Saudi Dania Akeel’s Baja Cup win inspires Arab women in motorsports
Introduction
Saudi Arabian driver Dania Akeel has made history by winning the 2024 FIA Middle East Baja Cup, becoming the first female driver to achieve this feat in Middle East motorsport. Her victory is a significant milestone that continues to inspire and pave the way for Arab women in motorsports.
Akeel’s Remarkable Achievement
Championship Victory Akeel secured the overall title at the Dubai International Baja, the final round of the prestigious regional Baja series. Her consistent performances across four rounds in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, and Dubai allowed her to amass enough points to win both the overall championship and the flagship Ultimate category.
Versatile Performance
Throughout the championship, Akeel demonstrated her versatility and adaptability:
She competed with two different co-drivers
Utilized three different car preparation companies
Raced in both the Ultimate and SSV categories
Final Round Success In the decisive Dubai International Baja, Akeel clinched victory in the SSV category, finishing ninth in the overall classification. This performance secured her the FIA Middle East Baja Cup title.
Impact and Inspiration
Breaking Barriers Akeel’s success is groundbreaking in several ways
First Saudi woman to receive a racing license for Superbike circuit racing
First to win an international cross-country rally
Winner of the T3 category in the 2021 FIA World Cup for Cross-Country Bajas
Role Model for Saudi Women
Akeel’s achievements have transformed her into an inspiration for women across Saudi Arabia. Her success demonstrates the rapidly evolving opportunities for Saudi women in sports and society.
Wider Impact Akeel’s victory is resonating beyond Saudi Arabia, inspiring women throughout the Middle East. Her success has led to increased interest in motorsports among young girls, with many reaching out to her for guidance on entering the sport.
Looking Ahead
Akeel’s triumph in the FIA Middle East Baja Cup is likely to further boost women’s participation in motorsports in the region. The recent organization of the first women’s rally in Saudi Arabia, which attracted over 30 drivers, is a testament to the growing interest.
Conclusion
As Akeel continues to compete and break barriers, her success serves as a powerful example of the changing landscape for women in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East, particularly in the traditionally male-dominated field of motorsports.P
