Middle East’s First All-Women Supercar Club Redefines Automotive Culture
The Arabian Gazelles, the first all-women supercar club in the Middle East, hosted a rally in Dubai over the weekend. Founded by Hanan Mazouzi Sobati eight years ago out of frustration with male dominance in the automotive scene, the club aims to empower women drivers and change perceptions. The event featured participants enjoying track time at BMW and emphasized women’s rights and capabilities in pursuing their passion for supercars.
In an inspiring display of passion and camaraderie, a unique gathering of women took to the streets of Dubai this past weekend, marking a significant milestone in the automotive sector. The Arabian Gazelles, the Middle East’s first all-women supercar club, hosted a car rally that not only showcased their impressive vehicles but also shattered preconceived notions about women in the automotive world. Participants included engineers, entrepreneurs, and housewives, all united by their love for supercars.
Over the course of four days, approximately 30 women from the UAE and even abroad participated in this groundbreaking event. The Arabian Gazelles club, founded eight years ago by Hanan Mazouzi Sobati, emerged from her frustration with the male-dominated automotive scene. Having often been the only woman at car-related events, Sobati decided it was time to foster an inclusive environment where women could also thrive.
“It’s really a product of sheer frustration… women were overlooked in this automotive scene, and I thought someone has to do something about it and bring in more women to drive the change,” Sobati stated while navigating the roads to Fujairah in her Lamborghini. Her enthusiasm for cars has been longstanding, stemming from childhood days spent watching Formula 1 instead of cartoons. This love for supercars has catalyzed her mission to transform perceptions surrounding women in the automotive field.
Sobati recalls how she was often at automotive events not as a guest in her own right but as a substitute for her husband, who was invited despite showing little interest in cars. “We want people to stop thinking there’s always a man because they see a woman in a supercar; either a husband, a partner, or a sugar daddy,” she explained. Though the initial reaction from brands was tepid, support for her initiative has gradually improved.
The recent rally included a special collaboration with BMW, allowing participants the rare opportunity to test their vehicles on the race tracks. Sobati emphasized the importance of asserting their presence on the roads: “We do not need permission to drive, or to choose what kind of cars to drive. We do not wait for a seat at the table; if the seat is not available, we create the table and we all sit.” The atmosphere of the rally was both electric and supportive, evidencing a significant cultural shift in the region.
The Arabian Gazelles are not just about fast cars; they promote a deeper change in attitudes towards women and their rightful place in the automotive industry. As each mile was driven, there was a collective sense of empowerment and determination, one that is sure to inspire many more women to join the ranks of petrolheads across the globe.
The Arabian Gazelles have emerged as a symbol of empowerment and transformation in the male-dominated automotive realm of the Middle East. Founded by Hanan Mazouzi Sobati, the all-women supercar club is breaking stereotypes and challenging perceptions about women and cars. Through events like the recent rally, they amplify their message of independence and passion for supercars, paving the way for future generations of female automotive enthusiasts.
Original Source: www.mymotherlode.com
