Lebanese Women Make Their Mark in Rally Jameel 2025
Trailblazers in a unique navigational rally across the Middle East
The fourth edition of Rally Jameel will be taking place from April 21 to April 26, 2025, delivering six exhilarating days of motorsport and navigational mastery. Stretching across 1,600 kilometers and two countries—Jordan and Saudi Arabia—the rally will again bring together women from around the globe to test their endurance, navigation, and determination in a demanding, all-female competition.
The rally will begin in the awe-inspiring city of Petra, Jordan, continuing through Tabuk, AlUla, Hail, and finally concluding in Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia. Unlike conventional races, Rally Jameel prioritizes navigation over speed, challenging participants to input GPS coordinates manually, read notes in the roadbook, and make real-time route decisions using traditional and modern navigation tools. A cutting-edge tracking system ensured competitor safety, underlining the rally’s high operational standards.
Rhea Dagher and Dolyne Schlink: A Lebanese Power Duo
Among the standout competitors this year was Rhea Dagher, representing Lebanon as a driver. Known for her analytical mindset and composed driving style, Rhea embraced the complex terrain and mental demands of Rally Jameel with poise and professionalism. Her performance across varied landscapes—from rocky trails to open desert—reflected a deep understanding of rally strategy and terrain interpretation.
By her side was Dolyne Schlink, serving as her co-driver. Together, they formed a dynamic and synchronized team, blending sharp navigational precision with calm, tactical execution. Dolyne’s mastery in interpreting the roadbook, operating GPS tools, and managing compass-based orientation played a critical role in the team’s progress throughout the rally.
Rhea and Dolyne’s collaboration exemplified the spirit of Rally Jameel—where success is achieved not by speed alone, but through trust, communication, and calculated navigation. Their joint presence in the rally spotlighted Lebanon’s advancing role in women’s motorsport and drew admiration from fellow competitors and rally organizers alike.
Joanna Hassoun Navigates Her First Rally
Also proudly representing Lebanon was Joanna Hassoun, who made her debut as a co-driver. Paired with Saudi Arabian driver Jalah Al Ghalib, Joanna stepped confidently into the demanding role, embracing the rally’s steep learning curve. Navigating for the first time under pressure, she quickly demonstrated her adaptability and strategic mindset.
Her ability to process complex GPS coordinates, follow route notes, and make real-time decisions marked a successful entry into the world of rallying. Joanna’s participation highlighted the increasing opportunities for Lebanese women in motorsports and showcased the rally’s commitment to developing new talent.
Beyond Speed: A Test of Skill, Precision, and Resilience
Rally Jameel stands apart as a competition where victory depends on navigation precision, rather than raw speed. Each team must successfully use tools such as compasses, GPS devices, and manual route planning to advance through the course. The rally’s educational components also serve as a platform for skill-building, especially for newer participants like Joanna, who embraced both challenge and learning with enthusiasm.
With safety as a top priority, the event incorporated advanced tracking technology to monitor vehicles and ensure secure communication throughout the vast and sometimes remote landscapes.
Lebanon’s Legacy in the Making
The presence of Rhea Dagher, Dolyne Schlink, and Joanna Hassoun in Rally Jameel 2025 represents a powerful narrative of female empowerment, regional collaboration, and sporting excellence. Their efforts echo far beyond the finish line, inspiring a new generation of women in Lebanon and across the Arab world to step confidently into motorsport.
Their participation in such a prestigious and technically demanding event not only adds to Lebanon’s growing motorsport credentials but also contributes to a larger movement redefining gender roles in adventure and competitive driving.
As Rally Jameel continues to carve its place in global motorsport history, the stories of these three Lebanese women are lighting the way—one compass bearing at a time.
