The First Female Emirati Racing Driver -Amna Al Qubaisi

Motorsport, predominantly a testosterone sport, rarely gets a glimpse of female drivers. In the 70 years history of Formula One, the pinnacle event of auto racing, has just five female drivers scorched their tires on the track. Over the last few years, there have been some improvements behind the race track. Women test drivers and development drivers are paving the path for the next generation of racing enthusiasts.

Amna Al Qubaisi, the first female Emirati racing driver, is on a mission to speed up this transition. Amna made the headlines by participating in a motorsport test program for Formula E in 2018. Currently a Formula Three driver, Amna Al Qubaisi is an inspiration to all the young girls who wish to make a career in motorsports.

Amna Al Qubaisi

Daughter of Khaled Al Qubaisi, the first Emirati to compete at Le Mans, Amna is a child prodigy. Inspired by his father’s racing aspirations and the exciting world of motor racing, Amna’s journey started in 2014 at the age of fourteen. She started kart racing and won the UAE RMC championship after 3 years of hard work and persistent practise. 

Just like everyone else in the racing, Formula One is her goal. The pride of the MiddleEast, while looking back on her journey says, many people suggested she find alternate life options. She was openly told many times that she couldn’t do it. Instead of giving up, Amna persisted, and her results are speaking for themselves.

To the young girls, Amna says “You’ll always be underestimated, judged, and criticized, but keep moving forward and use that to prove them wrong.” 

All in all, it is hard to imagine how a 21 year old girl stepped into the racing track and now competes with the best in the industry. That too where men have used there muscle power to stride into the fast lane.

But Amna has achieved it all and her achievements are a witness to it. Also, she is an inspiration for over 38k followers on her Instagram page which tells us that she is not an ordinary girl and has done something extraordinary!

To know more about many other Emirati female role models check out this blog!