Dubai: Condolences and tributes flooded social media as UAE nationals expressed sorrow over the passing of Emirati drag racer and philanthropist Hamda Taryam Matar Taryam Al Shamsi, who died on Saturday at the age of 24.
His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, attended her funeral service in Wasit, the northern suburb of Sharjah. Sheikh Sultan granted Dh1 million through Sharjah Charity Association to complete Hamda’s charitable projects in Uganda. Sheikh Sultan also offered his condolences to Hamda’s father, Taryam Matar Taryam, and the entire Taryam family.
The cause of her death is unclear. Emirati adventurer Khalifa Al Mazrouei posted on social media site Snapchat: “Hamda was en route to her brother’s clinic at Tawam Hospital in Abu Dhabi when she felt exhausted at a petrol station, where she called for an ambulance herself.”
‘Thank you, Hamda’
The news of Hamda’s passing elicited widespread sorrow among fellow citizens and people across GCC countries, who shared accounts of her virtues. Hamda was known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly in African nations. The mourners shared images of the young Emirati woman among African children, showcasing her charitable projects, notably in Uganda.
“Rest in peace Hamda Taryam Al Shamsi. May God have mercy on your soul. Thank you for all what you did for humanity,” social media influencer Hassan Sajwani wrote on his X account.
Federal National Council member Naema Al Mansouri shared her condolences for Hamda, saying: “May God have mercy on #Hamda Taryam Al Shamsi, the impact and good remembrance.”
Emirati legal professional Hazza Al Hameli also expressed his farewells in a post on X, bidding goodbye to Hamda and acknowledging her efforts in Africa to bring happiness to the less fortunate.
Retired Saudi artist Fayez Al Maliki, known for his charitable endeavours, mourned Hamda’s passing, praying: “To the paradise, Hamda Taryam, may God have mercy on you.”
Passion for racing
Hamda was renowned for her skills in car and motorcycle racing, becoming the first Emirati female car racer. Her journey in the automotive world began in 2020. She shared her passion for racing on her Instagram account, where she had amassed a following of 136,000 followers.
Hamda was a well-known philanthropist in Uganda who initiated various charitable projects through her foundation, the Hamda Foundation for Charitable Investments. In March 2022, at the Emirates Custom Show exhibition, a new project for a vocational institute in Uganda’s Maska region was announced, called the Hamda Vocational and Social Institute, to support Ugandan orphans.
She gained global acclaim after she had featured in the Netflix show ‘The Fastest’, the first Arabic reality show which highlighted the region’s love for motorsport.
