Reema Juffali: The Saudi Pioneer Redefining Motorsport—From Jeddah to Formula Racing Glory

The image of Saudi women behind the wheel was once only a distant dream. Today, Reema Juffali is living proof that the dream can shatter barriers and electrify racetracks worldwide. From her childhood in Jeddah, where a passion for cars felt like distant fantasy, to historic victories in Europe, Asia, and at home, Juffali is the face of a new, relentless generation. How did she turn “impossible” into “inspiring”? Here’s her full journey—a story of ambition, courage, and breaking boundaries.

Key Highlights

• Born in Jeddah in 1992; holds a Bachelor’s in International Affairs from Northeastern University, USA.

• The first Saudi woman to earn a racing license and to compete in an official international championship (2018).

• Founder and principal of Theeba Motorsport, the Saudi team nurturing new racing talent.

• First-place finisher in the 2023 Sprint Cup, and runner-up in the Dubai 24H Endurance Challenge.

• Represented Saudi Arabia in Formula E, British F4, International GT Open, and F1 Academy events.

• Chosen among BBC’s 100 most influential women worldwide in 2022.

• A passionate community leader, actively involved in youth initiatives encouraging girls to embrace sports and technology.

Reema Juffali’s Major Achievements

The Inspirational Journey

As a child, Reema followed her love for cars through the streets of Jeddah, sketching racecars in her notebook and memorizing engine sounds. Lacking firsthand experience or a female role model in Saudi, she focused on academics—but after attending university in America she discovered real racing was within reach. After women were granted the legal right to drive in Saudi Arabia, she became the first Saudi woman to earn an official racing license and soon made her competitive debut in Britain’s F4. From her international debut onward, Juffali’s story inspired female fans across the Arab world.

How Did Reema Make History?

• Refused to accept societal or cultural limitations; rebuilt what was possible for Saudi women in motorsports.

• Built Theeba Motorsport—an all-Saudi initiative to mentor and train newcomers to racing.

• Competed in everything from karting and endurance to Formula E, GT, and the F1 all-women’s Academy.

• Set records at every step: first international race for a Saudi woman—in Saudi Arabia itself; first female winner at major European circuits.

• Leads outreach efforts encouraging girls to challenge norms and discover engineering, science, and driving.

Reema’s Note to the Future

At a major event on Jeddah’s Corniche, Reema handed out notes that read: “Dreams aren’t racing against time; they need passion and courage. Doors open to those who keep knocking.” By showing up day after day, she built a new path for all who dreamed of a place on the grid.

What Sets Reema Apart?

• Blends academic excellence and athletic prowess—combining technology mastery with relentless Saudi pride.

• Moves beyond individual accolades; built a team and a purpose-driven platform to inspire the next generation.

• Her message is authentic: she shares setbacks and obstacles just as openly as victories, providing a role model grounded in humility and drive.

Pro Advice & Inspiration

• Feed your passion through continuous learning—never compare yourself; chart your unique road.

• Create your own opportunity, even if there’s no visible path—leverage every stage that lets you shine.

• Family and community support are vital; always build a support network.

• The beauty of sport is not just winning, but thriving through adversity and challenge.

Reema Juffali’s story is a landmark for Saudi—and Arab—women: a journey from the streets of Jeddah to F1 Academy and the world’s most prestigious racetracks. With persistence and vision, “impossible” disappears. Her climb empowers an entire generation and proves that the fast lane is open to any dreamer from the Gulf or beyond.