Dubai : The Harley engines cough into life with a low rumbling growl that quickly turns into a deafening roar as they rev up.
Passing motorists slow down to watch - but it's not just the noise that attracts their attention. More than the bikes it's the tough-looking bunch of leather-clad women behind the handlebars who are making heads turn.
Dressed in leather and boots, covered in badges sewn into her jacket and wearing a bandana that partially hides her blonde hair, Michaela Al Daghma, a German mother of two, is part of a small but growing group of women who are hitting the road on two wheels.
"I love the sense of freedom you get from riding a Harley and the lifestyle that comes with that."
She got involved in motorbikes after arriving in Dubai in 2006 with her husband and children.
"My husband used to ride a lot in Germany on his Harley Davidson and I used to sit with him."
No roadblocks
Al Daghma signed up for a two-lessons-a-week course with the Emirates Driving Institute and passed in her first attempt. She rides her husband's old Sportster.
"It was a quick process for me getting my licence, but I think it was difficult in the past for women - it's a lot easier now," she added.
She is part of the Harley Owners Group (HOG), Dubai Chapter, as the Ladies Officer. The group does weekly rides on some 40 bikes to Oman, Fujairah and Hatta. Of these, around 12 riders on most occasions are women.
"We have people from North America, Europe and South Africa, but we also have a lot of Emiratis and more are becoming interested," she said.
Starting off
Most newly qualified riders are advised to start off on a smaller and more manageable bike to gain experience, before graduating to more powerful machines.
Rita Hanscombe learned to ride in her native South Africa, but took a refresher course when she moved to Dubai last June.
She said: "There is a real thrill to riding a motorbike on the open road that you just don't get with being in a car.
"I guess it's the old cliché about feeling the wind in your hair, but it's true. It's an exhilarating experience and one that you want to experience again and again."
Clara Ball moved to the UAE from Canada three years ago, and has had a passion for Harley Davidsons since she was 14, travelling as a pillion-rider on her father's bike. She said: "It's a liberating experience riding a motorbike and to be in a big group of your friends all doing the same creates a wonderful sense of spirit.
"But it's a passion that doesn't come cheap - the cheapest Harley Davidson, the Sportster Iron 883, costs Dh33,500, while the most expensive are the custom designs, which go up to Dh155,000.
"Then there is the maintenance as well as the clothing and other aspects, so it quickly builds up. Having said that I would say it is worth it - to experience the feeling of riding a Harley," added Clara.
