• The second Abaya Rally was held to mark Emirati Women's Day at Yas Marina Circuit and Al Raha Beach Hotel in Abu Dhabi on August 28. All photos: Orbit Events
    The second Abaya Rally was held to mark Emirati Women's Day at Yas Marina Circuit and Al Raha Beach Hotel in Abu Dhabi on August 28. All photos: Orbit Events
  • The aim of the event was to 'celebrate the power of the abaya', organisers said.
    The aim of the event was to 'celebrate the power of the abaya', organisers said.
  • One hundred cars, all driven by women in abayas, rode through Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina Circuit for the event.
    One hundred cars, all driven by women in abayas, rode through Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina Circuit for the event.
  • The adventure-infused initiative recognised the impact that women, along with their achievements and strengths have had.
    The adventure-infused initiative recognised the impact that women, along with their achievements and strengths have had.
  • The organisers of Abaya Rally also put together the first Kandura Rally in Dubai in July.
    The organisers of Abaya Rally also put together the first Kandura Rally in Dubai in July.
  • Cars preparing to take part in the Abaya Rally.
    Cars preparing to take part in the Abaya Rally.
  • Participants at the Abaya Rally line up before the parade.
    Participants at the Abaya Rally line up before the parade.
  • All women who took part in the event were dressed in abayas.
    All women who took part in the event were dressed in abayas.
  • The starting point of the Abaya Rally.
    The starting point of the Abaya Rally.
  • The Abaya Rally concluded with a gala at Al Raha Beach Hotel in Abu Dhabi.
    The Abaya Rally concluded with a gala at Al Raha Beach Hotel in Abu Dhabi.
  • Thirty female Emirati achievers were honoured at the gala along with 10 officers from Abu Dhabi Police.
    Thirty female Emirati achievers were honoured at the gala along with 10 officers from Abu Dhabi Police.
  • The event also featured a panel discussion, titled Empowering Women: Leadership, Vision and Empowering Change for a Sustainable Future.
    The event also featured a panel discussion, titled Empowering Women: Leadership, Vision and Empowering Change for a Sustainable Future.
  • 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.
    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.
  • A fashion show was also held at the Abaya Rally gala.
    A fashion show was also held at the Abaya Rally gala.
  • A model showcases a look by abaya label Hanayen.
    A model showcases a look by abaya label Hanayen.

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100 cars driven by women parade through Abu Dhabi for Emirati Women's Day

The second Abaya Rally also honoured Emirati female achievers in various fields

David Tusing

August 29, 2022

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A motorcade of 100 cars all driven by women in abayas paraded through Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina Circuit on Sunday evening to mark Emirati Women's Day.

The second Abaya Rally, held to celebrate the "power of the abaya", concluded with a gala at Al Raha Beach Hotel. Thirty Emirati women achievers were honoured alongside 10 female officers from the Abu Dhabi Police force who were recognised for their security work.

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".

Organised by Orbit Events and Promotions with the support of the Emirates Motorsports Organisation (EMSO), the Abaya Rally displayed the "Power of the Abaya" – embodying a proud tradition, a deeply respected culture, and the identity of women in the UAE. It concluded at the Al Raha Beach Hotel.

“As someone who has lived most of my life here in the UAE, I always wanted to create a concept that inspires, unites and celebrates the accomplishments of women in a fun and memorable way. We are overwhelmed with what Abaya Rally has evolved into," said Pragna Vaya, the managing director for Orbit Events and Promotions which organised the event along with Emirates Motorsports Organisation.

The event also featured a panel discussion, titled Empowering Women: Leadership, Vision and Empowering Change for a Sustainable Future. Speakers included engineers Suaad Al Shamsi and Walaa Al Shehhi, influencer Mona Sulaiman Tajaarbi and boxer Fahima Falaknaz.

Artist Ibanda Benjamin drew an NFT artwork live at the event, depicting two Emirati women wearing abayas in the colours of the UAE against the Abu Dhabi skyline.

Organisers of the event also put together the first ever Kandura Rally in July, which featured more than 100 supercars and muscle cars roaring their way into Dubai Digital Park. 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.

Scroll through the gallery below for pictures from the first Kandura Rally in Dubai:

  • The first Kandura Rally 2022 finishes at Dubai Digital Park in Dubai Silicon Oasis. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
    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.
    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.
    Classic cars are also on display.
  • Men are invited to wear traditional Emirati dress, or the kandura.
    Men are invited to wear traditional Emirati dress, or the kandura.
  • Cars on display at Dubai Digital Park.
    Cars on display at Dubai Digital Park.
  • Tony Keyrouz's award-winning Jeep Gladiator IronSide.
    Tony Keyrouz's award-winning Jeep Gladiator IronSide.
  • Onlookers admire luxury vehicles on display.
    Onlookers admire luxury vehicles on display.
  • The competition portion of the event is watched by spectators.
    The competition portion of the event is watched by spectators.
  • Silver skulls adorn this Mustang.
    Silver skulls adorn this Mustang.
  • 'Avatar'-themed vehicle.
    'Avatar'-themed vehicle.
  • Plenty of custom bikes are also on display.
    Plenty of custom bikes are also on display.
  • Joker-themed Dodge Challenger.
    Joker-themed Dodge Challenger.
  • Paint jobs turn heads.
    Paint jobs turn heads.
  • Grim Reaper dolls surround this truck.
    Grim Reaper dolls surround this truck.
  • The event attracts big names in the motoring industry.
    The event attracts big names in the motoring industry.
  • Mini Coopers on display.
    Mini Coopers on display.
  • Organisers say this is the first of many similar events.
    Organisers say this is the first of many similar events.
Updated: August 30, 2022, 5:15 PM
EmiratiAbu Dhabi