A Trailblazer from Jeddah
Born on 26 September 1988, Dania Akeel has become one of Saudi Arabia’s most recognizable and respected motorsports figures. Originally from Jeddah, she represents a new generation of Middle Eastern athletes redefining what is possible in international motorsport. Beyond racing, her interests span motorsports, writing, and travelling, reflecting a personality driven by curiosity, ambition, and constant growth.
Backed by prestigious partners such as Toyota, Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, Tamer, BF Goodrich, Magrabi, Mobil 1, PR Arabia, and Red Bull, Akeel stands as a powerful ambassador for Saudi motorsport on the global stage.
Education Meets Adrenaline
Dania Akeel’s journey is as intellectual as it is athletic. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Modern History and Politics from Royal Holloway University of London, followed by a Master’s degree in International Business from Hult International Business School in the United States. Alongside her racing career, she is active in consulting, motivational speaking, and book writing, seamlessly blending strategy, communication, and competition.
From Two Wheels to the World’s Toughest Rally
Akeel began her motorsports career as a circuit motorcycle rider, never imagining that her future lay in off-road rallying. Her transition came after being invited by the Saudi Motorsport Federation and Dakar organizers to experience the rally firsthand. A series of test drives and rally appearances followed, ultimately leading her to take on the ultimate challenge: the Dakar Rally.
Dakar Journey: Lessons, Setbacks, and Breakthroughs
Her Dakar debut in 2022 was impressive, finishing 8th in the T3 class and securing a place in the Top 10. The following year, however, proved tougher. A major setback on stage four of Dakar 2023 ended hopes of a strong result, with Akeel finishing 28th overall. A similar result followed in 2024, but the experience laid the foundation for future success.
The 2024 season marked a turning point. Alongside co-driver Stéphane Duplé, Akeel competed in the W2RC Championship, finishing 2nd in Argentina and 3rd at the Rallye du Maroc, confirming her rise as a serious contender.
Victories and Versatility in 2025
In 2025, Akeel achieved a career milestone with her first-ever Dakar stage win, a historic moment despite finishing 27th overall. She followed this by winning the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, further cementing her reputation.
Never one to stand still, she also accelerated her learning in the Ultimate class, driving a Toyota Hilux in the Middle East and Saudi Baja Championships. Her performances included victories in Ha’Il and Qatar, and a second-place finish at the Qatar Baja in a Toyota Hilux T1+.
Dakar 2026: A New Chapter with BBR
For her fifth Dakar, Dania Akeel will join the BBR team, driving a highly competitive Taurus Challenger. Her ambition is clear: a podium finish and a potential class victory.
She will be partnered by experienced co-driver Sébastien Delaunay, a seasoned rally navigator with over 200 rallies, including 15 Dakars, to his name.
Sébastien Delaunay: Experience in the Right Seat
Delaunay is one of the most respected figures in cross-country rallying. A multiple-time category runner-up at Dakar, he has competed alongside renowned drivers such as Nicolas Duclos, Yasir Seaidan, and Bernhard ten Brinke. In recent years, he supported Buggyra ZM Racing and Aliyyah Koloc, helping her finish two consecutive Dakars.
After a season of limited competition, Delaunay returns full-time with Akeel for Dakar 2026, having already shared successful W2RC campaigns with her in the past.
Ambition and Confidence for Dakar 2026
Dania Akeel is clear about her goals:
“It’s been really fun racing in W2RC in the Challenger class. It’s been competitive and rewarding, with stage wins and a race win. Working with BBR has been a pleasure. At the same time, racing the Toyota Hilux Ultimate in the Middle East helped me develop different driving skills. For Dakar 2026, the target is the same: a top-three finish in Challenger and to fight for the win. Last year a mistake cost us the podium, but we learned a lot. With BBR and Sébastien, we’re ready to go for it.”
Delaunay shares that confidence:
“A podium finish is absolutely possible. Dania has progressed very fast. I can bring calm, anticipation, and pressure management in the car. She proved in Morocco and Abu Dhabi that she can be very fast, winning stages. Victory is possible if everything aligns and we have a perfect race.”
A Saudi Icon on the Rise
As Dakar 2026 approaches, Dania Akeel stands stronger, more experienced, and more determined than ever. With proven speed, elite machinery, and one of the most experienced navigators in the bivouac beside her, she is no longer just aiming to compete — she is aiming to win.
The desert is ready. And so is Dania Akeel.
