As the Paris Olympics draw near, the July/August edition of Vogue Arabia shines a light on two Arab sportswomen whose impact extends far beyond the playing field. Moroccan hurdler Nawal El Moutawakel, the first Arab and Muslim woman to win Olympic gold in 1984, and taekwondo champion Dunya Aboutaleb, the first Saudi woman to directly qualify for the Paris Olympics, are celebrated for their trailblazing achievements.
El Moutawakel’s historic victory at the Los Angeles Olympics marked a pivotal moment for Arab women, inspiring them to pursue their athletic dreams. “Being the first showed me and the entire planet that women from this part of the world are capable, they have dreams, and they have big goals in life,” she reflects. “I am so proud to have been able to open that door to so many young girls and to carry the Olympic torch, because that flame is going to be lit forever.”
El Moutawakel is now passing the torch to the next generation of champions, like Aboutaleb, who at 26 years old, has etched her name in history as the first Saudi woman to directly qualify for the Olympics. “I saw that power, that flame within her and within every Saudi woman,” El Moutawakel says of Aboutaleb. “I will be there in August to attend her competition in Paris, and I would like to put a gold medal around her neck.”
The July/August issue extends its celebration of female athletes beyond the Olympics, featuring the story of Yusra Mardini, a Syrian refugee swimmer whose journey to safety was depicted in the Netflix film ‘The Swimmers.’ The magazine also dives into the world of Egyptian three-time Olympian swimmer Farida Osman, showcasing her life through her unique style and perspective.
Vogue Arabia goes beyond celebrating athletic achievement, exploring the intersection of athletics and fashion throughout history. The issue explores how the human body, in all its forms, influences design and style in both sports and everyday life. A captivating fashion story features women of diverse shapes and sizes, embracing their individuality and challenging societal notions of beauty. From Egyptian model Logina Salah, who embraces her vitiligo, to Police Academy graduate Shahad Budebs, who focuses on strengthening her body without succumbing to societal pressures, to motivational speaker Zainab Al-Eqabi, who finds solace in sports despite her journey with a prosthetic limb, these women champion the message that ‘every body’ is desirable. As Salah aptly states: “Break the mold, be yourself, and the world will adjust.”
The issue also highlights the journey of Zoya Sakr, the Dubai-based founder of The Flower Society, who candidly discusses the challenges of growing up with large feet. “From an early age, I realized I didn’t fit the typical mold, literally and figuratively,” Sakr shares. “By the time I was 13, my feet had already reached a US size 12, which was much larger than the average for girls my age. This led to a series of experiences that shaped my outlook on life and self-acceptance.” Sakr’s journey emphasizes the importance of embracing individuality and passing that message on to future generations. “I have always been happy with myself and my body. My journey has also impacted how I raise my daughter. I want her to grow up feeling proud of her distinctiveness, just as my parents taught me, and to face the world with confidence and grace.”
Beyond the world of sports and self-acceptance, the July/August issue features rising stars from the region. Lebanese actor and singer Maguy Bou Ghosn offers insights into her career, while Lebanese singer Farah Nakhoul shares her story of determination and passion, cementing her status as a symbol of hope in the music industry.
The issue concludes with a journey to Rome, where Bulgari’s creative director Lucia Silvestri shares her favorite places in the Eternal City ahead of the brand’s 140th anniversary. The issue delves into the latest athleisure essentials inspired by the spirit of victory and performance, showcasing the latest trends in fashion and beauty. Vogue Arabia’s July/August edition is a testament to the power of self-acceptance, resilience, and pursuing one’s dreams, all while celebrating the unique talents and stories of Arab women.
