82 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
Rally Jameel, the thrilling world-class navigational rally for women in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 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”.
Rally Jameel 2023 - Day 1
The first day ended with Sandstorm Express, driver Ewelina Chlebowska from Poland with co-driver Hanna Riehle from Germany topping the results in a Toyota FJ Cruiser, closely followed by CAT Racing, Camelia Liparoti of Italy and Rosa Romero of Spain navigating with a Toyota Fortuna.
Third place went to returning participants Aurelia Fouillot of France and Elanor Coker of the United States driving a Toyota FJ.
Text Credits: Rally Jameel
Photo Credits: Rally Jameel
