Arabian Gazelles: Breaking Stereotypes in the Supercar Scene
Dozens of women gathered in Dubai for a car rally hosted by the all-female supercar club, Arabian Gazelles. Founded by Hanan Mazouzi Sobati, the club aims to elevate women’s roles in the automotive scene. Despite initial hurdles, perceptions are slowly changing as participants showcased their passion for supercars and demonstrated their independence.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Over the weekend, a remarkable gathering took place in Dubai as dozens of women convened for a unique car rally celebrating their shared enthusiasm for supercars. This event, hosted by the Arabian Gazelles—the first all-female supercar owners club in the Middle East—featured 30 participants from the UAE and beyond embarking on a four-day tour across the country.
The Arabian Gazelles, founded eight years ago by Hanan Mazouzi Sobati, aims to uplift women’s roles in a traditionally male-dominated automotive scene. Sobati, who finds her passion roots deep, recalls a childhood spent not on cartoons but watching thrilling Formula 1 races. Her frustration with the lack of female representation at car events propelled her to action. “It’s really a product of sheer frustration… because women were overlooked,” she remarked, alluding to her determination to incite change.
During these past rally days, participants engaged in lively conversations and exchanged stories, showcasing diverse backgrounds as engineers, entrepreneurs, and even housewives. Such inclusivity reflects the Arabian Gazelles’ mission of empowering women in automotive culture, demonstrating that their passion for cars extends beyond mere enjoyment— it is an assertion of independence and identity.
Sobati emphasized a need for societal perceptions to shift, recalling how she was often the only woman present at automotive events, typically occupying the invitation meant for her husband. “We want people to stop thinking there’s always a man… either a husband, a partner, a sugar daddy,” she insisted. Despite challenges with brand support for an all-female club initially, the tide has started to turn.
An exciting highlight of the rally was an invitation from BMW to test-drive cars on a racetrack, exemplifying the growing recognition of women drivers. Sobati declared, “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.” Her empowering words resonate deeply with the ethos of the Arabian Gazelles, a group committed not only to driving fast cars but also to reshaping perceptions about women in the automotive world.
“If the seat is not available, we create the table and we all sit,” Sobati stated, encapsulating the essence of this progressive movement within the Middle Eastern supercar culture. As they embrace the challenges ahead, these women are changing the narrative, one rally at a time.
The Arabian Gazelles are carving a new path for women’s representation in the automotive world. With a foundation rooted in passion and frustration, their inaugural rally signifies substantial progress in changing societal perceptions. Hanan Mazouzi Sobati’s leadership, alongside her fellow Gazelles, demonstrates that women no longer need to wait for opportunities; they are actively creating spaces for themselves in the supercar culture.
Original Source: www.mymotherlode.com
