As the embryonic women's basketball team 'Jeddah United' takes on the 'Jaguars', it is clear that women's sport in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia must be conducted far away from the gaze of the public and the relgious authorities.
"The restrictions stem from the strict version of Islam the kingdom follows. Many conservative adherents believe that women's emancipation will lead to decadence and a dissipation of Islamic values."
Nevertheless, Saudi women are quietly forming basket ball teams, soccer teams, and volley ball teams.
