Drive Like a Goddess: Meet Arabian Gazelles, the All-Women Supercar Club

by Alexandra Mansilla

Drive Like a Goddess: Meet Arabian Gazelles, the All-Women Supercar Club

15 May 2025

At the beginning of May (1–4), the UAE hosted a truly standout event — the Arabian Gazelles Rally, the Middle East’s first all-women supercar rally. Yes, every single driver behind the wheel was a woman — 20 participants in total, each one of them exceptional. The rally route took them through Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Abu Dhabi, before finally returning to Dubai.

Arabian Gazelles is the Middle East’s very first all-women supercar club — created to empower women through motorsport, break stereotypes, and inspire others across the region to follow their passion for driving, speed, and performance.

We had the chance to sit down with Hanan Sobati, the founder of Arabian Gazelles. She shared the story behind the club, the challenges they have faced along the way, and how attitudes toward women in motorsport are shifting.

— Hanan, can you tell us your story? How did the idea for Arabian Gazelles first come about? What inspired you to create the world’s first all-women supercar collective?

— Arabian Gazelles was born from a personal frustration. I loved driving a supercar, but often found myself as the only woman at automotive events, treated more like a novelty than a serious enthusiast. I didn’t want to be an exception, I wanted to create a shift in the industry.

We wanted more visibility, more voice, and more space for women who truly love cars. It brought together a group of powerful, like-minded women who already shared this passion, and those who have discovered it through our platform.

A space that reflects who we are, and the way we choose to live our passion.

— What was the biggest challenge you faced when launching Arabian Gazelles? Was it public perception of women in motorsport, or something else entirely?

— Public perception was certainly a challenge in the beginning. Many people couldn’t quite grasp the idea of women leading in a supercar space, let alone forming their own club.

But the greater challenge was proving that this wasn’t just a novelty. We weren’t here for photo ops, we were here to stay, to grow, and to set new standards in the automotive scene.

Establishing credibility while maintaining the exclusivity and high standards we envisioned took time and consistency.

— Were there any particular challenges in launching the rally itself?

— Absolutely. Coordinating a multi-day rally with 20 supercars driven by women, across cities, racetracks, and mountain roads, is no small feat. Every detail matters: the right routes, the right partners, the right energy.

We were fortunate to have incredible partners like Chopard and supporters like BMW, Tom Ford Beauty, Elite Cars and German Experts, who understood and shared our vision.

We are also deeply grateful to the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Board, which went above and beyond to ensure a seamless convoy experience. Their support, along with the coordination from local police, made that leg of the rally unforgettable for our members.

— The rally brings together 20 exceptional women — how do you select the participants? What makes these particular women stand out?

— Every woman who takes part represents more than horsepower; she represents power.

We select participants based on more than just the cars they drive. We look for ambition, influence, character, and community spirit. These women are leaders in their fields and forces in their own right. That is what makes them stand out.

— Driving through racetracks, desert dunes, and mountain peaks sounds exhilarating. Which part of the journey is your personal favourite, and why? And what do you find to be the toughest part?

— The most electrifying moment is when we take over the racetrack; it is pure adrenaline and freedom.

But the part I treasure most is the mountain drive: winding roads, breathtaking views, a convoy of women owning every curve.

The toughest part? Convoy management. Keeping supercars moving in sync and still delivering a flawless luxury experience takes precision, timing, and a strong support team.

— What message do you hope the Arabian Gazelles Rally sends to women across the region?

— That you don’t have to wait for permission. If you don’t see what you want, build it. Drive it. Lead it. We are not here to prove anything to men; we are here to inspire women to live boldly and unapologetically.

— Since starting this journey, have you seen attitudes toward women in motorsport shift? What progress are you personally most proud of?

— Definitely. Today, it is no longer unusual to see a woman behind the wheel of a supercar in this region, it is respected, even celebrated. But what I am most proud of is the powerful network that has emerged.

These women don’t just drive together; they support each other, collaborate, and even build businesses together. It is a community rooted in shared passion, but strengthened by ambition and action.

— How do you think the rally contributes to reshaping perceptions of women’s empowerment in the Middle East?

— The impact goes far beyond the region. What we are doing is creating a visible, global network of women who share the same passion and drive.

It is not just about breaking stereotypes in the Middle East, it is about shifting perceptions everywhere. When women from different countries come together through a shared love for supercars and performance, it creates a ripple effect, challenging outdated ideas and inspiring new possibilities.

This isn’t about making a statement; it is about living the reality and showing that women can lead, connect, and thrive on their own terms, on and off the road.

— Can you share any memorable stories or standout moments from the most recent rally that have stayed with you?

— There were many, but a few really stood out. One participant had always admired supercars but was nervous about driving up steep mountain roads. During the rally, she overcame that fear and reached the top with confidence. Others drove through long desert stretches for the first time, stepping out of their cars beaming.

What touched me most was seeing international participants discover a whole new side of the UAE, beyond the beaches and malls. They experienced the desert silence, mountain peaks, and cultural richness that made them fall in love with the country on a deeper level.

— What is next for Arabian Gazelles?

— We are already receiving a global interest in our second edition and planning new chapters of the Arabian Gazelles journey.

The road doesn’t stop here, and we are looking forward to bringing the experience to more countries, building bridges through horsepower and community wherever we go.

We also want to bring our global network of passionate automotive women to discover our part of the world through driving with Arabian Gazelles, experiencing the UAE and the region from a new perspective, and driving the change together.

by Alexandra Mansilla