Saudi Arabian driver Reema Al Juffali has become a trend-setter and broken barriers in her country.
Prior to end June 2018, women were detained and arrested for driving a car in that country and three months after the ban was lifted, 26-year-old Reema became the first Saudi woman to earn a racer’s licence.
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In the city to take part in the MRF Challenge, Reema spoke about her passion for driving, the decision to take the plunge and her role as a role model for Saudi women.
The 26-year-old said, “women started driving in Saudi in June last year and my first race was in October. So, it’s like okay, this is not just a big step for Saudi women, but we can also have this (racing).”
Tracing her interest in motor racing, she said, “It started in college when I began watching Formula One and got familiar with racing. When I graduated, I gave myself a graduation gift with a three-day racing school in a Formula car.
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“It was an eye-filling experience.
“That was the first time I was in a race car and that was the start of it.”
Positive response
When asked if there were any negative reactions from the orthodox elements of the society, Reema said, “Overwhelmingly it has been positive like 95-98%. The negative comments are like a needle in the haystack.”
On her future goals, besides being a role model for other Saudi women, she said, “When I started, I only thought about myself and didn't realise how my whole country was behind me. I was so humbled and honoured to be that person.
“Like everyone else, I have my own goals, my passion, I want to become the best racer that I can be.
“And the fact that I can inspire others, it’s unbelievable. That would push me to do even more.”