All images provided by Oola

Every week ILQ features a different Qatari startup in a segment called ‘Startup of the Week’. Qatar has some of the most creative, unique, and impactful startups in the region. We cover different startups across various industries in Doha, from fashion and beauty to food and dining, to health and education, and more! This week we’re featuring Oola, a Qatari startup that caters to women who seek modest and comfortable attire for athletic wear.


Oola is a local sports brand for women that provides both practical and modest sportswear. The startup is currently incubated at Qatar Business Incubation Center (QBIC) and advocates building a community centered around health and wellness. Oola offers contemporary and loose-fitting sportswear and sports hijabs, with the aim of making sports and outdoor activities accessible to more women out there.

Founded by Haya Al Ghanim, Amina Ahmadi and Lilian Gabriel Barbosa, Oola was created based on a personal need. Co-founders Haya Al Ghanim and Amina Ahmadi are passionate about outdoor activities including cycling, running and hiking amongst others. Both women have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in the new year of 2015. However, as covered women, they both struggled to find suitable sportswear to train and enjoy the outdoors, so after returning from their adventure in Kilimanjaro, they decided to create their own solution.

“Not finding suitable clothing for outdoor sports while remaining within the realm of my values was frustrating and often led to me not participating in a number of outdoor activities,” said Amina Ahmadi. The market for conservative sportswear has grown, not just for women who wear it for religious reasons, but also for women who aren’t as comfortable wearing tight-fitted or revealing clothes.

The founders of Oola aim to expand the brand so that it’s the first option that women think of for loose-fitting sportswear. Their goal is to eliminate the obstacle of clothing that many women around the world face when trying to live a more active and healthier lifestyle. Oola is constantly conscious of creating new products so that women can try out even more sports and athletic activities.

“We love the outdoors. We want to be comfortable while we exercise. And we want our friends to be able to join, too,” said Haya Al Ghanim. “Plus, I believe when women experience outdoor activities, they’re more likely to influence and encourage their children to be active. In founding Oola Sports, we can be part of creating a healthy lifestyle for the next generation."

Are you looking for modest sportswear? You can purchase their apparel from their website. Check out the details below!

About Oola:
Website: https://www.oolasports.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oolasports/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oola_sports/

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AngelPolacco

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