Arabian Gazelles Rally: Women Redefining Supercar Culture in the Middle East
The Arabian Gazelles, the first all-women supercar club in the Middle East, gathered in Dubai for a rally celebrating their passion for cars. Founded by Hanan Mazouzi Sobati, the club aims to empower women in a traditionally male-dominated automotive scene. Their recent event included a car tour across the UAE and a partnership with BMW to test drive supercars, reflecting a change in societal perceptions.
In a groundbreaking event, the Arabian Gazelles, the first all-women supercar club in the Middle East, gathered in Dubai, showcasing their passion for high-performance vehicles. Over the weekend, these women, who come from diverse backgrounds including engineers and entrepreneurs, gathered for a thrilling car rally across the United Arab Emirates. The event saw 30 enthusiastic participants, many living in the UAE and others from abroad, join in for a four-day tour celebrating their love of supercars.
Founded eight years ago by Hanan Mazouzi Sobati, the Arabian Gazelles aims to empower women in the automotive world. Sobati expressed her frustration with how women were often overlooked at car events, which sparked her desire for change. “It’s really a product of sheer frustration … because women were overlooked in this automotive scene,” she noted as she drove her Lamborghini. Her journey into the world of cars started young; while others watched cartoons, she was captivated by Formula 1, fueling a lifelong passion.
The Arabian Gazelles originated from Sobati’s realization that men dominated the automotive space, particularly in event invitations. Previously, she attended such events by attending in place of her husband, a non-supercar enthusiast, simply because she was the invitee. Initially, the club found it challenging to garner support from automotive brands. “We want people to stop thinking there’s always a man because they see a woman in a supercar; either a husband, a partner, a sugar daddy,” she remarked.
Sobati is pleased to note a slow but steady shift in societal attitudes toward women in supercars. Throughout the rally, the women were granted opportunities by BMW to test drive their vehicles on race tracks. “We do not need permission to drive, or to choose what kind of cars to drive. We do not need permission to have this passion,” Sobati emphasized. Her sentiment resonates with the club’s ethos: if a seat is not available at the table, they will create their own.
The Arabian Gazelles is not just a club; it’s a movement challenging outdated perceptions and inspiring women to embrace their love of speed and luxury vehicles without apology or fear. This rally marks a notable moment for female empowerment in a traditionally male-dominated space.
The Arabian Gazelles, a pioneering all-women supercar club, is reshaping the automotive landscape in the Middle East by providing a platform for women to express their love for supercars. Founded by Hanan Mazouzi Sobati, this club challenges stereotypes and encourages women to take ownership of their passion for driving high-end vehicles. As societal perceptions evolve, these women are proving that they don’t need to fit into traditional molds to succeed and enjoy their interests. The club symbolizes a broader shift in acknowledging and integrating women in the automotive scene, paving the way for future generations of female petrolheads.
Original Source: www.mymotherlode.com
