Dania Akeel: breaking down barriers in motorsport

From the Jameel Motors Newsroom

In the high-octane world of motorsport, where speed, skill, and determination reign supreme, Dania Akeel is a true pioneer.

As the outright winner of the FIA Middle East Baja Cup 2024 rally championship, she has not only conquered challenging terrain in her car, but also shattered stereotypes, becoming a beacon of inspiration for women across the globe.

Road to glory: 2024 season and championship victory

Even by her high standards, the 2024 racing season stands as a defining chapter in Dania’s illustrious career.

It was a year marked by intense competition, grueling challenges, and ultimately, glorious victory.

Dania’s consistently outstanding performance throughout the season showcased her growth as a driver and her relentless ability to perform under pressure.

Right from the season’s opening race, Dania demonstrated a level of skill and strategy that more than matched her competitors.  Race after race, she consistently finished in top positions, accumulating crucial points and building momentum.  Her ability to navigate treacherous terrains, from scorching deserts to rugged mountain passes, proved that she was not just participating – she was there to win.

Her victory in the 2024 Baja Cup didn’t come easily.  It was the culmination of years of hard work, countless hours of training, and an unyielding spirit.  In the final race of the season, with the championship hanging in the balance, Dania delivered a stellar performance.

As she crossed the finish line, she not only secured the race win, she collected the points she needed to claim overall victory in the championship, etching her name in the annals of motorsport history.

“Crossing that finish line was surreal,” Dania recalls.  “All the years of hard work, the challenges, the doubts – they all culminated in that moment.  It wasn’t just my victory; it was a victory for everyone who believed in me and supported my journey.”

This victory was more than just a personal triumph; it was a milestone for Saudi Arabian motorsport and women in motorsport worldwide.  Dania’s success proved that talent and determination are not defined by gender or nationality.

Highs, lows, and lessons learned

Dania’s journey to the top of her sport was far from smooth.  Like any path to greatness, it was paved with both exhilarating highs, and challenging lows, each playing a crucial role in shaping her into the champion she is today.

She started off racing motorbikes but switched to rally cars in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic limited the opportunities for bike racing.  The switch was a significant risk, but it paid off spectacularly.  Her first podium finish in a major event in 2021 proved to herself and the world that she belonged in the upper echelons of global rally driving.

However, with the highs came the inevitable lows.  Early in her career, Dania faced skepticism from some quarters about her ability to compete at the highest level.  There were mechanical failures at crucial moments, crashes that tested her resolve, and the constant pressure of being a pioneer in her field.

Yet, it was during these tough times that Dania’s true character shone through.  She used each setback as a learning opportunity, analyzing her mistakes and working tirelessly to improve.  The lessons learned during these times proved invaluable.  She developed a mental toughness and resilience that would serve her well in the highest-pressure situations.  She learned the importance of building a strong, reliable team around her.  Most importantly, she realized that setbacks were not failures, but mere stepping-stones to success.

Perhaps the most significant lesson she learned was the power of perseverance.  In a sport where the margins between victory and defeat are often counted in tenths, sometimes hundredths, of seconds, her ability to stay focused and push through adversity became her greatest asset.

From enthusiast to champion

To truly understand Dania’s rise to prominence, one must look back to her roots.

Born 26 September, 1988 and raised in Jeddah, Dania moved to the UK during middle school, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in modern history and politics from the Royal Holloway University of London, then completing a master’s in International Business at Hult International Business School – returning to Saudi in 2016.

She grew up in a time of significant social and cultural transformation in her country.  Her family played a crucial role in nurturing her passion for motorsport from a young age.

As a child, she was fascinated by the speed and excitement of racing, often watching international competitions on television.  Her parents, recognizing her passion, encouraged her interest, even in a society where women’s participation in such sports was then rather uncommon.

The turning point came when Dania first got her hands on a motorbike.  The feeling of freedom and exhilaration she experienced ignited a fire that would shape her future.  She began participating in local events, honing her skills and building her confidence.

Her talent was evident from the start, and she quickly began to make a name for herself on the local racing scene.

She began racing at the age of 30 on superbikes at the Dubai Auto drome circuit and in 2019, Dania received the ‘Rookie of Year’ award during her debut for the Ducati Cup in the UAE National Sportbike Super Series.

She competed Bahrain’s BMR600 Championship, but before the end of the year, an on-track accident forced her to take a step back and spend time to reflect on her life.  Her thoughts were published in a book, ‘Freefall’.

After her recovery, I moved into the rally racing world, where she became the first Saudi female to participate in an international rally competition.  Dania’s transition from motorbikes to rally cars in 2020 was a pivotal moment.

The challenge of mastering a new discipline was daunting, but it also opened up new opportunities.  International rally racing, with its diverse terrains across countries such as Argentina, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Italy and South Africa, suited her adventurous spirit and strategic mind.

“Switching from two wheels to four was a leap of faith,” Dania explains.  “It was like learning a new language.  But that’s what I love about motorsport – it constantly pushes you out of your comfort zone and challenges you to adapt and grow.”

In 2021, Dania was the first female to participate and win an international rally, winning Baja World Cup T3 class after racing 5 rounds and finishing first in Saudi and Jordan races, second in Hungary, third in Poland, and fourth in the final round in Italy.  In the same year she also finished eighth in the Dakar Rally 2022 T3 class.

Dania was also the first Saudi female to cross the finish line at the famous Dakar rally in 2022 and became the first Arab woman in history to finish in the top ten of her categories, where she finished in 8th place out of 48 T3 competitors.

Throughout her journey, she drew inspiration from a variety of sources.  She admired international racing legends for their skill and determination, but she also found heroes closer to home.  The pioneers of Arab motorsport, who had paved the way for a new generation of racers in the region, were particularly influential.

As Dania’s career progressed, she achieved several significant milestones.  Her first international race was a moment of pride, not just for her but for her entire country.  Each subsequent achievement – her first win, her first championship podium, and ultimately her Baja championship victory – were steps on a path that was both pioneering and personal.

Forging a path for women in motorsport

Dania’s success in motorsport is remarkable not just for its scale, but for the barriers she has had to overcome.  As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated sport, she has had to navigate unique challenges.

From the outset, she faced doubts and sometimes outright opposition.  There were those who questioned whether a woman could compete at the highest levels of motorsport, particularly in the physically demanding discipline of rally racing.  Her response was to let her performances speak for themselves.  Race after race, she proved that skill, determination, and passion are the critical formula for success, and that gender is, well., irrelevant if those personality factors are present.

“There were times when people questioned my ability simply because of my gender,” Dania admits.  “But I never let that affect me.  I always believed that talent and determination speak louder than any preconceived notions.  On the track, it’s not about being a man or a woman – it’s about being the best driver you can be.”

She often had to create her own opportunities, forging connections and building a support network from scratch.  This process, while difficult, helped Dania develop a resilience and resourcefulness that would serve her well throughout her career.

Her success has made her a role model for young women and girls, not just in Saudi Arabia but around the world.  She has shown that with talent, hard work, and perseverance, it’s possible to succeed in any field, regardless of gender or background.  Her achievements have opened doors and inspired a new generation of female racers in the Middle East and beyond.

“In racing, as in life, setbacks are inevitable,” Dania says.  “What matters is how you respond to them.  Every failure, every disappointment, is an opportunity to learn and come back stronger.  That’s been my mantra throughout my career.”

Power of partnership

A crucial factor in Dania’s success has been her partnership with Abdul Latif Jameel and Jameel Motorsport, which has provided her with the resources and expertise to compete at the highest levels.

Her relationship with Jameel Motorsport goes beyond mere sponsorship.  The partnership, initiated in 2022 with a three-year deal, has provided Dania with the stability and resources necessary to flourish.

It represents a shared vision for the future of motorsport in the region and a commitment to nurturing local talent.

Jameel Motorsport’s patient, flexible approach recognizes that success in cross-country rallying is a long-term process, requiring time for continued skills development and learning from experiences.  This holistic ethos demonstrates both their understanding of the sport’s demands and their commitment to Dania’s sustained success.

The partnership has also granted Dania access to top tier racing equipment, including the opportunity to drive Toyota cars in the ‘Ultimate’ rally class, which she describes as “incredible machines”.

“The support from Abdul Latif Jameel and Jameel Motorsport has been invaluable,” Dania acknowledges.  “Racing is a journey of constant growth and self-discovery.  It’s about having the patience to be honest with yourself, the drive to keep pushing forward, and the humility to learn from both success and failure.

The support of partners like Jameel Motorsport who understand the time it takes to develop in this sport is hugely important.  Whether navigating the dunes of the Dakar Rally or the challenges of daily life, knowing there is a team of people dedicated to doing all they can to help you succeed is a massive boost.”

Beyond the track

While Dania’s achievements on the racetrack are impressive, they’re only part of her story.  An avid reader, Dania finds inspiration and relaxation in books, particularly biographies of successful leaders, innovators and sports people.  She’s also a fitness enthusiast, maintaining a rigorous training regimen even during the off-season to ensure she’s always in peak condition for racing.

Outside of racing, Dania is passionate about education and youth empowerment.  She frequently speaks at schools and universities, sharing her experiences and encouraging young people, especially girls, to pursue their passions fearlessly.  She’s also involved in various charitable initiatives, particularly those focused on providing opportunities for underprivileged youth to experience motorsport.

“If my journey can inspire even one young girl to pursue her dreams, then I consider that a greater victory than any trophy,” Dania says.  “I want every child, regardless of gender or background, to know that with dedication and perseverance, they can achieve anything they set their minds to.”

Road ahead: Ambitions for 2025 and beyond

As Dania looks towards 2025 and beyond, her ambitions show no signs of waning.  On the professional front, she aims to defend her championship title and push herself to her limits once again in the World Championship, Middle East Championship and Saudi Championship.

As the infamous Dakar rally for 2025, comes to a close, Dania has distinguished herself again as the first Saudi and Arab woman to claim first place in a stage of the Rally with her phenomenal victory in Stage 10 of the event.  A testament to her skill, determination, resilience and grit in what is one of the world’s most grueling races.

As she moves forward, Dania remains grounded, always remembering the path that led her to where she is today.  She often speaks of her desire to give back to the sport that has given her so much, hoping to inspire and support the next generation of racers.

“Winning the Baja Championship in 2024 was a milestone, not a finish line,” she says.  “There are still so many challenges I want to take on, so many boundaries I want to push.  Getting a good result in the Dakar Rally is definitely on my radar.  But beyond my personal ambitions, I’m excited about the future of motorsport in our region.  We’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible.”

Dania Akeel’s story is far from over . . .   in fact, it’s still only just beginning.

As she continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in motorsport, she remains a shining example of what can be achieved with talent, determination, and the courage to dream big.  As she races towards new horizons, one thing is certain: Dania Akeel will continue to break barriers and inspire generations to come.