The 3rd edition featured an all-women drive with 200 women dressed in Abayas in
Dubai
Dubai – August 28, 2023: The adventure-infused glamorous Abaya Rally flagged
off at the Dubai Autodrome Club Circuit in Dubai with an exhilarating all-woman
drive experience representing women breaking stereotypes, moving towards
strength, ambition, and a sustainable future. Participants embarked on a journey on
the tracks that blended adrenaline-pumping excitement with a powerful message of
empowerment and unity.

The initiative recognizes the impact of women, their achievements, strength, and the
‘Power of the Abaya’ – embodying a proud tradition, a deeply respected culture, and
the identity of women in the UAE. The event concluded at the iconic Museum of the
Future on Sunday.
The event was attended by distinguished guests, achievers, partners, members of
the Media, and partners. The celebrations included a Women of Achievement awards
ceremony, panel discussion, and an Abaya Fashion Show that was curated by luxury
Abaya brand Hanayen and Swarovski, and jewellery from Al Fardan.
To mark the 8th edition of Emirati Women’s Day, 15 Emirati women achievers from
various fields who were making an impact were feted with the Emirati Woman of
Achievement Awards at the Museum of the Future. On this wonderful occasion, 15
distinguished women officers from various departments of the Dubai Police Force
were honoured for their dedication and excellence in serving the nation.
“It was an honour to be recognized as a Women of Achievement as part of such a
wonderful event that brought together and celebrated exceptional women from
across the UAE. The role played by women in the prosperity and growth of the UAE
cannot be understated, driven by the country’s leaders’ continuous efforts in
advancing gender equality and empowering women at every level.” stated awardee,
Awtar Al Khaleej.
A panel discussion titled ‘Driving Change: Empowering & Inspiring Change for a
Sustainable Future’, featuring highly achieved women Eng. Maitha Alblooshi, Ghada
Al Fardan, Helena Hijazi, Dr. Majida Al Azazi and Pallavi Puri. The discussion was
built on the vision and theme for 2023 ‘We collaborate for tomorrow’, Sustainable
Future’.
“As an Emirati woman, I’ve been fortunate to see the continued empowerment of
women in the UAE by taking important roles in every field that builds society, grows
the economy, and shapes the next 50 years. “Emirati women did not stop at being
half of society, but rather proved that they are an accomplished and essential part of
it in building the nation and its renaissance,” said, Panelist Dr. Majida Al Azazi
Jayakumar Natarajan, Marketing Director, Castrol Lubricants Middle East, the prime
sponsor said regarding their participation in the Abaya Rally, “Empowerment fuels
progress, just like Castrol EDGE powers engines. We’re honoured to be part of this
event that celebrates women’s empowerment, strength, unity, and the drive for
excellence.” Castrol featured 10 inspiring women from the motoring community in a
powerful empowering campaign.
The Event was organised by Orbit Events & Promotions and received overwhelming
support from a curated list of brands including Powered by Partner Castrol Edge, in
association with Alfardan Jewellery, Supported By Barbie, Al Ain Farms, Al Haramain
Perfumes, Fitness Partner FitnGlam, Footwear Partner Celeste, Abaya Partner
Hanayen and Swarovski B2B, Premium Chocolate Partner Aaraya, Floral Partner
FNP.AE and partners HudaBeauty, Wishful, Kayali, Ribbons & Balloons, EMSO, Quick
Surf Network, BeDashing Beauty Lounge, Rituals, Champion Digital, UAE Mustang
Knights Club, Zulekha Hospital, 4K Creations, Battmobile, Pallavi Puri.
The event aligns with the vision of the leadership of the country to empower women
by allowing them to contribute effectively to development.
“As someone who has lived most of my life here in the U.A.E., I always wanted to
create a concept that inspires, unites and celebrates the accomplishments of women
in a fun and memorable way. Witnessing the transformation of Abaya Rally into
what it is today from being a fun overwhelms us with the realisation of how
empowerment and unity can beautifully shape the future,” said Pragna Vaya,
Managing Director – Orbit Events and Promotions.
