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Nora Al-Jassasi is one of the UAE’s first female rally drivers, breaking barriers in motorsport while juggling a day job as a financial inspector and proving that adrenaline and spreadsheets can absolutely coexist.

EARLY YEARS

Al-Jassasi didn’t grow up dreaming of rally stages—she started her athletic career on horseback as an equestrian rider. It wasn’t until she was 34 years old that she bought her first motorcycle, a decision that would completely reshape her life. The Abu Dhabi native holds a degree in business administration and works as a financial inspector at a major company, balancing corporate life with her growing obsession with speed and off-road adventure. Her transition from horses to motorcycles to rally cars wasn’t linear, but it was deliberate—each step feeding a hunger for something faster, riskier, and less traveled by women in the UAE.

OTHER INTERESTS

Before she ever strapped into a rally car, Al-Jassasi was already proving she had guts. She undertook an exceptional eight-day motorcycle journey across the Himalayas, reaching altitudes of 5,800 meters. The trip wasn’t just about ticking off a bucket list item—it was about testing her limits in one of the most unforgiving environments on the planet. She’s an adventure motorcyclist who wants to travel the world on two wheels, and she’s already well on her way. Her love for the road, whether on a bike or behind the wheel, isn’t just about competition—it’s about freedom, rhythm, and the kind of clarity you can only find when you’re pushing yourself past what’s comfortable.

EARLY SUCCESS

Al-Jassasi’s rally career began in the regional circuit, where she quickly made a name for herself driving a Can-Am Maverick X3 X RS in the SSV T4 class. She competed in the Abu Dhabi Baja Challenge and other Middle Eastern rally events, learning the ropes in a sport dominated by men and fine-tuning her skills in the brutal desert terrain. Her performances caught attention not just because she was a woman in a male-dominated field, but because she was competitive, committed, and unafraid to get her hands dirty—literally and figuratively.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2024: Competed in the Dubai International Baja, piloting her Can-Am Maverick X3 and gaining valuable experience in FIA-sanctioned events[1].
• 2025: Delivered a remarkable performance at the Dubai International Baja 2025, securing a result that qualified her for the 2026 FIA Middle East Baja Cup[2].
• 2025: Became the first Emirati woman to compete in the FIA Middle East Baja Cup, cementing her place in UAE motorsport history[3].
• 2025: Competed in the Qatar International Baja with navigator Egor Okhotnikov[4].

INSPIRATIONS

Al-Jassasi has been open about her admiration for Nasser Al Attiyah, the five-time Dakar Rally champion from Qatar. Witnessing his victorious Dakar campaigns ignited something in her—a belief that Middle Eastern drivers could compete and win on the world’s toughest stages. Al Attiyah’s success showed her that it wasn’t just a pipe dream; it was possible. And if he could do it, why couldn’t she?

REPUTATION

Within the UAE and broader Middle Eastern motorsport community, Al-Jassasi is recognized as a trailblazer. She’s not the loudest voice in the paddock, but she’s one of the most determined. Her willingness to start racing later in life, her persistence in a field where women are still a rarity, and her ability to balance a full-time career with the demands of competitive rally driving have earned her respect. She’s become a role model for Emirati women and young girls who see her and realize that motorsport isn’t just for the boys. Her story has been featured in interviews and media segments highlighting her journey, and she uses those platforms to encourage other women to chase what scares them.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

Al-Jassasi has made it clear: her ultimate goal is to win the Dakar Rally. It’s an audacious dream, but she’s not the type to dream small. Her participation in the 2026 FIA Middle East Baja Cup, which kicks off in Hail, Saudi Arabia, is a stepping stone toward that larger ambition. She’s preparing to compete in the Middle East Championship and the Hail International Rally in 2025, building the experience and endurance she’ll need to tackle the most grueling rally on earth. She’s methodical, she’s hungry, and she’s just getting started.

REFERENCES

[1] Nora Al Jassasi The Trailblazing Emirati Rally Driver Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Generations – iCarTea
[2] Ultimate goal is to win Dakar Rally title, says Emirati rally driver Nora – Gulf Today
[3] Nora Al Jassasi to become first Emirati woman to compete in FIA Middle East Baja Cup – The National News
[4] ‘Way to the World Cup’ Landmark to Host Ceremonial Start of Qatar International Baja – QMMF
[5] Emirati Women’s Day 2025: Rally Driver Nora Al Jassasi – DubiCars
[6] Breaking Boundaries – Tale of an Unstoppable Woman – Bike Nation
[7] ‘The road has a rhythm’: Emirati rally racer and motorcycle biker Nora al Jassasi – Khaleej Times
[8] Al-Jassasi Nora – eWRC-results.com
[9] Nora Al Jassasi first Emirati woman to compete in FIA Middle East Baja Cup – WAM