Dubai: Meet Emirati woman who chases her passion for off-road driving

Dubai: Sara Al Zaabi is part of a new generation of trailblazing Emirati women breaking barriers and demonstrating that the thrills of off-roading aren’t adventures limited by gender.

The 34-year-old woman from Dubai will take part in the 43rd Gulf News Overnighter Fun Drive as a navigator. The Gulf News Overnighter Fun Drive will be held in Al Ain’s Tilal Swaihan on February 15 and 16.

“This will be the first time an Emirati woman will participate as a navigator with a marshal in the Fun Drive,” said Sara, who holds a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and a master’s in international relations. Currently, she works as an internship officer at Zayed University’s College of Arts and Creative Enterprises.

“Like drawing and designing, off-roading has always been one of my passions. But due to taboos and social norms that discourage women from becoming off-road drivers, I couldn’t pursue it. It’s mostly men who go to the desert and drive there,” said Sara, who is also an artist.

A few years ago, with the support of her family and friends, she finally decided to break the shackles and test the waters. She joined the Almost4x4 Off-Road Club, but then the COVID pandemic hit. However, since last year, she has been training regularly.

“I do off-roading with my family. At the club, it’s different. It’s risky and aggressive, but it’s done under the supervision and guidance of the seniors at the club. They teach you step by step. I’m very happy. My driving skills are developing every week.”

She did face criticism from some quarters but overcame those hurdles to follow her love for off-road driving.

“Even though I faced backlash from some people who think off-roading is not for women, I didn’t give up. I stopped caring about what they said. I’m doing what I love. I don’t regret anything. My mom and dad are very proud of me. My friend Salwa Alrais is a big supporter.”

It was Mohamad Alshamsi, the club’s founder, who suggested she take part in the Gulf News Overnighter Fun Drive.

“I will be assisting marshal Danilo Nakano, who is from the same club. I’ve received proper training to be an off-road driver and to understand the situations and potential emergencies, as well as how we can assist.”

Sara pointed out that a navigator plays a crucial role in guiding the drivers through difficult terrain.

“I will keep track of vehicles, monitor progress, manage traffic, and offer route and road guidance whenever needed by the participants. I will rescue those who get stuck, help with recovery, and guide them to safety.”

Taking part in her first Fun Drive, she is looking forward to making the most of it.

“I will be learning many techniques, including vehicle recovery and off-road driving. Every time, there is something new to learn. Also, there will be lots of other activities and opportunities for networking and meeting new people.”

Giving advice to women aspiring to take on outdoor adventures, Sara noted that if they are keen on off-roading, they should take the next step.

“Don’t wait for anyone’s approval or acceptance. My family was the first to support me on this journey, and without my family and my passion and confidence, I wouldn’t be able to do off-roading.”

The Gulf News Overnighter Fun Drive will be held in Al Ain’s Tilal Swaihan on February 15 and 16.

Main sponsors

• ADNEC — Capital 360 LLC

• Al Naboodah — GWM

• Tilal Swaihan

• Al Ain Municipality

  Checkpoint sponsors

• Al Jazira Poultry Farm LLC

• AMIT Retail LLC (Garmin)

• Dobinsons Spring & Suspention Trading LLC

• The Offroad Co. (TORC)

• Seville Products LLC (Quanta)

• Juma Al Majid (Yokohama)

• Al Naboodah — GWM

  Category sponsors

• Agthia (Al Ain Water)

• Capital Catering

• Amit Retail LLC (Garmin)

• Iranian Hospital

• Seville Products LLC (Quanta)

• Juma Al Majid (Yokohama)

• Radio Mirchi

  Support sponsors

• Cosmo Cosmetics

• Ahmad Tea

• Lavazza

• Almarai Emirates Co. LLC

• Plastica

• Byrne

• Elpis by TecVisco

  Recovery by

• International Automobile Touring Club (IATC)

  Goody bags sponsors

• Bayara

• Almarai Emirates Co. LLC

• The Offroad Co. (TORC)

• Cosmo Cosmetics

• Sara Group Holding

• AMIT Retail LLC (Garmin)

• Mawa Nuts and Snacks

• Jules Destrooper

• Ahmad Tea

• Al Jazira Poultry Farm LLC

• Health Nation

• Britannia

• Tiffany Finns

• Notions Global Trading LLC (Chocodate)