Rally Jameel concludes second stage in stunning AlUla

Stage two on Thursday brought participants across Jordan’s border into the northwestern reaches of Saudi Arabia. (SUPPLIED)
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Updated 25 April 2025
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Rally Jameel concludes second stage in stunning AlUla

  • Maha Alhamali, Syndiely Wade of Team Obiyah take top spot
  • Women drove from Jordan’s Petra into northwest Saudi Arabia

ALULA: Rally Jameel, the world-class navigational rally for women in the region, has concluded its second stage with AlUla’s landscapes as the backdrop.

Organized by Jameel Motorsport, and supported by the FIA Women in Motorsport and the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, began on Tuesday in Petra before progressing to Tabuk and AlUla.

Stage two on Thursday brought participants across Jordan’s border into the northwestern reaches of Saudi Arabia.

Tabuk’s striking mountain ridges and expansive desert plains, en route to the historic landscapes of AlUla, created a stunning yet grueling course that rewarded precision navigation and adaptability.

Maha Alhamali and Syndiely Wade of Team Obiyah claimed the top spot in the standings, driving a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.

They were followed by Annie Seel and Pochola Hernandez from Lexus Racing Team in a Lexus LX 700H.

In third place were Reem Al-Aboud and Hanna Riehle from Jameel Motorsport in a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.

The route showcased Saudi Arabia’s growing reputation for adventure tourism, with panoramic views and off-road segments that pushed every team’s limits.

The challenge deepened as teams adjusted to new terrains. Camaraderie among participants also grew stronger as the day unfolded.

Earlier on Wednesday, Al-Aboud and Riehle of Jameel Motorsport were leading the standings after day one, delivering a steady and confident performance in their Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.

They were followed closely by Team Canada, Michelle Laframboise and Elise Racette in a Toyota Fortuner, and Al-Tawkilat Motorsport, Jalah AlGhalib and Joanna Hassoun in a GMC Canyon.

Rally Jameel depends on both navigation skill and strategy — teams must interpret clues, track distances, and manage their timing across each leg.


‘Animals in a zoo’: Swiatek backs Gauff call for more privacy

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‘Animals in a zoo’: Swiatek backs Gauff call for more privacy

  • Coco Gauff upset when cameras caught her smashing her racquet in the depths of the stadium on Tuesday after she was beaten in the Australian Open quarter-finals
MELBOURNE: World number two Iga Swiatek on Wednesday backed Coco Gauff’s call for more privacy during tournaments, saying players sometimes feel “like animals in the zoo where they are observed even when they poop.”
Third seed Gauff was upset when cameras caught her smashing her racquet in the depths of the stadium on Tuesday after she was beaten in the Australian Open quarter-finals.
The American was trying to find somewhere private to let out her frustrations, rather than doing so on court in front of fans including children.
“I tried to go somewhere where they wouldn’t broadcast it, but obviously they did,” said Gauff.
“So maybe some conversations can be had because I feel like at this tournament the only private place we have is the locker room.”
Swiatek, who was also bundled out of the quarter-finals in Melbourne by Elena Rybakina, said back-stage cameras could be too intrusive.
“The question is, are we tennis players, or are we animals in the zoo where they are observed even when they poop, you know?” she said.
“Okay, that was exaggerating obviously, but it would be nice to have some privacy. It would be nice also to, I don’t know, have your own process and not always be observed.
“It would be nice to have some space where you can do that without the whole world watching.”
Swiatek was caught up in her own off-court drama earlier in the week when she was denied access to an area in Melbourne Park because she was not wearing her accreditation.
It was recorded on camera and the clip did the rounds on social media.
“I don’t think it should be like that because we’re tennis players,” she said.
“We’re meant to be watched on the court and in the press. That’s our job. It’s not our job to be a meme when you forget your accreditation.
“Oh, it’s funny, yeah, for sure. People have something to talk about, but for us I don’t think it’s necessary.”
Swiatek’s straight-sets loss to Rybakina denied her a career Grand Slam of all four majors.
She has won four French Opens, the US Open and Wimbledon, but a title at Melbourne Park remains elusive.