Dania Akeel: breaking down barriers in motorsport
In the high-octane world of motorsport, where speed, skill, and determination reign supreme, Dania Akeel…
Hail, Saudi Arabia – 2 February 2025 – Under the esteemed patronage of HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of Hail Region, the 20th edition of the Hail Toyota International Rally was recently held, once again proving its standing as one of the most prestigious motorsport events in the region.
Jameel Motorsport, part of Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, the authorized distributor of Toyota vehicles in Saudi Arabia since 1955, has played a vital role in supporting Saudi athletes Yazeed Al Rajhi, Dania Akeel, Hamza Bakhshab, and Maha Al Hamali at the Hail Toyota International Rally, providing them with a platform to excel on the international stage.
With over 115 competitors across cars, motorcycles, and quads, the rally unfolded over two intense and competitive stages, showcasing incredible skill and endurance. The competition saw thrilling performances, with Saudi Arabia’s finest rally drivers making their mark on the international stage.
Further emphasizing the rally’s significance in the region, this edition welcomed Hassan Jameel, Chairman of the Board of Managers of Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, as an honorary guest in the prologue stage. The Legends category was also introduced, honoring a lineup of motorsport pioneers in Saudi Arabia, including HRH Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), Hamad Al Wahibi, Said Al Hajri, Ahmad Al Sabban, Farhan Al Ghalib, Mamdouh Khayyat, and Abdullah Bakhashab. Their presence paid tribute to the rally’s rich legacy while inspiring a new generation of competitors.
Building on his historic Dakar Rally victory, Yazeed Al Rajhi secured first place overall, reinforcing his dominance in the rally scene. Dania Akeel followed with an outstanding third-place finish, further cementing her legacy in motorsport. In the SSV SSV1 category, Hamza Bakhshab delivered an impressive performance to claim first place, making a strong impact in the overall standings. Meanwhile, Maha Al Hamali showcased remarkable skill and determination, securing seventh place in the SSV T4 category.
Munir Khoja, Managing Director of Jameel Motorsport and Marketing Communications at Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, said: “The Hail Toyota International Rally is a landmark event for Jameel Motorsport, as it was the first-ever rally we sponsored nearly two decades ago, reinforcing our commitment to the growth of the sport. We are proud to witness the outstanding performances of Saudi athletes, whose passion and perseverance continue to drive the sport forward. As Saudi Arabia accelerates its Vision 2030 ambitions, motorsports continue to play a crucial role in fostering local talent, creating new opportunities, and positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for competitive racing.”
Since its inception in 2006, the Hail Toyota International Rally has evolved into one of Saudi Arabia’s most iconic motorsport events, setting the stage for global competition while highlighting the breathtaking desert landscape of Hail. As it continues to grow, the rally not only strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position as a global motorsport hub but also paves the way for future generations of competitors to leave their mark on the international stage.