Good News in Support of World Champion Dania Akeel, 1st Professional Female Driver, before Her Participation in the World Championship and the 2023 Season of the Saudi Desert Rally Championship
The world rally champion, the Saudi female driver Dania Akeel, has received tremendous support during her preparations for the second round of the Saudi Rally Championship, which will be held from 18 to 20 May, and in preparation for her participation in the rest of season 2023 of the (Cross-Country) Rallies World Championship. Hertz Car Rental Company announced the renewal of her sponsorship contract to enhance her successful career. After their outstanding achievements, she became the first Saudi and Arab woman to win the World Cup for the T3 Desert Baja Rally.
Akeel ended her participation in the second round of the World Cup for the T3 Desert Baja Rally, which was held in the State of Qatar from 16 to 18 March, accompanied by her French navigator Laurent Lichtlichter, and the renewal of her contract was good news for the champion amid the qualification stage for the subsequent participation.
The world champion signed the new sponsorship contract with Hertz Saudi Arabia through its agent in the Kingdom, Al Wasilah Rent a Car Co Ltd., in the presence of its CEO, Asaad Al-Atyani. She confirmed that she would continue her hard and dedicated work to realize more achievements and said, “I was able to achieve many of my goals in motorsport. However, I know there is a very long road ahead of me. I am committed to pushing myself further and achieving more success.”
The world champion expressed her happiness with the great support she finds from the sponsoring companies, led by Hertz. It said, “I am grateful for the continuous support I receive from Hertz Saudi Arabia, and I hope that my success will inspire more women in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to realize their dreams.”
For his part, Asaad Al-Atyani, CEO of Al-Wasila (Hertz), said, “The renewal of the sponsorship contract with the Saudi international champion embodies the Company’s commitment to supporting Saudi women. The Company believes in Saudi women’s ability to excel, innovate and achieve unprecedented global results after the Saudi Vision 2030 contributed to a historic transformation in their careers and transformed them from spectators to participators in international sports competitions to become ambassadors for their country.”
He added, “The champion, Dania Akeel, is an exceptional driver and a great ambassador for Saudi women. We are committed to supporting her and Saudi women in all fields to achieve their goals, strengthen the nation’s vision, and positively impact society.” He concluded, “I hope her success inspires more women in Saudi Arabia to pursue their dreams, no matter the odds they may face. Hertz is committed to empowering women in Saudi Arabia and promoting their participation in sports.”
Dania Akeel is the first Arab and Saudi woman to win the World Cup for the T3 Desert Baja Rally in the 2022 season. She is also the first Saudi professional to obtain a motorcycle racing license. Her participation in the UAE Championship was her first stop in her sports career, and she is the first Saudi woman to finish the Dakar World Rally twice successfully.
