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Rabigh, King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), Saudi Arabia, March 9, 2024:

Rally Jameel, the thrilling world-class navigational rally for women in the region, concluded its third edition on International Women’s Day in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) in Rabigh. The Polish driver Ewelina Chlebowska and German co-driver Hanna Riehle of Team Sandstorm Express won first place in the third edition of the rally, for the second year in a row.

Following them, Saudi driver Maha Al Hamali and American co-driver Eleanor Coker of Team Obiyya clinched second place, and British driver Catherine Munnings and Swedish co-driver Catalina Floberg of Team Altawkilat securing third place.

Rally Jameel, organized by Jameel Motorsport and supported by the FIA Women in Motorsport and the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), witnessed record global participation, with 110 drivers and co-drivers from 36 countries. It offered a journey through Saudi Arabia’s most picturesque cities, covering a distance of 1600 km, starting from Ha’il, AlUla, Umluj, Yanbu, and concluding in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) in Rabigh.

In addition, the event successfully attracted international participation, with the presence of auto federations and companies such as The Swedish Automobile Sports Federation, Motorsport Ireland, the China Hanwei Motorsport team, and Toyota Gazoo Racing Jordan. This underscores Rally Jameel’s dedication to empowering women in motorsports and aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to promote adventure tourism.

Munir Khoja, ‏Managing Director, Marketing Communications at Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, commented: “As we conclude the journey of Rally Jameel’s third edition on International Women’s Day, I would like to congratulate all the brave women who participated this year. In this edition, the rally saw exceptional international participation, showcasing its global appeal and perseverance in cultivating an engaging motorsport experience that brings women together. Rally Jameel is a shining example of our commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s diversification programs aimed at empowering women and promoting adventure tourism. Congratulations to Ewelina Chlebowska and Hanna Riehle of Sandstorm Express who clinched the top spot for the second consecutive year in Rally Jameel, showcasing unparalleled skill and resilience”.

 

The Polish winner Ewelina Chlebowska from Team Sandstorm Express, commented: “I extend our heartfelt gratitude for the support and encouragement throughout Rally Jameel. Winning in the third edition again is a tremendous honour, and we couldn’t have achieved it without the incredible teamwork that defines our partnership. I am immensely proud to be in the same team with Hanna and together, we’ve proven that with teamwork, anything is possible. This victory is a testament to our hard work and perseverance, and we are deeply honoured to be crowned champions once more in Rally Jameel.”

Final classification of Rally Jameel Third Edition 2024 categories
Pos. Class Teams
1 The top three winners from Category AW4: 1. First Place: Merehin Albaz and co-driver Faridah Abdullah of Geely Alwallan Racing team.
2. Second Place: Patricia Denning and co-driver Gretchen Swinburne of Motorsport Ireland team.
3. Third Place: Reem Al Aboud and co-driver Margot Llobera of Jameel Motorsport team.
2 The top three winners from Category PT4: 1. First Place: Maha Al Hamali and co-driver Eleanor Coker of Obiyya team.
2. Second Place: Joanna Hassoun and co-driver Dolyne Schlink of Beirut team.
3. Third Place: Fawzia Bakhashab and co-driver Calheine Taye Perry of Bakhashab Sisters team.
3 The top three winners from Category PT6: 1 First Place: Ewelina Chlebowska and co-driver Hanna Riehle of Sandstorm Express team
2. Second Place: Dania Akeel and co-driver Syndiely Wade of Jameel Motorsport team.
3. Third Place: Samara Alghamdi and co-driver Sara Garcia of Samara team.
4 The top three winners from Category PT8: 1. First Place: Catherine Munnings and co-driver Catalina Floberg of Altawkilat team.
2. Second Place: Enas Hamza and co-driver Noura Al Doriei of Hama Tuwaiq team.
3. Third Place: Mona Kurdi and co-driver Mayada Alturki of Tair Albarr team.
5 The top three winners from Category PTH4: 1. First Place: Fatma Banaz and co-driver Aurélia Roquesalane of Lexus team.
2. Second Place: Samar Rahbini and co-driver Antonia De Roissard of Lexus team.
3. Third Place: Mashael Alhowaish and co-driver Anette Fjeld of Lexus team.
6 The top three winners from Category PR: 1. First Place: Laura-Marie Geissler and co-driver Pochola Hernandez of LMG Racing Club team.
2. Second Place: Samara Alghamdi and co-driver Sara Garcia of Samara team.
3. Third Place: Yara Bou Monsef and co-driver Raquel Cecilia of Yara Bou Monsef team.

Umluj, Saudi Arabia, March 7, 2024:

Rally Jameel, the thrilling world-class navigational rally for women in the region, has concluded its second stage of the rally amidst the stunning scenery of Umluj.

The rally, organized by Jameel Motorsport and supported by the FIA Women in Motorsport and the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), kicked off on Tuesday in Ha’il before progressing to AlUla.

In the thrilling second stage of the rally, Catherine Munnings and co-driver Catalina Floberg of Altawkilat team clinched the top spot, followed by Suvi Jyrkiäinen and co-driver Suvi Nisula from Fast Finns team who maintained their strong performance securing second place. Ewelina Chlebowska and co-driver Hanna Riehle of Sandstorm Express came in the third position.

In the opening stage of the Rally, Saudi driver Dania Akeel and co-driver Syndiely Wade secured the top position. Ewelina Chlebowska and co-driver Hanna Riehle closely trailed in second place. Following closely behind, Maha Al Hamali and co-driver Eleanor Coker of the Obiyya team claimed the third spot, rounding off an intense and competitive stage.

Carrying the theme “She Shifts the World,” Rally Jameel 2024 underscores its dedication to empowering women in motorsports and aligns with the Kingdom’s vision 2030 to promote adventure tourism. This year’s edition witnesses record global participation, with 110 drivers and co-drivers from 36 countries.

Against the backdrop of Umluj’s enchanting coastal vistas characterized by turquoise waters, golden sandy beaches, and an array of natural wonders, competitors engage in spirited contests along the challenging routes. The rally demonstrates the growing prowess of women in motorsports, showcasing their talents on an international stage.

The highly decorated Saudi driver Dania Akeel, commented: “Every moment behind the wheel has been stimulating and engaging. With Syndiely Wade as my co-driver, we have faced each challenging stage with determination and with the intention to deliver excellence. Despite the competition, there’s a strong sense of camaraderie among us drivers, each pushing the other to greater heights, and we look forward to the coming stages of the rally.”

Annie Seel, the winner of the first edition of Rally Jameel and currently a co-driver in the Kurdistan team, remarked, “Each twist and turn of the desert terrain presents a fresh test of skill. Racing amidst such breath-taking landscapes is an unparalleled experience, igniting my drive to persistently push boundaries and pursue success in the motorsport realm. I am happy to join the rally again and to be alongside the Iraqi driver, Saz Gullani.”

  • 110 drivers and co-drivers from 36 countries competing for the championship title.
  • This year’s edition boasts a mix of returning participants and exciting newcomers.
  • Ewelina Chlebowska of Poland and Hanna Riehle of Germany, from team Sandstorm Express who took first place in 2023, return for this edition.

Ha’il, Saudi Arabia, March 5, 2024:
The third edition of Rally Jameel, the thrilling world-class navigational rally for women in the region, officially kicked off today in Ha’il, Saudi Arabia, under the patronage and presence of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Governor of Ha’il Region and Chairman of the Ha’il Region Development Authority, in the presence of His Royal Highness Faisal bin Fahd bin Muqrin Al Saud, Deputy Governor of Ha’il Region.

This year’s event boasts a record number of participants and international representation, with 110 drivers and co-drivers from 36 countries competing for the championship title, building upon the success of the previous editions.

The third edition of Rally Jameel, themed “She Shifts the World,” reflects the rally’s commitment to showcasing women’s empowerment in motorsports. The event culminates on International Women’s Day, March 8th, 2024, adding another layer of significance to this unique rally. Throughout the rally, competitors will navigate a challenging yet scenic 1,600-kilometer route spanning five diverse landscapes, from the hills of Ha’il to the coastal splendor of Umluj, and including iconic historical sites like AlUla and Yanbu before ending at King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) in Rabigh.

This year’s edition boasts a mix of returning participants and exciting newcomers. Last year’s winners, Ewelina Chlebowska of Poland and Hanna Riehle of Germany are joined by some of the best and brightest Saudi talents. Among them is the highly decorated Dania Akeel, who returns for her second shot at the title. The rising star Maha Al Hamali, who impressed with a third-place finish in the inaugural edition, also makes a welcome return. Completing the Saudi trio is Reem Al Aboud, a recent graduate of the GR Saudi Driving School, eager to make her mark in her first-ever rally. Catie Munnings, the British rally driver, and Carina Munte, the Chief Championship Officer and co-founder of the FIM E-Xplorer Championship, will also compete in the rally. Finally, Yara Bou Monsef of Lebanon and Raghda Kouyoumdjian of Jordan participate for the first time to add to the diverse lineup.

Ewelina Chlebowska, last year’s winner from the team Sandstorm Express, said “I’m thrilled to embark on this amazing journey once more with women from around the globe. This rally shows that women have the bravery and determination to tackle new challenges. Best of luck to all participants, let’s embrace this wonderful journey together”.

The event not only offers a platform for women racers but also attracts international participation, with the presence of auto federations and companies, such as The Swedish Automobile Sports Federation, Motorsport Ireland, China Hanwei Motorsport team, and Toyota Gazoo Racing Jordan.

Reem Al Aboud, from the GR Saudi team, said “Stepping onto the starting line of this year’s rally is an incredible feeling. As a recent graduate of the GR Saudi Driving School, I’m brimming with newfound skills and a thirst to put them to the test. While this might be my first official participation, I’m not here to simply observe. I’m here to soak up every ounce of experience, learn from the veterans on the track, and push myself to the absolute limit”.

  • A remarkable increase in global participation from 36 countries compared to 15 in the inaugural edition of the rally.
  • Covering a distance of 1600 km, Rally Jameel will traverse through Ha’il, AlUla, Umluj, Yanbu, and King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) in Rabigh.

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, February 21, 2024:
Rally Jameel, the thrilling world-class navigational rally for women in the region, has announced its third edition themed “She Shifts the World”, which will kick-off on March 4th and conclude on International Women’s Day March 8th, 2024.

The third edition of Rally Jameel continues to attract talent from around the world, shining a spotlight on the collective determination of women worldwide. Moreover, it demonstrates the pivotal role Saudi women are playing in shaping the future of motorsport while embodying the transformative spirit of Saudi Vision 2030.

With over 100 participants from 36 countries, including 22 local teams, this year’s rally offers a journey through Saudi Arabia’s most picturesque cities. Covering a distance of 1600 km, Rally Jameel will traverse Ha’il, AlUla, Umluj, Yanbu, and King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) in Rabigh, seamlessly connecting the Kingdom’s rich heritage and history with the aspirations of the future. This underscores Rally Jameel’s commitment to showcasing the country’s diverse and vibrant tapestry to the world.

It is worth noting that the rally provides participants with the highest standards of training, safety equipment, and navigation tools. Supported by the FIA Women in Motorsport and the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), Rally Jameel demonstrates the Kingdom’s steadfast commitment to fostering and encouraging women’s active participation in the sports arena.

Munir Khoja, Managing Director, Marketing Communications at Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, commented: “As we gear up for the third edition, we are deeply encouraged by the growing interest from participants, particularly on an international scale with a remarkable increase in global participation from 36 countries compared to 15 in the inaugural edition of the rally. This enthusiasm underscores our commitment to support Saudi Arabia’s vision for empowering women. With the addition of new and more challenging routes, we continue to champion and contribute to the advancement of motorsport regionally and globally, representing the core values of Rally Jameel. We extend our gratitude to all our partners, organizers, and sponsors for making this event a reality.”

Jeddah (Saudi Arabia):
Rally Jameel, the first world-class navigational rally in the region exclusively for women, has successfully concluded with all 82 participants safely making it to Al- Qassim, the final stage of the roughly 1,600 kilometres five-day long rally. Ewelina Chlebowska of Poland and her co-driver Hanna Riehle of Germany from the team Sandstorm Express won first place in the second edition of the rally in their Toyota FJ Cruiser.

Coming in the second and third place are Camilia Liparoti of Italy and her co-driver Rosa Romero of Spain from CAT Racing in their Toyota Fortuner and Annie Seel and her co-driver Catalina Floberg of Sweden from Seel Motorsport, in their Toyota Fortuner.

Munir Khoja, ‏Managing Director of Branding, Marketing Communications and Sponsorship, Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, commented: “We congratulate all the brave women who participated in the second edition. This year, the rally attracted 82 participants from 25 countries – showcasing its global appeal and perseverance in cultivating an engaging motorsport experience that brings women together. Rally Jameel is a shining example of our commitment to support Saudi Arabia’s diversification programs of empowering women, promoting adventure tourism and realizing The Quality of Life Program by integrating sports into society. Its success demonstrates how motorsport can be used to inspire.”

Following the success of the first edition, and caring to the participants requests, this year’s route was extended to around 1,600 km, testing their precision driving and navigational skills and endurance throughout the treasures of the Kingdom.

“This initiative is of great interest to a large segment of women in the Kingdom, as it aims to support and empower women in motorsports. This is what I work tirelessly for as a board member of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle federation and as a representative of the Kingdom in the Women in Motorsports Committee in the FIA (WIMC)”, said Aseel Al-Hamad. She continued: “Rally Jameel is an excellent first step for girls who want to enter the world of motorsports. In particular, navigational rallies where speed is not the determinant factor but one’s navigational skills are”.


Participants went in a journey passing through some of the Kingdom’s otherworldly terrains, golden desert sands, historical and archaeological sites including the capital of Elephant Rock, the 52m high sandstone monolith and most iconic of all rock formations in ALULA, and Jubbah, Hail’s UNESCO world heritage site with the most amount of rock carvings from three eras; A’arif Fort built in 1260 and Nagsh Almalikah (Queen rock), the only rock carving in the region to be found of a woman in statuesque detail, ending Al-Qassim, the food basket of the Kingdom and the world’s largest camel market.

Hanna Riehle, the co-driver of Sandstorm Express, champions of this year’s edition said: “We really enjoyed this year’s rally, a key aspect that helped propel us to the top was teamwork. I’m proud to be Ewelina’s co-driver, I feel we demonstrated that with teamwork anything is possible. This is our second time in Rally Jameel, and we are honored to have been crowned champions as a result of our hard work and perseverance”.

This year, the rally also saw an increase in corporate participation to support more teams, creating new opportunities for private sector companies to participate in motorsports as the rally develops new drivers, navigators, and prepares them for future competitions. Rally Jameel also welcomed the support of 68 seasonal organizing team members. The organizers were selected through Bab Rizq Jameel, part of Community Jameel Saudi, which aims to empower young people with new sources of income.

Rally Jameel is initiated by Abdul Latif Jameel Motors and Bakhashab Motorsports, it’s the latest world-class motorsport event hosted in Saudi Arabia and it’s sanctioned by the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and supported by the FIA, through their Women in Motorsport (WIMC) program.

  • 82 total participants consisting of drivers and their co-drivers from 25 Countries
  • Awe-inspiring Elephant Rock in ALULA played host to the ceremonial start of Rally Jameel

ALULA (SAUDI ARABIA):
Rally Jameel, the thrilling world-class navigational rally for women in the region, kicked off its second edition today at ALULA’s iconic Elephant Rock. On this International Women’s Day, 82 participants consisting of drivers and their co-drivers representing 25 countries from around the world compete for the title of rally champion.

This edition of the rally builds on the momentum created by the first edition with increased intensity and competitiveness. The participating teams shared their enthusiasm for being part of a unique motorsports event with a truly unique atmosphere.

On International Women’s Day, the teams embark on this once in a lifetime adventure of around 1,600 km through diverse desert terrain over five days. The journey will test their precision driving and navigational skills as they deepen their knowledge of local culture and history. Starting in ALULA and ending in Qassim via Hail the route featuring checkpoints.

Saudi’s own participant and 3rd place winner in the first edition Maha Al-Hamali said “I’m happy to be taking on this incredible journey again with fellow women from all over the world during International Women’s Day. This rally is a testament that women have the courage and drive to take on new and challenging experiences – especially Saudi women who recently started driving and now have a strong presence in Rally Jameel. I wish all participants the best of luck and let’s take on this beautiful journey together”

Additionally, this year’s rally also saw an increase in corporate participation to support more teams. This participation creates new opportunities for private sector companies to participate in motorsports as the rally develops new drivers, navigators, and prepares them for future competitions.

Munir Khoja, Managing Director, Marketing Communications at Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, expressed his delight at the incredible success of Rally Jameel “As we prepare for this incredible adventure, we are overwhelmed by the interest participants are showing. We had 68 participants consisting of drivers and their co-drivers from 15 nationalities in our inaugural edition. Today we have 82 participants from 25 nationalities – exceeding our expectations. More importantly it is an inspiring testament to our efforts aimed at supporting Saudi Arabia’s vision to empower women. On behalf of Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, we thank all of our partners, organizers and sponsors who contributed to bringing this event a reality.”

Australian participant, Sally Kay said “I’m very much excited to take on the rally, and being here in beautiful ALULA is just breath-taking. I have met with fantastic women participating in the second edition of the rally and I want to take this opportunity on International Women’s Day and say to all women to just be yourself, do your best and keep moving forward. I’m grateful for the organizers for inviting me to be part of this exciting women-only rally, this is my fourth time in the Kingdom and I love it”

  • More than 70 teams from around the world sign up for this year’s rally
  • Returning champions amongst teams participating in 2023 edition
  • Rally an open invitation for adventurous women to take their competitive spirit on a thrilling experience

Jeddah (Saudi Arabia):
The second edition of Rally Jameel, the region’s first-ever women’s only navigational rally, receives applications from over 70 teams from around the world – more than double the previous year.

Registrations opened for the second edition earlier last month. Participants from more than 16 nationalities have applied to compete in this year’s adventure which is set to take place from March 7th – 11th, 2023. The women’s only rally attracts participation from around the world, including USA, UK, Spain, Poland, Germany, Australia, Sweden, Italy, France, Syria, Oman, Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, and Algeria. The list of countries participating cements the rally’s international status.

This year’s rally will also see the return of its first champions including Swedish professional rally driver and 1st place winner Annie Seel, Eleanor Coker from the USA and Saudi’s own Maha Al-Hamali, who came in 3rd despite it being her first time competing in a rally.

“We are proud, and very much delighted to see that the number of women who registered during the first 10 days doubled this year. This is a testament of the rally’s appeal and the hunger women around the world have for competitive sports that require finesse and skill” said Munir Khoja, Managing Director, Marketing Communications at Abdul Latif Jameel Motors. “With 4 days remaining, we invite all women who have a passion for adventure, are great drivers and willing to challenge themselves – to submit their application as soon as possible. Spaces are limited, interest is high, and the experience is one of a kind.”

 

This year’s route has been extended to 1,600 km, passing through some of the Kingdom’s most diverse and breathtaking terrains. The route of the rally will start in Saudi Arabia’s most acclaimed landmark ALULA. Teams will drive through a striking course on their way to Hail, ending the 3-day ride in AlQassim. A journey that traverses through the Kingdom’s untouched, barely discovered, and stunning areas by all measures.

Annie Seel, winner of the previous edition of Rally Jameel said “Last year I did not know what to expect as it was my first time participating in a rally that challenged my navigational and precision driving skills. Winning was not easy even though I’m an experienced rally driver, which is why I’m back this year. I look forward to re-joining the rally’s all-woman spirit.”

Building on the success of its inaugural edition in 2022, this women’s only rally is underpinned by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030; the diversification program to empower women and the quality of life program by integrating sports into the lives of people in the Kingdom.

Maha Al-Hamali, 3rd place winner of the previous edition of Rally Jameel commented “I’m very excited to participate yet again in this Rally. Last year, I competed professionally for the first time and took third place. I could not believe it! My participation in Rally Jameel gave me the chance to discover my passion for motorsports and helped me break into the world of rally driving. I look forward to raising the Saudi flag once again! For any woman who is thinking twice about taking part in this rally, if you are an adept driver, take that step. By the end of the rally, you’ll feel like a different person.”

Rally Jameel, which is initiated by Abdul Latif Jameel Motors and Bakhashab Motorsports, is the latest world-class motorsport event to be hosted in Saudi Arabia as it is sanctioned by the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and supported by the FIA, through their Women in Motorsport (WIMC) program.

Rally Jameel, Saudi Arabia’s first ever women only motor event has successfully concluded, with all 34 teams safely making it to Riyadh, the final part of the 1105 kilometer of a three-day long rally.

The rally, which was started in front of the stunning front of the Al-Qishlah Castle in Hail by His Royal Highness, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz, Prince of Hail, was won by Annie Seel and Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky from Sweden, in their Toyota RAV4. Annie is a well-known Dakar veteran racer, who has a long list of wins over her 30-year racing career.

The rally is an initiative by Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, organised by Bakhashab Motorsports, and sanctioned by the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation (SAMF).

“As Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, we are honored to help drive women’s participation in sports through Rally Jameel. As a motorsports event inspired by Saudi Arabia’s mission to empower women under Vision 2030, we are committed to building on the Rally’s success and further assisting in this progressive Kingdom-wide transformation”, commented Hassan Jameel, Deputy President and Vice Chairman of Abdul Latif Jameel.

The race was brought about to encourage more women to get involved in motorsport and rallying, which recognises that a modern nation must encourage and empower all members of society in all forms, including sport.

“I am very happy with Rally Jameel coming to its end and crowning all the winners, who took part in this historic, first of its kind, women only, navigational rally in KSA and the Arab world,” commented Abdullah Bakhashab, General Manager of Bakhashab Motorsports, who orchestrated the event. “I would like also to express my satisfaction with the huge participation, where foreign racers from 15 countries, such as the US, Sweden, UAE and others, took part in the rally, alongside nearly 21 racers from KSA. And most importantly, they all reached the end point safely. I look forward to seeing them again in Saudi Arabia.”

The navigational rally, which was not designed as a speed test, followed a route, both on road and off-road, from the north-central city of Hail, via Al- Qassim city, through to the capital, Riyadh, via hidden checkpoints and challenges.

“It was a great experience. To be honest, I took part because rally racing is a hobby I wanted to be part of and grow in, ,” said Her Royal Highness Princess Abeer bint Majed Al Saud, who participated in her Porsche Cayenne with co-driver Nawal Almougadry. “It’s a sport I always wanted to be part of growing up. I have always raced on circuits, but this is my first 4×4 experience, and I learned a lot. I did face a lot of difficulties with my car, and I had a punctered tire almost every day.But I am grateful I made it, and it is a true honour to have met all these women, and I wish to stay in touch with all of the participants.

Despite a number of well-known rally racers and Dakar winners being involved in the event, for most of the entrants it was their first taste of any kind of motoring experience.

“The rally was really challenging and fun, but not that easy,” said Walaa Rahbini, who was participating in her first ever motoring event, driving an MG RX8 with her sister Samar. “We needed more practice. The navigation was ok, but sometimes when you lose your way you have to go back and recalibrate the kilometers, so you can continue, which was challenging. But I would definitely do a rally like this again.”

The rally passed by some of the region’s most interesting historical sites, including passing through Jubba, a UNESCO world heritage site known to contain the best and oldest examples of Neolithic rock artIt then headed to Tuwarin Village and onto the area of Uyun AlJiwa in the Al-Qassim region, which features the famous Antar and Abla rock. The route then passed by the iconic Saq Mountain, before heading to Rawdat Al Hisu, close to the Ruwaydat ash Sha’ Basin, finally finishing at the Rally HQ at Shaqra, the location of the newly opened Shaqra University.

“It’s been so cool to come to Saudi Arabia and see some of the amazing sites and landmarks the country has to offer,” said Emme Hall a former winner of the US-based Rebelle Rally. “Although it was a rally, because speed wasn’t part of the event, we actually had a little time to look around and enjoy the scenery. That made this even more special, and my co-driver and I can’t wait to come back again.”

Annie Seel and her co-driver Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky stayed ahead of the chasing pack on Day Three of Rally Jameel to take the overall win in their Toyota RAV4 by more than nine points. The Swedish pair took the least penalties of all the 34 teams to bring home the win, ahead of UAE driver Atefa Saleh and her American co-driver Eleanor Coker in their Toyota Prado. Saudi national Maha Al Hamly flew the flag for the Kingdom, finishing third with her co-driver Pochola Hernández, also in a Toyota Prado.

“All of the women on the rally are heroes,” said Seel after the race. “You think it’s only a navigational rally, but to do this precision driving in the dunes we faced today was very challenging, especially in the broken dunes. I am so proud to be racing with all of them, the Saudi Arabian racers, the women from the Rebelle Rally and the total novices that really rose to the challenge and proved themselves.”

Saudi Arabian driver Maha Al Hamly was delighted with her third-place finish. Al Hamly and Hernàndez usually race separately with different partners in Spain but decided to come together just for Rally Jameel.

“I wished that I was in the passenger seat because every second I had to have my entire focus on the road and with my co-driver,” said Al Hamly. “We passed through some of the breathtaking historical sights of my home country, so it was honestly such a fantastic experience.

“When I first entered our first briefing, I thought it would be filled with professional race drivers, but to my surprise, it was open to drivers who just have a passion for motorsport. I genuinely want to thank Abdul Latif Jameel Motors and Bakhashab Motorsport and all their sponsors.”

The final day of the navigational rally, which is not designed as a speed test, began at Khartam park, the location of the overnight bivouac. It then passed by Rawdat Al Hisu, close to the Ruwaydat ash Sha’ Basin, via hidden checkpoints and challenges, before finishing at the Rally HQ at Shaqra, the location of the newly opened Shaqra University.

The drivers then had a long trip of over 300 kilometers to the ceremonial finish and gala dinner for the competitors and organizers at the stunning Fairmont Hotel in Riyadh.

The eventual overall winner, from the 34 teams from around the world that started the rally, was decided by the team that builds up the most points by the end of the rally, by arriving at the correct times to the various checkpoints and daily finish.

Hassan Jameel, Deputy President and Vice Chairman of Abdul Latif Jameel, said: “Rally Jameel has been a resounding success. We have seen outstanding teamwork over the past three days, and I would like to personally congratulate our rally winners and everyone who has been involved in this groundbreaking event. We believe Rally Jameel will play a major role in driving women’s participation in global motorsports, and we are committed to building on this success.”

The rally is an initiative by Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, organised by Bakhashab Motorsports, and sanctioned by the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation (SAMF).

Final Race Results (after 1105.31 km):

Pos. Car # Driver/Co Country Car Points
1 21 Annie Seel Sweden Toyota RAV4 2166.590
Mikaela Åhlin-Kottulinsky Sweden
2 13 Atefa Saleh UAE Toyota Prado 2157.263
Eleanor Coker USA
3 9 Maha Al Hamly Saudi Arabia Toyota Prado 2155.246
Pochola Hernàndez Spain
4 29 Ewelina Chlebowska Poland Toyota FJ Cruiser 2153.957
Hanna Riehle Germany
5 25 Lyn Woodward USA Toyota Fortuner 2151.947
Sedona Blinson USA

 

With the inaugural Rally Jameel now underway, the organizing team is now busy looking after the competitors, running the rally route and ensuring everyone stays safe during the event. Amongst the large organizing team is a number of women all helping the event to go off without a hitch.

Under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which recognises that a modern and progressive nation must encourage and empower all members of society in all forms, including sport, women have been heavily involved behind the scenes at Rally Jameel. Some hold key roles that are critical to the event’s daily operation and overall success.

“My role is as the Chief Medical Office on the rally, so I’m responsible for the medical safety of all the participants and organizers of the rally,” said Her Royal Highness Dr Ahad Al Saud, who as well as being a senior doctor in Saudi Arabia, is also the CMO of the Saudi Arabian F1 Grand Prix, the FIA Medical Delegate for Saudi Arabia and the head of the Saudi Arabian Marshall’s Club. “I want the rally to be very successful, with all the competitors finishing safely. I feel they are so lucky to be competing in Rally Jameel, as Jameel in Arabic means ‘beautiful’ and this is really a beautiful rally.”

Not all of the organizers have a background in motorsport, or even sports events. For some of the women involved behind the scenes, this is their very first experience of racing, and certainly rallying of any kind. For them Rally Jameel is providing an exciting new experience.

“This event is very important at a grass roots level to bring women not normal associated with rallying or racing into the sport,” said Aseel Al-Hamad, the well-known figurehead of women in motorsport, the first female member of the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation and a member of the FIA.

“Rally Jameel has been supported by the FIA’s Women In Motorsport Commission, and the aim of the rally is to develop and bring in new women drivers, navigators and organizers, and prepare them for participating in future local and international championships.”

Before the rally, all the teams went through a rigorous training program to prepare for the rally. The training which was partly conducted by experienced women from the wider motorsport world, covered everything from road book navigation to safety, sand recovery and general tips on how to complete what for some is their first ever driving event.

The inspiration for Rally Jameel came initially from the hugely successful Rebelle Rally in America. With that as a benchmark, the organizers have worked with members of the Rebelle organizing team to both bring in competitors from the US and also to help with some of the organization of the rally. Members of the event team even travelled all the way to Saudi Arabia for the rally.

“I’m thrilled to be part of Rally Jameel, helping as one of the stewards of the event. It’s really important to show support at a pivotal moment for women in Saudi Arabia,” commented Emily Miller, Founder and Director of the Rebelle Rally. “It’s also great to work with the rally’s organizers, as we have a truly shared passion for motorsport and adventure, as well as the drive to elevate women. I’m really excited for Rally Jameel’s future.”

The navigational rally, which is not designed as a speed test, started in the north-central city of Hail, and is heading to the sites of Al- Qassim city. It will then move on to the capital, Riyadh, via hidden checkpoints and challenges.

The local public are being urged to get involved and enjoy what is looking to be a popular event on the annual GCC motorsport calendar.