The biggest and most unique event in Bahrain – Yalla Banat, to be held on Friday, October 19th at the Bahrain International Circuit will host the largest all-female parade consisting of 250 cars to take a lap around the F1 track.
Yalla Banat, under the historical backdrop of empowering Women to drive within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, will be connecting Women from across the Region to celebrate this momentous achievement in Bahrain by bringing together Women leaders from the corporate, educational, sporting and charity sectors together all with an objective to Share, Inspire & Empower Women. The ‘Yalla Banat‘ event is a forum created for Women across the Middle East to network and share success stories from top female Leaders and Innovators, aiming to inspire the next generation of women achievers, and a fun filled day for the whole family to enjoy Bahrain International Circuit’s finest activities.
The ‘she drives’ momentum has a spread a wave of energy in the MENA region. The Yalla Banat event is a forum created for Women across the ME region aiming to inspire the next generation of women achievers, and to be the biggest festival for Women in the Middle East. The Parade will be one of the ways to get all the women together to celebrate themselves on the F1 track in The Bahrain International Circuit. This isn’t a race but an event where 250 cars with women drivers signifying their support and leadership by taking the lead and being among all the other women during the event. It will be the largest and first all-female parade in the GCC!
The Parade
“Only women can join the parade and be one of the 250 cars on the tracks and we will be led by women to take 2 laps on the F1 track in The Bahrain International Circuit. Each car can be decorated in any way to represent the women, their success, their organization, etc. The photographs and coverage of this event will be phenomenal,” said Martyana Al Qassab, Founder & Managing Director , Yalla Banat ‘Women in the Driver’s Seat.’
The event will expect about 2,500 – 3,000 attendees. Women drivers may only apply to participate in Parade, while the Yalla Banat event is for the whole family to bring your fathers, brothers & friends to watch you make history. There will be several activation events leading up to the major event that will be announced closer to the date.
Countries in the GCC like KSA, Kuwait, UAE and other countries involve in this parade. The parade is the biggest activity during that day out of all the other activities – it will have 250 cars on the F1 track celebrating women together from different associations and groups within the community. This isn’t a race, it’s a parade that will take two laps celebrating women in the driver’s seat. Each car can be decorated and represent the women driving them.
“It does not matter what type of car, jeep or mini van you may drive, all women can be part of Parade around F1 track, bring kids and together we can reach the record numbers to make history.” Martyana Al Qassab said.
“The cars can be designed with stickers, balloons, flags to Celebrate together Women’s achievements at the F1 track. It going to be a great day out filled with so much, Motorshows, Souks, Food Truck Festivals, Kids Zone so don’t miss out on this amazing family day out at the BIC. We hope to see so many people connecting together to recognize the Women role and inspire the next generation to fulfill their dreams. “ Martyana Qassab detailed their plans.
Why in Bahrain
Bahrain is the pioneer in Women empowerment across the region, being the 1st to employ working nurses & teachers, which now today boasts some of the highest share of women in workplace across the region, so the launch of Yalla Banat initiative in Bahrain not only celebrates Women achievement till date but also recognizes Bahrain as the leading example in this global drive.
“With Bahrain achieving Global recognition as the Home of Motorsports Middle East and the incredible support we have received from the Bahrain International Circuit’s CEO, Shaikh Salman Bin Isa Al Khalifa related to the Yalla Banat’s ‘ Women in the Driver Seat ‘ mission, we are excited to make history on the 19th of Oct Yalla Banat Bahrain for a fun fill amazing day at Bahrain International Circuit.” Martyana Qassab asserted the support that they have received in Bahrain
Yalla Banat will feature several events including:
- The first ever live female motor show
- A VIP art lounge showcasing local Bahraini art talent with designated car garages remodeled for art corners open to all
- The event will also include a pop up market space showcasing unique local products by female entrepreneurs
- Kids Engagement Zone incorporating new games launched by local Bahraini startups
- An area designated to about 9 food trucks with local food stalls
On website instructions:
- Be 1 of the 250 cars to line up on the F1 Outer Circuit Track
- Follow the Race Control Car round the track for 2 full laps at slow speed
- Be part of an amazing photograph opportunity & let’s make History!
- Arrive at 3pm & park your car on the Grid, take amazing photographs and enjoy the family fun activities at the BIC.
- Back to your car for Parade start at 5:30pm
Please visit the website for more information and updates – www.yallabanat.me