Saudi Arabia’s inaugural Rally Jameel will be held from March 17th to 19th and has attracted 33 two-person teams from around the globe, including seven female competitors from the United States. This historic, women-only navigational rally is taking place during International Women’s History Month and will take teams through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, as they compete over three days on a variety of off-road tracks.
Rally Jameel competitors will be motoring in an assortment of AWD and 4WD vehicles that are considered “normal” vehicles, including Toyota, Lexus, Porsche, Jeep, Ford and other marques, rather than “specially-equipped” off-road models. The Rally is not based on speed, but precision as participants will use state-of-the art navigation technology and a digital road book on a pre-defined route to achieve the best timing each day and over the course of the competition. The 1,000-kilometer-long route will vary from 300 to 500 kilometers each day and will travel from Ha’il to Riyadh.
Rally Jameel has received the backing of the organisers of the Rebelle Rally, the first women’s off-road navigation rally raid in the United States, which tests competitor’s skills over eight days of competition.
US-based competitor Sedona Blinson, who has previously participated in Rally Jameel’s inspiration, the Rebelle Rally, said: “Taking part in Rally Jameel, for me, is an incredible way to support women who are new to the scene of off-roading and motorsports. I am most looking forward to competing with an array of international teams and navigating the beautiful deserts of Saudi Arabia. My goal is to inspire more women to try their hand in motorsports and embrace new adventures.”
Saudi national Dania Akeel, who was the first Saudi to participate in Dakar Rally 2022 and is a well-respected figure in the regional motorsport scene, commented: “I believe this race will encourage women to participate in something new, and will help the increasing number of women on the country’s roads to feel even more comfortable behind the wheel. It will help women to experience driving in a completely different way to driving on the road, inspiring a sense of adventure and discovery which adds to a fulfilling life experience.”
Initiated by Abdul Latif Jameel Motors (Toyota), which has been actively involved since the beginning to deliver a truly unique and historic motorsport event, the rally is also organized by Bakhashab Motorsport.
