All-female Abaya Rally adorns the capital in celebration of Emirati Women’s Day

Dubai: The second edition of Abaya Rally, an all-women car parade and drive to celebrate women’s empowerment, featured 100 cars driven by women dressed in Abayas at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi on the occasion of Emirati Women’s Day. 

Organised by Orbit Events and Promotions with the support of the Emirates Motor Sports Organization (EMSO), the Abaya Rally displayed the ‘Power of the Abaya’ – embodying a proud tradition, a deeply respected culture, and the identity of women in the UAE. It concluded at the Al Raha Beach Hotel. 

H.H. Shaikh Obaid Bin Suhail Al Maktoum, a Member of The Dubai Royal Family (was the guest of honour at the event. H.E Hjayceelyn Quintana, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, Mrs. Marlene Murphy, President of PhilPac; Yevheniia Yemshenetska, wife of Ambassador of Ukraine to the UAE, Maryna Fedianina, wife of the Cultural Attaché of the Embassy participated in the event. Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism and the Integrated Transport Centre are also associated with the Rally. 

About 30 notable Emirati women achievers from various fields were feted with the Emirati Woman of Achievement Awards at the Al Raha Beach Hotel to mark the seventh Emirati Women’s Day. About 10 distinguished women officers from the Abu Dhabi Police force were honoured for their dedication and excellence in the areas of police and security work.

The Rally provided an exhilarating driving experience to the participating women by breaking stereotypes as well as helping them steps towards achieving strength, ambition, and a sustainable future said the organisers. The adventure-infused initiative recognized the impact that women, along with their achievements and strengths have had. 

Pragna Vaya, Managing Director – of Orbit Events and Promotions, at Orbit Events, said, “As someone who has lived most of my life here in the UAE, I always wanted to create a concept that inspires, unites and celebrates the accomplishments of women in a fun and memorable way. We are overwhelmed with what Abaya Rally has evolved into.”

Khalid Al-Shameili, CEO of Emirates Driving Company, said, “As an organization, Emirates Driving Company aligns with the vision of the country’s wise leadership to empower women by giving them the opportunity to contribute effectively to development. Emirati women did not stop at being half of society but proved that they are an accomplished and essential part of it in building the nation and its renaissance.”

In the Abaya Rally, Kasia Szelag, Brand Manager, from Emirates Motor Company, said, “It was an honour to sponsor such a wonderful event that brought together and celebrated exceptional women from across the UAE. The role played by women in the prosperity and growth of the UAE cannot be understated, driven by the country’s leaders’ continuous efforts in advancing gender equality and empowering women at every level.”

Sharihan Al Mashary, Business Development & Operations Project Manager at TGP International, who received an accolade, said, “As an Emirati woman, I’ve been fortunate to see the continued empowerment of women in the UAE. They have taken important roles in every field that builds society, grows the economy, and shapes the next 50 years.”

“My career as a hotelier, during which I became the first female Emirati General Manager, I exemplified the vision of our country’s leadership to promote fairness, equality of opportunity and pay, and national and youth employment in the organization,” she added. 

The event also hosted a panel discussion, titled ‘Empowering Women: Leadership, Vision and Empowering Change for a Sustainable Future,’ featuring an elite panel of speakers. The panel included Dr. Eng. Suaad Al Shamsi, Dr. Eng. Walaa Al Shehhi, Mona Sulaiman Tajaarbi, and Fahima Falaknaz. The discussion was based on the vision and theme for 2022 – ‘Inspiring Reality, Sustainable Future’.  

The event featured the first-ever NFT artwork drawn live by IBANDA Benjamin. The artwork depicted two Emirati women wearing Abayas in the colours of the UAE against the Abu Dhabi skyline with a Mercedes Benz EQS car.

The event received overwhelming support from a curated list of brands Platinum Sponsor – Emirates Driving Company, Al Raha Beach Hotel -Hospitality Partner, Emirates Motor Company – Mercedes Benz Abu Dhabi, EMSO – Strategic Partner, Gold Sponsors Al Baker, Skechers, Hydration Partner – Mai Dubai, Hanayen, Al Margribi Perfumes, Silver Sponsors Al Rawabi, Eastern Masala, Patchi Chocolates, Bath and Bodyworks, Flormar, Hunter Foods, Florist Partner – Bliss, RedX Media Events. Luxury Abaya brand Hanayen curated an Abaya Fashion Show.

The Abaya Rally was supported by Platinum Sponsors, Emirates Driving Company whose vision is to be the leader in promoting and contributing toward safer roads in the region. 

Abaya Rally Abu Dhabi