This Bahrain-Based Event Will See 250 Women Compete Behind The Wheel

Yalla Banat 2018, launching October 19, is all about women in the driver’s seat

For the first time ever, Yalla Banat 2018 is bringing together women from all over the MENA region to celebrate female empowerment and women driving, both on the road as well as in their own lives.

To be held at the Bahrain International Circuit, the forum will be hallmarked by a hopeful Guinness World Record breaking 250-woman car parade with each car customized by its driver as well as a first-ever female motor show that showcases Aseel Al Hamad—the first female member of the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation (which is part of the International Automobile Federation).

Beyond lauding the legality of women driving in the region, the forum’s overarching goal is to encourage and inspire women to be drivers in “their own road to success.” The initiative will promote and support female entrepreneurs, SME’s, and startups by hosting a televised all-female panel discussion of successful and influential leaders across the GCC—including Iman Mutlaq who recently won the Forbes Award for the Most Influential Woman in the Middle East—to discuss their experiences and how they push forward with their goals. Financial institutions and workshops will also be on hand to lend tips and advice to women looking to start their own businesses.

Of course, in addition to all of the career-focused programming there is fun to be had too. The forum will feature a Red Bull Drifting Show, food vendors, Bahraini pop-up shops, as well as live music that’s entertaining for the whole family.

Women are free to attend Yalla Banat, while family tickets start at BD5 and regular tickets start at BD10 for purchase on yallabanat.me.