emirates7 - Two female drivers from Saudi Arabia will make history next month when they compete on the Dakar Rally for the first time. Dania Akeel and Mashael AlObaidan are set to tackle one of the most challenging rally events in world, as they navigate 9,000km across deserts and mountains in their home country.

When the 44th edition of the Dakar Rally commences on 1 January, 2022 it will be a momentous occasion to have two women drivers with Saudi competition licences in the starting line-up and marks a significant milestone for both motorsport in the region and the changing face of Saudi Arabia.

Akeel and AlObaidan will tackle the famous Rally-Raid in the T3 category, both driving South Racing-prepared Can-Am Mavericks. They will race the 135km/h buggies in distances of up to 600km a day in extreme conditions across a gruelling 12-day schedule.

As the first female drivers to be granted competition licences from the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), they understand the significance of their achievement and are proud to represent their nation in a sport they are passionate about.

“To drive on this famous event in Saudi is a dream come true,” says AlObaidan. “I’m doing what I love and I’m receiving so much support from people who say that what I am doing is inspiring a lot of people.”

Last March, AlObaidan won a round of the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Bajas which took place in Al Sharqiyah, in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. She also entered the challenging Baja España Aragón in August and finished seventh overall amongst an international field. Those results prove the 33-year-old has the credentials to be competitive on the up-coming Dakar.