered training programs, workshops, and opportunities to gain real-world experience at local and international tournaments. That backing gave her the confidence to move forward.
In 2023, Hazzazi reached a turning point in her career by officiating at the Arab Games in Cairo—an experience she described as both challenging and inspiring. “It wasn’t just about the competition; it was about learning from referees across the Arab world, adapting under pressure, and realizing I was representing my country. I felt immense pride.”
That same year, she earned her international refereeing badge, a milestone that carried both personal and professional meaning. “On a personal level, it brought me joy and pride, reflecting the results of my efforts in domestic tournaments. Professionally, it symbolized a greater responsibility — the chance to participate in global competitions and elevate Saudi Arabia’s presence in prestigious arenas.”
Today, Hazzazi is among more than a dozen Saudi women certified as referees — a cultural transformation unimaginable just a decade ago. “The situation now is very promising,” she said. “There’s growing recognition of women’s roles, and the federation’s support has been transformative. Among my colleagues, you can feel the difference — more confidence, excitement, and opportunities to compete internationally.”
Her ambitions extend far beyond her own career. She aims to help train and develop a new generation of Saudi referees, men and women alike, to strengthen national competitions. And her ultimate dream is to represent Saudi Arabia at world championships and the Olympic Games. “I want to show that Saudi women can lead in global sports,” she emphasized.
Her advice to aspiring referees is straightforward yet powerful: “Believe in yourselves and take the first step, even if it feels difficult. Sports offer vast opportunities, and refereeing requires passion, discipline, and accuracy. With hard work, success is achievable.”
As Saudi Arabia invests heavily in global sports and nurtures new talent, Hazzazi sees herself as part of a broader movement. With a confident smile, she concluded: “Wait for me at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh this November.”
For Hazzazi, weightlifting is not just about judging lifts; it’s about lifting expectations, breaking barriers, and inspiring a new generation of Saudis to step confidently onto the world stage.
