driving

Life

by Sarah Joseph
3 hours ago

Not afraid of breaking stereotypes, Arabian Gazelles is transforming the world of supercars in the region.
Emirates Woman spoke to the Founder of Arabian Gazelles, Hanan Mazouzi Sobati on how adrenaline enthusiasts now have a playground with like-minded individuals on the track.
For those seeking serene moments of reprieve, the Shangri-La x Arabian Gazelles partnership exceeded the typical road trip experience and evolved into a crafted journey of the thrill of the open road with the luxury of Shangri-La Al Husn. Known to share the same passion as men do, these bonafide drivers have created a community of women who are changing the norm behind the wheel.
To understand more, Sobati shared her journey of how it all began and the grand achievements during its time.
In 2016 you founded Arabian Gazelles, the first supercar club for women in the Emirates. What inspired you to launch Arabian Gazelles?
The motivation to establish the first all-women supercars owners club was fueled by a frustration with the local automotive scene, which often excluded women from driving experiences, allocating marketing resources predominantly to men. The goal was to challenge this status quo, create a space where women could actively participate and thrive in the world of high-performance cars, and redefine the narrative around women in the automotive industry.
Arabian Gazelles is a growing community of empowered women – how does it keep them inspired?
Arabian Gazelles is truly powered by the incredible individuals who make up our community. Their unique perspectives, skills, and shared enthusiasm are the driving force behind the club’s constant inspiration and growth. It’s the collaborative spirit and collective passion of our members that shape the dynamic and exciting journey we’re on together.

Tell us more about the Arabian Gazelles x Shangri-La partnership that recently took place.
The Arabian Gazelles partnership with Shangri-La that happened on November 1, 2023 exceeded the typical road trip experience and evolved into a crafted journey of the thrill of the open road with the luxury of Shangri-La Al Husn. There were 15 members of the Arabian Gazelles, each navigating a high-performance sports car from Dubai to the serene Shangri-La Al Husn resort in Muscat.
What set this partnership apart was not just the excitement and scenic drive (roughly 5 hours) but also the thoughts of the special and exclusive experiences. After a good night’s sleep, we commenced the stay with an early morning yoga session and spa indulgence, setting the tone for a retreat that extended beyond the road. This unique blend of adventure and relaxation created a holistic experience, catering to both the adrenaline enthusiasts and those seeking serene moments of reprieve.
One of the highlights was a special dinner event that brought together the modern sports cars of the Arabian Gazelles placed against a collection of over 40 classical cars all housed under the hotel roof and some available for guests to rent for special occasions like weddings, anniversaries and more. This visual feast of contemporary and timeless automotive design made our evening extra special and a night to remember. The event not only showcased the passion and appreciation for automobiles but also mirrored the attention to detail that defines both Arabian Gazelles and Shangri-La.
The partnership also aimed to introduce the ‘Refuel Your Stay’ promotion at Shangri-La Muscat, offering a credit for fuel expenses redeemable during the stay. This underscores Shangri-La’s commitment to providing guests with an exceptional experience, with the initiative designed to promote road trips over air travel, fostering environmental support and turning the journey into an adventurous experience. Against the breathtaking backdrop of Shangri-La Al Husn, perched on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea, the resort is known not just as a place of accommodation but also a sanctuary of culinary delights, spa indulgence, and beachside tranquility. This collaboration between Arabian Gazelles and Shangri-La was a harmonious fusion of modern luxury with Omani essence and timeless automotive elegance, leaving an indelible mark on our memories and reaffirming the concept that true luxury lies in the seamless integration of unique experiences.
One of the key milestones was the first women-only track day at Dubai Autodrome – tell us more.
Our first-ever event, the world’s pioneering all-women track day at Dubai Autodrome, not only made history by setting a global precedent but also sparked a passion for high-performance car driving among many women. These women, inspired by the experience, later became the club ambassadors. This transformative event served as a cornerstone, not only for individual participants but also for the entire Arabian Gazelles community, strengthening the shared bonds and enthusiasm within our group.
How has the dynamic energy of Dubai contributed to the brand’s growing success?
The dynamic energy of Dubai has been a catalyst for our brand’s growing success. The city’s energy, mix of cultures, and passion for new experiences perfectly match the adventurous spirit of Arabian Gazelles. It’s like our community has found the ideal space to grow and flourish.
The car racing space is a male-dominated field. How did you overcome this obstacle?
While the car racing space is traditionally male-dominated, Arabian Gazelles took a unique approach by emphasiSing inclusivity. Beyond track days, we offer diverse experiences such as driving adventures, bespoke luxury outings, weekend getaways, exclusive opportunities to test drive new supercars, and a touch of luxury living. Our focus extends beyond racing, creating a well-rounded community that embraces various aspects of the automotive world.
Which car is on you wishlist this year?
To me, what matters most is the complete experience offered by car manufacturers, moving beyond static launches. We prefer being behind the wheel to truly embrace these marvels instead of attending launch events. Recently, driving the Lotus Emira to Muscat was a delight – its perfect balance of performance and comfort left a lasting impression. Such hands-on experiences genuinely mold and define my automotive preferences.
What lies ahead for Arabian Gazelles and the brand?
Exciting times lie ahead for Arabian Gazelles! We’ve not only built a global community but are also breaking new ground with the first all-women rally in our region. This initiative will give our international members the chance to explore and see the region through the eyes of Arabian Gazelles. Moreover, these empowered women are on the verge of creating mini offshoots of the club. A recent one in Italy has us joining them for a road trip , discovering their part of the world, and fostering connections across borders. Stay tuned for more adventures and cross-cultural collaborations!
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