The “Aïcha des Gazelles” Rally to kick off April 12

CASABLANCA - The “Aïcha des Gazelles” Rally will kick off April 12 from Monaco with the participation of 200 crews, including 10 Moroccans, are taking part and representing 17 nationalities.

This 100% off-road women's navigation rally-raid, which was launched in 1990, is a real adventure involving SUVs and other vehicles in a two-week race during which crews rely only on maps and compasses for guidance

Rally president Dominique Serra said that the 33rd edition will involve electric vehicles in the race as the competition is turning greener following the signing of an agreement with Morocco’s Energy Minister Leila Benali during last year’s COP 28 climate summit.

Serra said that she hoped to inscribe the Rally on the UNESCO’s list of intangible heritage despite its sports aspect.

“We do not have the exact criteria to inscribe the Rally as an intangible heritage,” Serra told Middle East Online.

“I need to get close to culture as I’m doing sport. I need to establish a link between the two aspects. It’s just a wish,” she added.

Humanitarian actions

The Rally highlights the “Gazelles Engagées”. Crews can submit a support file to an association of their choice. A project will be selected which will win a check for 10,000 euros for the benefit of the association concerned after examination by a commission.

The rally has also been promoting its humanitarian work since 2001 through “Cœur de Gazelles”, a charitable association which has supported local populations through a medical caravan, date palm plantations, bicycle donations and even the construction of schools for children and women to help fight illiteracy.