Dania Akeel, Saudi Arabia’s first female Dakar Rally competitor and a 2024 FIA Middle East Baja Cup champion, is gearing up for her fourth Dakar Rally in 2025. Akeel’s journey from spectator to top-10 finisher in the world’s toughest rally showcases her methodical approach and relentless determination.
Akeel’s introduction to Dakar came in 2021 when she attended as a guest of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, assisting with social media. Observing the rally’s logistics and operations gave her invaluable insights. “I found out two identical bivouacs are travelling with the rally one where we start the day and another ready at the destination. The level of planning is incredible,” she said.
A pivotal moment came when she met Dakar legend Jutta Kleinschmidt, the first female winner of the rally. Kleinschmidt offered simple yet transformative advice: “In the dunes, just keep moving.” This wisdom, paired with Akeel’s keen observations of driving techniques, prepared her mentally and physically for the gruelling competition.
Akeel describes the Dakar bivouac as a “moving village” where competitors bond and share experiences amidst the intense race. “It’s like a throwback to a simpler time,” she said, highlighting the unique camaraderie the environment fosters.
Saudi Arabia’s diverse terrain, ranging from sand dunes to gravel and rocky paths, has proven to be the perfect stage for the Dakar Rally since it moved there in 2020. “The terrain in Saudi Arabia is incredibly diverse. It’s not just a race it’s an adventure,” Akeel said.
The 2025 Dakar Rally will span 7,759 kilometres across 12 stages, starting in Bisha and ending in Shubaytah. As Akeel prepares for her fourth professional start, her determination and growing experience make her a standout in the competition, inspiring a new generation of motorsport enthusiasts.
