Breaking Stereotypes: The Arabian Gazelles Rally for Empowerment in Supercar Culture
In a groundbreaking event, the Arabian Gazelles, the Middle East’s first all-women supercar club, hosted a car rally in Dubai. Founded by Hanan Mazouzi Sobati, the club seeks to push against stereotypes in the automotive industry and empower women car enthusiasts to embrace their passion. During the rally, participants tested cars at a BMW event, showcasing their talent and dedication to changing perceptions about women and supercars.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — In a vibrant display of passion and camaraderie, dozens of women gathered in Dubai for a noteworthy car rally organized by the region’s pioneering all-female supercar owners club, the Arabian Gazelles. This four-day event saw participation from 30 women residing in the UAE and beyond, all united by their love for high-performance vehicles.
The Arabian Gazelles were founded eight years ago by Hanan Mazouzi Sobati, who aimed to carve out a space for women in a traditionally male-dominated automotive industry. “It’s really a product of sheer frustration … because women were overlooked in this automotive scene,” Sobati expressed as she navigated her Lamborghini down the road to Fujairah. Her lifelong passion for cars developed in childhood when she preferred Formula 1 over children’s cartoons.
Sobati noticed a glaring disparity in the automotive community, where she often found herself as the lone female participant at various car events. She recounted experiences of being invited not for her own merit, but because she was attending as her husband’s substitute despite his lack of interest in supercars. Moreover, brands initially hesitated to support an all-women car club, underscoring the challenges women face in the industry.
In addressing societal perceptions, Sobati pointedly stated, “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.” Despite these hurdles, she has begun to witness a gradual shift in public attitudes toward women and supercars.
During the Arabian Gazelles rally, participants had an opportunity to test various models on race tracks, courtesy of BMW. Sobati emphasized a message of empowerment, declaring, “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. We do not wait for a seat at the table; if the seat is not available, we create the table and we all sit.”
This rally has not only served as a thrilling experience for the participants but also highlights a significant cultural moment. Women who once felt sidelined are now boldly taking the wheel and steering change, reshaping the narrative around women and supercars in the Middle East.
The Arabian Gazelles are not just a club; they represent a transformative movement in the Middle Eastern automotive scene. Founded by Hanan Mazouzi Sobati, the group challenges stereotypes about women and car culture, enabling female motorists to forge their own paths in a largely male-dominated field. Through events like the recent rally, these women are breaking barriers and encouraging wider acceptance of women in supercar culture, creating a new narrative, one lap at a time.
Original Source: www.mymotherlode.com
