Rally Jameel, Saudi Arabia’s first all-woman Rally

Saudi Arabia is gearing up to hold its first all-female motorsport event. The contest, dubbed Rally Jameel, has 34 teams from 15 nations and runs from March 17 to 19. The tournament will include both novices and seasoned veterans.

The three-day race will begin in Hail, in north-central Saudi Arabia, and will pass via Al-Qassim City before continuing to Riyadh via concealed checkpoints and trials.

Dania Akeel, the first Saudi woman to compete in the Dakar Rally in 2022, says she believes the event would make women feel more comfortable behind the wheel. She said, “Rally Jameel inspires a sense of adventure and discovery. This rally will support the increasing number of women on the road to become comfortable behind the wheel and experience driving in a completely different way to driving on the road.”

She’s raced in two rounds of the FIA Cross Country Bajas World Cup as part of her preparation, giving her further off-road experience. She’s also engaged in physical activity, such as strength and cardiovascular training, as well as yoga.

In the rest of the region, Atefa Saleh will represent the UAE, while Sanaa Al Shekaili and Halima Al Balushi will represent Oman. Al Shekaili finished third in the 2020 Middle East Rally Championship, making him the first Omani racer to compete.

The rally was initially announced in December and is not intended to be a speed test. It is available to everyone over the age of 18 who has a valid Saudi Arabian driver’s licence. Because the automobiles must be completely stock, no extra equipment is necessary, albeit they must be a 4×4 or AWD.

Thirty-four teams from 15 nations have already registered for the Rally Jameel in Saudi Arabia, which will take place from March 17th to 19th. As the exciting new women’s only navigational rally approaches, racers from all over the world, ranging from total novices to seasoned rally veterans, will begin flying in from all corners of the globe.

So far, the majority of teams competing are from Saudi Arabia, with 22 teams representing the Kingdom, including teams from Riyadh and Jeddah. The demonstration will begin on March 17th in Hail, in the north-central part of the country.

It is a very welcoming step taken by the Saudi Government to promote Moto-Rallies amongst women. This will not only empower women but also put Saudi on a high pedestal in the Moto-Rally sphere.