Today's Edition
BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
Amna and Hamda Al Qubaisi have become two of the UAE’s most prominent names in international motorsport, making history as the first Emirati women in action on European circuits. And while their wheels are churning up glorious chapters, the axle of bonding between the sisters remains firm and in sync.
“We grew up racing together, so pushing each other has always come naturally. If Hamda beats my time, I am immediately studying the data to see where she is faster!” Amna tells Aletihad, emphasising that it is “never rivalry in a negative way, it is just mutual drive to keep getting better.
“Our journey together is more like a built-in motivation system. On and off track, we challenge each other constantly. We have shared every high and low together, which makes the wins even more meaningful,” says Hamda to join the conversation.
Like everyone, Amna, 25, began her career with karting in 2014, becoming the first Arab woman to participate in the Rotax Max Challenge World Finals and the first female Arab driver to win the UAE RMC Championship. Over recent seasons she has competed in Italian F4, F3 Asian, and is driving in the Ligier European Series.
Following in her footsteps has been Hamda, the younger sister by two years as she followed suit and also quickly made her mark into motorsport. She began karting around 2015 and by June of 2021, she had became the first woman to claim a podium in the Italian F4 Championship at 19 years old.
Both came together to make history as the first Emirati sisters to compete in the F1 Academy, when they raced for the MP Motorsport team in the series’ inaugural 2023 season.
Amna completed two strong seasons before wrapping up her stint in 2024, while Hamda emerged as one of the top contenders. She went on to finish third in the 2023 F1 Academy series, aligning with MP Motorsport and the Red Bull Junior Programme, and is now racing in the Ligier European Series alongside her sister.
Reminiscing on their early karting days, the Emirati racing sisters share the moment they realised that motorsport is their passion. “For me, the first race outside the UAE made me realise I could actually compete at that level. It felt like the world suddenly got bigger, and I knew this was the path I wanted to take,” Amna says.
“When I started standing on international podiums, it hit me that this was not just for fun, but it is something I wanted to dedicate my life to,” adds Hamda.
Amna and Hamda’s interest for racing comes from their father Khaled Al Qubaisi, who was the first Emirati racing driver to compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France.
Amna was the first Emirati female racing driver to compete internationally, and was also the first woman in history to get a pole and win an F4 race in 2019 during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
“This is something we are both incredibly proud of. Every time we step into the car with the UAE flag on our suits, it is a reminder of where we come from and how far we have come,” she says.
“This is also about inspiring people back home to dream big, not just in motorsport, but in any field. We want to show what is possible when you commit fully to your passion,” Hamda adds.
Like father, like daughters?
After an incredible experience in the F1 Academy, the Qubaisi sisters now moved into endurance racing, a whole new challenge mentally, physically, and strategically.
“We are currently competing in the LMP3 class, and the goal is to move up to LMP2 in the European Le Mans Series next season,” says Hamda, hoping to ultimately emulate their father.
“Ultimately, our dream is to compete, and win, in the 24 Hours of Le Mans by 2027 or 2028. It is one of the most iconic races in the world, and we are working every day toward that,” Amna added.
On challenges beyond the gender gap, Hamda said female drivers should not let that define them.
“You need to think as a racer. That mindset shift makes all the difference. Do not doubt yourself just because it is hard. The best moments come right after the toughest ones. Keep pushing, always,” explains Hamda.
Amna points out that the UAE has come such a long way in motorsports in terms of tracks, training programmes, and the local support.
“Motorsport is all about innovation, engineering, endurance, and pushing human limits. That fits perfectly with the UAE’s vision of leading through progress,” she says.
“Young drivers now have access to things we did not. This is building a real motorsport culture here, and it is amazing to see,” Hamda adds.
Amna expressed her pride in being one of the first women in motorsport in the region, “now it is about winning at the top level and showing that we can compete and succeed in endurance racing globally. This is how we carry the legacy forward, by setting new standards and not just breaking barriers.”
The milestones the Emirati pair have achieved so far in motorsport have only showcased the UAE’s growing presence in global racing.
