One month after launching the first Kandura Rally in Dubai, the people behind the motoring event have announced the second Abaya Rally event in Abu Dhabi. Set to take place on August 28, Emirati Women's Day, the all-female rally will begin at Yas Marina Circuit and conclude with a gala event at Al Raha Beach Hotel.
The red carpet gala will also feature an abaya fashion show and an awards ceremony. A panel discussion featuring Emirati electrical engineer and life coach Walaa Ahmed Al Shehhi and Emirati aircraft engineer Suaad Al Shamsi will also be held.
Al Shehhi and Al Shamsi will also be driving at the rally at Yas Marina Circuit.
The first Abaya Rally was held in 2020 in Dubai as part of the UAE National Day celebrations on December 2.
Founded by Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak in 2015 to recognise Emirati women’s efforts and celebrate their accomplishments, Emirati Women's Day is observed every year with a different theme. This year, the theme is "Inspiring Reality; Sustainable Future".
"Abaya Rally brings together women from different walks of life to show that women can have all the fun as well as drive forward empowered, stronger, and successful towards a more sustainable world," said Pragna Vaya, the managing director of Orbit Events, which is organising the event in partnership with Emirates Motor Sports Organisation.
More than 100 supercars and muscle cars roared their way into Dubai Digital Park for the first Kandura Rally in July. The event attracted plenty of big names in the motoring industry, as well as popular influencers such as Tony Keyrouz and YouTuber Rashed Belhasa, aka Money Kicks.
It featured a parade, which began at 6pm at the Dubai Autodrome, before riding past landmarks such as the Museum of the Future and Meydan Bridge, and finishing off at Dubai Silicon Oasis with a family-friendly event.
Dozens of cars and bikes were part of the rally — Hummers, Porsches, Mini Coopers, Maseratis and Mustangs were lined up alongside some classic cars. Dubai Police cars were also on show.
Entry to the Abaya Rally at Yas Marina Circuit is free, but registration is required here.
Scroll through the gallery below for pictures from the first Kandura Rally:
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The first Kandura Rally 2022 finishes at Dubai Digital Park in Dubai Silicon Oasis. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National -
A parade of supercars, muscle cars and custom bikes drive from Dubai Autodrome to Dubai Silicon Oasis as part of the inaugural Kandura Rally. -
Classic cars are also on display. -
Men are invited to wear traditional Emirati dress, or the kandura. -
Cars on display at Dubai Digital Park. -
Tony Keyrouz's award-winning Jeep Gladiator IronSide. -
Onlookers admire luxury vehicles on display. -
The competition portion of the event is watched by spectators. -
Silver skulls adorn this Mustang. -
'Avatar'-themed vehicle. -
Plenty of custom bikes are also on display. -
Joker-themed Dodge Challenger. -
Paint jobs turn heads. -
Grim Reaper dolls surround this truck. -
The event attracts big names in the motoring industry. -
Mini Coopers on display. -
Organisers say this is the first of many similar events.
