Latest news with #BMWGroupMiddleEast
What's On
25-04-2025
- Automotive
- What's On
The Middle East's first all-women supercar rally takes place in May
Automotive history in the making… Gone are the days when cars were predominantly associated with men. Women are here to take over the wheels, and they are no longer attaching themselves to the 'small car syndrome' either. To nail the point in, the Arabian Gazelles are showing off and launching the Middle East's first all-women supercar rally. The rally takes place next month from Thursday, May 1 to 4 and will travel through the emirates of Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Abu Dhabi before returning to Dubai. It is the first all-women supercar rally in the Middle East, adding a sprinkle of luxury and elegance to the roads of the UAE. While most of the focus will be on the stunning four-wheel steel works of art, the backdrop is just as stunning with remote desert views and scenic coastlines. A lineup of twenty trailblazing women from around the world will drive across the UAE to showcase not just power and precision but to celebrate freedom, connection, and shared momentum. It's a coming together of women with one goal: to showcase the growing interest of women in motorsports and to ensure that every woman with a passion for the field has the opportunity to thrive, lead, and succeed. Over the four days, the Arabian Gazelles will journey across the UAE, embracing all that the unique and varied landscapes have to offer. Each segment will blend the excitement of the open road with plenty of hospitality, cultural immersion, and thoughtfully curated experiences. Above: Arabian Gazelles instagram 'This rally is about more than cars – it's about claiming space, changing perceptions, and celebrating the strength of exceptional women who are shaping the future,' said Hanan Sobati (pictured above), Founder of Arabian Gazelles. 'We're not just behind the wheel, we're leading the change, one powerful mile at a time.' It begins with an exclusive BMW M Series track session organized by BMW Group Middle East at Dubai Autodrome (an FIA sanctioned motorsports circuit), followed by a drive along the tranquil coastlines of Fujairah. After a night's rest at the stunning Naäma Beach Villas & Spa, the all-women crew will make the ascent up the dramatic Jebel Jais mountains, where yet another serene overnight retreat awaits. From here, they will head to Abu Dhabi's Qasr Al Sarab where they will spend a night among the dunes and the stars before returning to Dubai for a grand celebration at Delano. What an experience! Speaking on the rally, Ghita Mejdi, co-organizer of the Arabian Gazelles Rally and Founder of the kliff project stated, 'This is a rally with a soul. Every detail was curated to honor the spirit of the women driving it – trailblazers, storytellers, and icons.' She added, 'They're not here to compete; they're here to connect, uplift, and inspire.' (Now, my only question is, can I be a side seat driver… please ?) Images: Supplied and Instagram
Mid East Info
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
Arabian Gazelles Launch the Middle East's First All- Women Supercar Rally, Bringing Luxury and Elegance to the Roads of the UAE
The four-day tour will start in Dubai and travel through the emirates of Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi, before returning to Dubai Each leg of the rally, from racetracks to remote deserts and scenic coastlines, represents a story of bold, intentional progress From May 1 to 4, 2025, the Arabian Gazelles will make regional automotive history by launching the Middle East's first all-women supercar rally, a powerful initiative that merges performance with purpose, redefining who leads in the world of luxury cars. Twenty trailblazing women from around the world will drive across the UAE, not simply to showcase power and precision, but to celebrate freedom, connection, and shared momentum. The initiative both reflects the growing interest of women in motorsports, and honours their resilience, calling for collective efforts to ensure that every woman has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. Over four days, the Arabian Gazelles will journey across the UAE, embracing the sights, sounds and thrills its unique and varied landscape has to offer. Each segment of the rally blends the excitement of the open road with elevated hospitality, cultural immersion, and thoughtfully curated experiences. 'This rally is about more than cars – it's about claiming space, changing perceptions, and celebrating the strength of exceptional women who are shaping the future,' said Hanan Sobati, Founder of Arabian Gazelles. 'We're not just behind the wheel, we're leading the change, one powerful mile at a time.' The Arabian Gazelles Rally is more than a journey, it's a movement. In a space traditionally dominated by men, Arabian Gazelles is paving a new road where women don't just participate, they lead. The experience begins with an exclusive BMW M Series track session organized by BMW Group Middle East at Dubai Autodrome, followed by a drive along the tranquil coastlines of Fujairah and a stay at the stunning Naäma Beach Villas & Spa, Arabian Gazelles' preferred wellness and hospitality destination for this year's rally. The journey continues with an ascent of the dramatic Jebel Jais mountains, a serene overnight retreat at Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, and a refined coastal interlude at Anantara Santorini in Ghantoot. Participants will then spend a night among the dunes and the stars of Qasr Al Sarab, before returning to Dubai for a grand celebration at Delano, culminating in a memorable and fabulous closing dinner for the rally participants at the stunning Maison Revka, hosted by Chopard & Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons. The United Arab Emirates, renowned for its visionary spirit and commitment to progress, offers the perfect backdrop for this groundbreaking event. With participants from across the globe, the Arabian Gazelles Rally is both a tribute to the country's legacy and an invitation to experience its beauty through a uniquely female lens. Arabian Gazelles aims to grow this movement beyond borders, bringing more women to the region and taking those already here on unforgettable journeys across the world. Ghita Mejdi, co-organizer of the Arabian Gazelles Rally and Founder of the kliff project added: 'This is a rally with a soul. Every detail was curated to honor the spirit of the women driving it, trailblazers, storytellers, and icons. They're not here to compete; they're here to connect, uplift, and inspire.' Presented in partnership with Chopard, the Swiss luxury watch & jewellery Maison that is devoted to supporting women and deeply rooted within the spirit of racing and classic cars, along with Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons. Chopard's participation in this first edition of the Arabian Gazelle's Women's Supercar Rally reflects the historic relationship between Chopard and racing. The close ties between these two worlds are built on the many common denominators that naturally draw them together, including constant innovation, a tireless quest for performance and excellence, unfailing respect for traditions, the supreme importance of details – and of course a shared passion for mechanical engineering. Also presented in partnership with The Elite Cars, a subsidiary of Elite Group Holding with decades of automotive expertise in the region, and Tom Ford Beauty, the Arabian Gazelles Rally is where luxury meets leadership, community fuels creativity, and women take the wheel of a bold new era. Arabian Gazelles is the world's first all-women supercar collective, founded in Dubai and driven by a powerful mission: to redefine how women experience performance, luxury, and leadership behind the wheel. Since its inception, the group has brought together high-powered, independent women from across the globe each one united by a shared passion for cars, community, and change.
Trade Arabia
22-04-2025
- Automotive
- Trade Arabia
Arabian Gazelles launch all-women supercar rally
Arabian Gazelles have made regional automotive history by launching the Middle East's first all-women supercar rally. From May 1 to 4, twenty trailblazing women from around the world will drive across the UAE, not simply to showcase power and precision, but to celebrate freedom, connection, and shared momentum. The initiative both reflects the growing interest of women in motorsports, and honours their resilience, calling for collective efforts to ensure that every woman has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. Each segment of the rally blends the excitement of the open road with elevated hospitality, cultural immersion, and thoughtfully curated experiences. 'This rally is about more than cars – it's about claiming space, changing perceptions, and celebrating the strength of exceptional women who are shaping the future,' said Hanan Sobati, Founder of Arabian Gazelles. 'We're not just behind the wheel, we're leading the change, one powerful mile at a time.' The experience begins with an exclusive BMW M Series track session organised by BMW Group Middle East at Dubai Autodrome, followed by a drive along the tranquil coastlines of Fujairah and a stay at the stunning Naäma Beach Villas & Spa, Arabian Gazelles' preferred wellness and hospitality destination for this year's rally. The journey continues with an ascent of the dramatic Jebel Jais mountains, a serene overnight retreat at Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, and a refined coastal interlude at Anantara Santorini in Ghantoot. Participants will then spend a night among the dunes and the stars of Qasr Al Sarab, before returning to Dubai for a grand celebration at Delano, culminating in a memorable and fabulous closing dinner for the rally participants at the stunning Maison Revka, hosted by Chopard & Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons. With participants from across the globe, the Arabian Gazelles Rally is both a tribute to the UAE's legacy and an invitation to experience its beauty through a uniquely female lens. Arabian Gazelles aims to grow this movement beyond borders, bringing more women to the region and taking those already here on unforgettable journeys across the world.
Khaleej Times
07-04-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Art Dubai 2025: Andy Warhol's BMW M1 Art Car speeds into Dubai
The fusion of pop art and performance engineering is racing into the UAE as BMW Group Middle East announces an exclusive showcase of Andy Warhol's iconic BMW M1 Art Car at this year's edition of Art Dubai, running from April 16 to 20. Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the legendary BMW Art Car Collection, the appearance of Warhol's one-of-a-kind M1 will mark its debut in Dubai, making it one of the standout cultural events of the year and a must-see for both art aficionados and automotive enthusiasts. In just 28 minutes, with 6 kilograms of paint and bold, expressive brushstrokes, Warhol transformed a BMW M1 prototype into a rolling canvas of speed, motion, and modern art. Rather than relying on motifs from pop culture—as he often did in his portraits of Marilyn Monroe or Campbell's soup cans—Warhol opted for direct expression, allowing his gestures and paint to capture the raw dynamism of the car itself. The car, designed by legendary automotive stylist Giorgio Giugiaro, went on to race in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1979, finishing 6th overall and 2nd in its class, driven by Manfred Winkelhock, Hervé Poulain, and Marcel Mignot. Poulain, also the visionary behind the BMW Art Car initiative, likened Warhol's painting process to 'a live dance performance.' 'Andy Warhol's BMW M1 Art Car is a true masterpiece that bridges the worlds of art and automotive excellence,' said Karim-Christian Haririan, Managing Director of BMW Group Middle East. 'Bringing this car to Art Dubai underscores our commitment to creativity and cultural dialogue, both regionally and globally.' The showcase is part of the BMW Art Car World Tour, a celebration of 50 years of the brand's unique collaboration with world-renowned artists. From Alexander Calder and Roy Lichtenstein to Esther Mahlangu and Jeff Koons, the Art Car Collection reflects the evolution of contemporary art and BMW's continued investment in cultural engagement.
ArabGT
03-04-2025
- Automotive
- ArabGT
BMW Brings the Legendary M1 Art Car to Dubai
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the BMW Art Cars initiative, BMW Group Middle East is marking a significant presence at this year's Art Dubai exhibition, scheduled from April 16 to 20. The group will proudly display one of the most iconic creations in the series: the BMW M1 Art Car, painted by legendary pop artist Andy Warhol. This remarkable vehicle, transformed into a moving canvas through Warhol's expressive brushstrokes, represents the perfect harmony of performance, energy, and artistic boldness. The M1, which Warhol described as having a charm that surpasses the artwork itself, remains one of the most celebrated models in the Art Car lineup. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the car holds historical significance. It competed in its sole race at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1979, driven by Germany's Manfred Winkelhock and France's Hervé Poulain and Marcel Mignot. It finished an impressive sixth overall and secured second place in its category — a notable feat in motorsport history. Now, decades later, this fusion of automotive engineering and artistic vision is making its way to Dubai, offering art and car enthusiasts alike a chance to witness a unique cultural icon up close. Karim Christian Haririan, Managing Director of BMW Group Middle East, expressed his pride in bringing this exceptional piece to the region. He described the M1 Art Car as a 'masterpiece' that captures the essence of both fine art and automotive craftsmanship, reaffirming BMW's dedication to innovation, culture, and artistic dialogue. He noted that the brand's participation in Art Dubai is not only a tribute to five decades of Art Cars but also a continued commitment to fostering creative exchange in the Middle East and beyond. Dr. Thomas Gerst, Head of Cultural Engagement at BMW Group, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the brand's long-standing dedication to the arts. For over fifty years, BMW has supported cultural projects globally, and the Middle East's involvement in the Art Cars World Tour reflects the region's growing influence on the international art stage. As part of the anniversary celebration, Art Dubai 2025 will host a special panel discussion on April 17 titled 'Art Moves Us: Is the Future in Commissions and Creative Collaborations?' The session will trace the evolution of the BMW Art Car project and its intersection with design, technology, and cultural expression. Attendees will explore how this initiative has acted as a creative catalyst, empowering artists to explore new narratives through mobility and innovation. The panel will feature prominent voices from the global art scene, including Hans Ulrich Obrist, artistic director and celebrated curator; Stefanie Rosenthal, director of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi; and Azu Nwagbogu, Nigerian curator, activist, and founder of the African Artists Foundation. Joining them will be Dr. Thomas Gerst, representing BMW's cultural engagement efforts. Together, they will discuss the BMW Art Cars' legacy as a platform for cross-disciplinary collaboration and its role in shaping future dialogue between art and technology. Andy Warhol, whose influence on contemporary culture endures decades after his passing, stands as one of modern art's most transformative figures. Born in 1928 and active until his death in 1987, Warhol revolutionized the art world with his bold reinterpretation of commercial imagery and celebrity culture. His New York studio, The Factory, founded in 1962, became a creative hub for artists, musicians, and actors — blurring the lines between high art and pop culture. His iconic portraits and screen-print prints of consumer goods forever altered the perception of art and continue to inspire generations across multiple creative industries. As Art Dubai 2025 unfolds, the presence of the BMW M1 Art Car serves as a striking reminder of how art and engineering can converge to create timeless cultural statements — an ongoing dialogue that BMW remains committed to nurturing, 50 years on.
