( CNN ) -- On Friday morning , Wojdan Shaherkani will set a new Olympic record . By participating in the first round of the Olympic judo competition she will become the first Saudi woman to take part in any Olympic Games . Qatar and Brunei are also allowing female athletes to compete at the Olympics for the first time , making these Games a landmark for Arab women . Celebrating female athletes from the Arab world , a photo exhibition called `` Hey-Ya ( Let 's Go ! ) : Arab Women in Sport , '' has opened in London . Brigitte Lacombe took all the photographs in the exhibition . `` It 's not a star-driven project , '' she told CNN 's Zain Verjee . `` It is our chance to see another face of the Arab Women -- more modern and more engaged . '' Lacombe said she was astonished by the determination and the joy of all the young athletes who wanted to participate in the project . `` They understood how important it was , '' she said . Commissioned by the Qatar Museums Authority , the photos show athletes from many countries and feature Olympic competitors and non-Olympians alike . Lacombe says she hopes her portraits will inspire other young girls , who might become sports stars one day . `` With the inclusion of the two athletes from Saudi Arabia in London , I think it 's about to turn the corner for women too , '' Lacombe said . `` A really important corner . '' The exhibition is showing at Sotheby 's , London , until August 11 .
Saudi Arabia , Qatar and Brunei allowing female athletes at Olympics for first time . Comment: Arabic for let 's go -- shows female athletes from the Arab world . Photographer Brigitte Lacombe says her work shows the modern , engaged face of Arab women .