- Key Highlights
- Achievement Table: Dania Akeel’s Milestones
- Early Career and Turning Points
- Philosophy and Motivation
- Dania’s Impact on Saudi Sport
- Advice for Aspiring Female Athletes
In the evolving landscape of Saudi sports and female empowerment, Dania Akeel has catapulted herself onto the global stage as the first Saudi woman to conquer international desert rallies. Her story doesn’t fit the traditional mold—she began as a superbike racer, overcame injury, and went on to claim worldwide desert rally trophies. Why has Dania become a symbol for a new, ambitious, and resilient generation of Saudi women? Here’s her journey.
Key Highlights
Born in Jeddah, 1988, Dania Akeel holds a master’s degree in International Business from the UK.
In 2019, she became the first Saudi woman to receive a national motorcycle racing license.
After injury, she pivoted from superbikes to rally cars, quickly gaining podiums on the regional and world stage.
First Saudi and Arab woman to win the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Bajas (T3 class) in 2021.
First Saudi woman to finish the legendary Dakar Rally (2022), achieving eighth place in her category—and shattering barriers for women in motorsport.
Named “Saudi Athlete of the Year” in 2021 by the Saudi Olympic Committee.
Her media persona and mentoring have inspired Arab and Gulf women to enter technical and extreme sports.
Achievement Table: Dania Akeel’s Milestones
Recovery, wrote personal memoir “Free Fall”; moved to rallying |
First Saudi/Arab woman winner—multiple stage podiums |
Early Career and Turning Points
Dania’s love of competition began with motorcycles in the UAE during her university years. By age 30, she already held an advanced rider’s license and debuted in Ducati Cup UAE, earning “Rookie of the Year” honors. A major crash changed the game—after tough rehabilitation, she wrote “Free Fall,” a memoir and collection of life lessons, before switching to rally raid racing.
Philosophy and Motivation
Dania believes motorsport is more than speed—it’s about testing limits, tactical planning, and outwitting desert challenges. Breaking stereotypes, she proves that women can thrive in the technical, physically demanding world of racing. Every podium is a chance to inspire and draw more talent into the sport.
Dania’s Impact on Saudi Sport
Smashed the gender ceiling in a region where technical sports had long excluded women.
Became a media and TV ambassador, sharing her story with millions and motivating young Saudi girls to try motorsports.
Actively mentors and encourages novice racers, hosting public talks and publishing her recovery and racing memoirs.
Her message: “Driving in Saudi is not just a woman’s right—it’s the gateway to world-class achievement.”
Advice for Aspiring Female Athletes
“Talent and persistence are key,” says Dania. “Don’t wait for permission. Enter the arena, give it your all—top ranks are there for those who push through setbacks.”
Dania Akeel is much more than a Saudi champion—her journey is a beacon for ambition, resilience, and making dreams happen against all odds. With every race and every victory, she opens new doors for women in motorsport and sets bold horizons for the region. Her legacy: Success is earned first on tough tracks, and then celebrated by inspiring others.
