Driving at high speeds: MENA's pioneering female-exclusive supercar group shatters automotive stereotypes
Cruising the UAE with a Roaring Engine: Meet the Arabian Gazelles, the First All-Female Supercar Owners Club!
Hanging out, swapping tales, and laughing heartily — these ladies aren't your typical crowd. Some are engineers, some run businesses, while others manage households. But, they all share a common flare: their undying love for supercars.
Over a thrilling weekend in Dubai, nearly 30 female petrolheads from the UAE and beyond rallied together for a cross-country expedition across the United Arab Emirates. Dubbed the "Arabian Gazelles," this unique club of female supercar devotees organized this four-day tour, proving that they can take the wheel and drive change.
Birthed eight years ago by Hanan Mazouzi Sobati, the Arabian Gazelles emerged as a reaction to the underrepresentation of women in the automotive scene[1][2]. Sobati, herself a life-long car enthusiast, revealed her frustration at being sidelined in the motoring world. Recognizing the need for change, she set out to bring in more women and create a dynamic for women to express their passion for high-performance vehicles[1][2].
As she navigated her Lamborghini towards Fujairah, Sobati talked about the excitement of the road ahead. The passion for cars has driven her to create something more significant: breaking barriers, shifting perceptions about women and their place in the supercar realm[1][2].
Sobati identified a frequent pattern where women were often excluded from car-related experiences and automotive events. Feeling the need to establish a presence, Arabian Gazelles was founded, with Sobati being one of the few women in attendance at these exclusive events, despite her husband not sharing her enthusiasm for supercars[1][2].
In the early days, brands hesitated to support the club, but perceptions have started to change[1][2]. "We want people to abandon the presumption that a woman in a supercar is always accompanied by a man — be it a husband, partner, or sugar daddy," Sobati explained.
The recent rally provided an excellent opportunity for the Gazelles to test-drive BMWs on racing tracks[1][2]. Sobati's message was clear: "We don't require permission to drive the cars we crave or demonstrate our fervor for them. We don't wait for an invitation to a table that may not be available. Instead, we create the table, and everyone can sit." The Arabian Gazelles have indeed carved out their niche in the automotive landscape[1][2].
[1] https://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/automotive/581733-these-emirati-women-are-taking-their-passion-for-supercars-to-a-whole-new-level[2] https://gulfnews.com/life-style/culture/these-arabian-gazelles-love-supercars-and-camaraderie-1.76584359[3] https://www.khaleejtimes.com/life-style/emirati-women-turn-heads-in-first-ever-arabian-gazelles-supercar-rally[4] https://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/transport/591863-arabian-gazelles-launch-first-ever-all-women-supercar-rally[5] https://www.gulfnews.com/lifestyle/culture/emirati-women-and-their-supercars-1.75881391
Engaging in lively discussions and shared laughter, these women gathered for the first-ever all-female supercar rally, showcasing their camaraderie and unwavering interest in luxury automobiles – a movement rooted in the 'Arabian Gazelles,' an organization born eight years ago to combat underrepresentation of women in the auto industry. Driving a striking Lamborghini, founder Hanan Mazouzi Sobati emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for women to express their love for exotic cars, including electric vehicles, as she navigated the roads towards Fujairah. Reiterating the club's mission, Sobati stated that every woman should feel empowered to take the wheel and explore their passion for high-performance vehicles, whether that be gasoline-powered cars, home-and-garden projects, or the latest news in lifestyle and technology.
