Reema Juffali makes history as Saudi Arabia’s first female racing driver

At the age of 27, Remma Juffali is already pushing boundaries as Saudi Arabia’s first female racer

Words by Nav Kaur

Female racer Reema Juffali is set to make history this month as the first Saudi Arabian woman to compete in an international racing series. 

Juffali is participating in the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY series, which is set to take place in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, next weekend.

The driver is paving the way for women facing prejudice simply because of their gender, after making history as the first Saudi female driver to compete in the TRD 86 Cup at Yas Marina Circuit in 2018, just a few months after her home country lifted the ban on females driving in June 2018.

Juffali then followed this by making her competitive racing debut in April 2019 at the F4 British Championship. 

The young racer stands not only as a great role model for women in Saudi Arabia, but also as a beautiful representative for all women from diverse backgrounds that are trying to make a successful career out of a profession mainly dominated by men. 

Speaking of her excitement ahead of the race next weekend, Juffali commented: ‘I can’t wait to be out on the track racing on home soil for the first time. The series has highlighted the innovation and progress of motorsport, giving more opportunity for men and women to compete together in cool electric racecars. It’s going to be an amazing weekend and I can’t wait to be out on the grid.’

On being asked about Juffali’s prolific success, Mark Turner, Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY Series Manager said, “To have the first Saudi Arabian woman to compete in an international racing series within the Kingdom is a major milestone for the sport, and one Jaguar Racing are immensely proud to be able to support.”

Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY is the world’s first all-electric touring car series, with its second season starting on November 22nd.

Tune in if you can ladies, this will not be a race to miss.