Farah Zakaria is not just a name in the motorsport world. She is a symbol of passion, resilience, and determination. Originally from Amman, Jordan, and now based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Farah has carved her place in one of the most demanding and male-dominated industries in the world. Her journey is not simply about racing cars; it is about persistence, representation, and opening doors for the next generation.
A Passion for Motorsport from a Young Age
Farah Zakaria’s journey in motorsport began long before most drivers ever step into a race car. She started go-karting at just six years old, inspired by her father, Khaled Zakaria, a professional rally driver who encouraged her to follow her dreams from a very young age. Growing up around racing, Farah did not just admire the sport; she lived it, learned it, and built her future around it.
She was also the first to introduce go-karting to young people in Jordan, helping create opportunities for the next generation to discover motorsport. From early on, Farah was determined to understand every aspect of racing, from driving techniques to vehicle control, dedicating herself to learning everything she could.
Her journey progressed step by step. She began with go-karting, moved into professional circuit racing, and trained in motocross at a young age. As her skills developed, Farah expanded into cross-karts, speed test events, rallying, and cross-country racing. Competing across multiple disciplines gave her experience on tarmac, gravel, sand, and off-road terrain, allowing her to adapt quickly and confidently in any conditions. This versatility has made her one of the most well-rounded drivers in the region.
Facing and Overcoming Challenges
Motorsport is one of the most expensive sports in the world, and Farah Zakaria has experienced firsthand how challenging it can be to sustain a racing career. As she honestly shares, talent alone used to be enough. Years ago, sponsors chased pure ability and media searched for future champions. Today, support often follows numbers and influence rather than untapped potential.
This reality places immense pressure on drivers. Instead of focusing solely on mental, physical, and technical growth, many athletes are forced to worry about budgets, funding, and even whether they can start or finish a season. For Farah, this struggle is deeply personal.
What breaks her heart the most is seeing young talents in the Middle East, including herself, postponing their dreams year after year not because they lack skill, but because they lack support. The dominance of Western countries in global motorsport does not reflect a lack of talent elsewhere. It reflects a lack of opportunity.
Yet despite these obstacles, Farah continues to push forward. She races not only for results, but to challenge stereotypes and prove that when given a chance, drivers from the region belong on the world stage.
Notable Achievements
Farah Zakaria’s rise in the motorsport world has been marked by several major achievements. The most significant is becoming the only Middle East and North Africa finalist, winner, and qualifier to represent the region at the World Finals. This historic accomplishment placed her among the top rally drivers in the region and on a truly global platform, confirming her position as one of the most promising female competitors in international motorsport.
Beyond trophies and titles, Farah has built a strong connection with her audience. Through social media, she shares the realities of her racing life, the highs, the struggles, and the journey behind the scenes. Her transparency has helped her build a loyal community that supports her not only as an athlete, but as a role model.
She is also a strong advocate of the “Drive Like A Girl” message, encouraging women to take control, challenge limitations, and believe in their abilities both on and off the track.
Life Beyond Motorsport
While racing is at the heart of Farah Zakaria’s life, she also finds balance beyond the motorsport world. One of her passions is baking, which she describes as calming and grounding. This passion led her to create Bombastic Brownies, her own side business that started as a home venture in 2019 and has since grown into a cloud kitchen in Amman, Jordan.
Baking allows Farah to disconnect from the pressures of racing, clear her mind, and find peace. It reflects her multifaceted personality and her belief that athletes can pursue multiple passions while remaining focused on their primary goals.
Current Focus and Future Dreams
Farah Zakaria is currently focused on competing in the Middle East Rally Championship and the Middle East Cross-Country (Baja) Championship. These competitions are key steps toward her ultimate goal of becoming the first Jordanian to compete in the world’s toughest rally, Dakar.
Her ambition goes far beyond personal success. She wants to raise the Jordanian flag proudly, not just for herself, but to prove that drivers from the region belong at the top when given the opportunity.
As a woman in motorsport, Farah is determined not to be seen as an exception. She continues to push forward so that the path feels possible for the next girl who dreams bigger than what she is told is realistic.
Why Farah Zakaria’s Story Inspires
Farah Zakaria’s journey is powerful because it reflects resilience in the face of systemic challenges. She represents countless athletes whose talent exists but remains unseen due to limited access and support.
Her story is a reminder that barriers are meant to be broken and that representation matters. Through courage, discipline, and belief, Farah continues to redefine what is possible for women in the motorsport world.
Do follow her on Instagram
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