After a strong finish at the Dubai International Baja, rally driver Nora Al Jassasi is set to make history as the first Emirati woman to compete in the FIA Middle East Baja Cup in 2026.
DUBAI: In a historic moment for UAE motorsport, Nora Al Jassasi will become the first Emirati woman to compete in the FIA Middle East Baja Cup, with her participation confirmed for the 2026 season. The regional off‑road championship begins in Hail, Saudi Arabia, in January, followed by Aqaba, Jordan, in February.
Her qualification follows an impressive performance at the Dubai International Baja 2025, where she finished third in the SSV T4 category and 21st overall, standing out as the only Emirati woman in the race during her third consecutive appearance.
Over a demanding 400‑kilometre stage across fast dunes, open tracks, and broken sand formations, Al Jassasi delivered a clean run without any mechanical issues or rollovers, showcasing her technical readiness and race‑day discipline.
Speaking after her Dubai Baja performance, Al Jassasi said:
“This season was all about building consistency and pushing my technical capabilities. Competing in the FIA Middle East Baja Cup next year is a dream — and a responsibility I carry with pride for Emirati women in motorsport.”
Her upcoming season is part of a broader competitive strategy, with Al Jassasi planning to race in additional regional rounds including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, and the UAE, aiming to raise her profile further in the global off‑road rally circuit.
Al Jassasi’s milestone marks a significant step forward in gender representation in Middle East motorsport, reflecting the growing participation of women in professional rallying across the region.
