Gathering Momentum: The Distinct Attraction of Saudi Arabia's Exclusive Women's Rally
In 2022, Saudi Arabia hosted the first-of-its-kind navigation off-road rally for women - Rally Jameel. This unique event, organised by Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, Toyota's authorised distributor in the Kingdom, marked a significant step forward in promoting female empowerment and inclusion in Saudi Arabia's motorsport scene.
Rally Jameel, spanning a distance of approximately 1,600 km over four days, started in Petra, Jordan, and concluded in Saudi Arabia. The rally traversed stunning natural landscapes and even World Heritage sites, offering an atmosphere of adventure for its participants.
The rally was more than just a sporting challenge; it was a social and cultural initiative. It aimed to encourage women to develop their navigational skills and self-reliance by participating in tasks such as changing tires and repairing engines. This empowering approach aligns with Saudi Arabia's recent social reforms, particularly the lifting of the driving ban on women in 2017, a move initiated by King Salman.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman laid out Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 strategy in 2016, aiming to transform the kingdom and advance women's participation in society. The strategy has been instrumental in paving the way for events like Rally Jameel.
Hassan Jameel, Vice Chairman of Abdul Latif Jameel, emphasised the importance of women's empowerment and leadership following the lifting of the driving ban. Abdul Latif Jameel Motors has been supporting this cause by providing Toyota vehicles to driving schools in Saudi Arabia, making them more affordable and accessible for women.
Munir Khoja, Managing Director of Marketing Communication at Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, explained that the rally aims to allow participants to relax and enjoy themselves, with a focus on navigation rather than speed. He also encouraged participants to take selfies during the competition, allowing them to capture memories of this unique experience.
Germany's Hanna Riehle won this year's Rally Jameel for the third consecutive time. She enjoys the opportunity to see unique scenery and places that the rally offers. Rally Jameel has attracted teams from many countries, emphasising its importance as a regional and international milestone for women in motorsport.
Rally Jameel provides comprehensive support and safety systems to ensure the well-being of its participants. It is a testament to the progress being made in Saudi Arabia, symbolising progress and inclusion within the country's evolving cultural and sporting environment. The rally showcases female talent in a traditionally male-dominated sport, fostering empowerment and visibility for women in motorsport.
- The navigational off-road rally for women, Rally Jameel, has not only boosted women's participation in sports but also promotes health-and-wellness by encouraging self-reliance, especially in tasks like tire changing and engine repair.
- By supporting women's participation in motorsport through events like Rally Jameel, Saudi Arabia is demonstrating its commitment to science, fitness-and-exercise, and women's health as part of its overall social and economic progress, aligned with its Vision 2030 strategy.
- Rally Jameel is not merely a sports event; it doubles as a platform for women's empowerment and leadership, with participants from various countries participating in an international showcase of female talent in a traditionally male-dominated sport, thereby contributing significantly to the sports-analysis of the evolving role of women in motorsport.
