Why Everyone Is Talking About This Nike Saudi Campaign
Nike, known for its design, manufacturing, and worldwide marketing and sales of footwear, apparel, equipment, accessories, and services, has released a culturally rich campaign that pays homage to Middle Eastern athletes. For the brand’s first Saudi campaign “What If You Can?”, Nike collaborated with acclaimed Saudi filmmaker Haifaa Al-Mansour.
The minute-and-a-half film aims to inspire young girls in the kingdom to embrace their potential and motivate them to participate in sports.
The video has garnered more than 3.7 crore views on YouTube and is now generating buzz on social media. Shot in Riyadh, Al Mansour has successfully brought a level of craft and authenticity deeply rooted in Saudi culture to the project.
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What makes the ad different from others is its proper celebration of Saudi culture by mixing up the traditional vibes with modern twists.
Lately, Saudi Arabia once known for its confining policies for women in the country, has now slowly switched up things, giving women more freedom and opportunities.
The campaign encourages young Saudi girls to rise above and push boundaries. The tagline, “What If You Can”, itself hit the spotlight of resilience.
Saudi Arabian filmmaker said, “I hope the film will encourage young women to push their boundaries and always look for new opportunities. If this film encourages girls to go out and try a sport for the first time that would be the most rewarding thing I can possibly imagine”.
The campaign will be supported by a series of partnerships with schools and grassroots programs in Riyadh that invite girls to discover a variety of sports through free movement experiences.
The ad is blowing up on social media with loads of people giving Nike for their approach. Hashtags relating to the campaign are trending in the country. Though some has come expressing their disapproval, the general vibe is positive.
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Prominent soccer podcast, SHE scores bangers, stated on X, “This is a generational shift of a commercial. It’s significant.”
Watch the Nike Saudi campaign ad here:
