Arwa Mutabagani: Riding Against the Tide to Build Saudi Arabia’s Sporting Legacy

In 1990, years before women in Saudi Arabia could even drive, Arwa Mutabagani broke new ground by riding into uncharted territory. She launched her first woman-headed equestrian and multi-sport club in the Kingdom, Trio Sporting. Her mission wasn’t just to introduce horses to the conservative society — it was to redefine what was possible for women, youth, and sports in Saudi Arabia. Three decades down the line, that dream has flowered into a thriving 22-hectare Jeddah complex alive with the beat of pounding hooves, tennis matches, children’s laughter, and whispers of dreams. The spark for Trio Sporting ignited in Arwa’s early childhood. With no equestrian clubs in Saudi Arabia, her summers were spent riding in Italy — a place that felt magical. Those joyful months left an indelible mark on her. The absence of a proper riding school back home sparked the idea to create one. With a half-Italian heritage and a heart rooted in Saudi soil, Arwa’s vision blended European finesse with local pride — an ethos still deeply embedded in the club’s aesthetics, culture, and menu. From Personal Passion to Olympic Legacy Arwa’s Olympic