Dania Akeel, Hamda Al Qubaisi, Amna Al Qubaisi, and Aliyyah Koloc – all women racing the pinnacle of Motorsport. Such leading force of females from Saudi Arabia and The Arab Emirates represents strength of conviction that each has achieved forward momentum in their respective careers at World Championship level.
Specifically, all 4 women have achieved insurmountable progression of their racing careers, overcoming odds of producing results equal to competitors in any part of the world. All 4 women have proved self-belief and committment, backed by total support from Teams, manufacturers, and crew’s are the key elements of gaining competitive edge on and off the track amidst changing economic climate within Motorsport world-wide.
Equally, these women provide inspiration to up-coming female driver’s, co-driver’s, mechanics, and racer’s to orientate their passion to compete within the Motorsport industry – all of which breaks historical precedence.
Starting with the facts #1: Dania Akeel was the first woman from Saudi Arabia nationality to compete in FIA World Cup of Bajas and Cross Country Rallies, along with debut entry in The Dakar Rally in 2022. Dania’s belief that she ‘has the right to be here’ provided the direct incentive to push her career trajectory upwards, as stated in a recent interview with CNN.
Dania: ‘I mean, I remember when I was joining the first race, I didn’t think twice about … how many women had done this? Had they been from Saudi? Not Saudi? I didn’t think too much about that because the rules say I can be there. You know, I have every right to be there. I have my license. I belong here. I have my car, I have my gear, I have my helmet. So, I meet all of the requirements. I have a full set of rights of belonging in the sport and that was what I needed’.
Having completed 2023 Baja Portalegre with co-driver Taye Perry, finishing P9 in T3 category, Dania sets sights on overall result at the final Round 7 in Dubai International on November 10 – 12. Cementing her current position of P3 overall will not only set another precedent as the only female to complete 2023 World Cup of Bajas and Cross Country Rallies in top 3, but also sends a clear message that women from any ethnicity have the potential to reach as far as their drive and determination will allow.
Complimenting Dania’s achievements are sister’s Hamda and Amna Al Qubaisi, from Abu Dhabi, competing in single-seater Championships, in UAE and Europe. Having recently completed the inaugural 2023 F1 Academy Championship, both Hamda and Amna have pushed for success despite on-going challenges to be able to race.
With background in Karting, to racing Formula 4 UAE Championship, Italian F4 Championship, Formula Regional Asian Championship, Formula Regional European Championship, and F1 Academy both women have developed their race-craft, profiles, and status on and off the track.
Interestingly, Hamda was the first woman to gain a podium in 2021 Italian F4 Championship, taking P3 behind Leonardo Fornaroli and Oliver Bearman. This weekend, at Formula One Mexico Grand Prix, Bearman completed his practice debut under Haas, finishing P15 in FP1.
For Amna, completing F1 Academy Championship in P6 has to be extremely satisfying, knowing that the Abu Dhabi driver has the experience of staging her racing skills against all-female line-up and all-male grid as well.
Aliyyah Koloc has achieved undeniable success across varying FIA disciplines, from competing in trucks, to GT4/Endurance Circuit racing, to Off Road Rally in side-by-side, to the ultimate entry in T1/T1+ plus category in The Dakar Rally next year.
If diversity of skills matter, Aliyyah from Czech-Emirates nationality has the lot in spades, coupled with unique perspective on developing her talents to the fullest both on and off track. Having recently attended 2023 Peace and Sport Middle East Forum, Aliyyah represents the epitome of actioning inclusivity within Motorsport, coupled with equality, and respect.
Most certainly, these ingrained principles of thought which have formed and shaped Aliyyah’s mind-set on how to take on board the myriad of challenges racing presents, are replicated within the dialogue of the Peace and Sport Middle East Forum. Primarily to foster greater tolerance and acceptance of inclusivity for all, within sport and the global community, Aliyyah has the nuance to activate such mandates not only for her own career, but also for others.
Within this context, Aliyyah, Dania, Hamda, and Amna are the protagonists for the future, providing motivation to pursue passions of interest and career pathways for all generations of women around the world.
Header photo: Dania Akeel completing 2023 Baja Portalegre Image: @mchphotocz
Words: Sharon Cox
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