“Showing the world that nothing is impossible”
RIDER FACTS…
- Watching the Dakar on TV as a young boy is what fueled Ehab Al Hakeem’s passion for motorsports. Inspired by the rally and the scenes he had witnessed in front of his screen, he started riding at the age of 16.
- His first dream was first to actually see the race as a simple spectator. And then the rally came to him. After finishing university and postgraduate studies, he indeed relocated to Saudi Arabia and was able to see his heroes at the start in Jeddah in 2020.
- Seeing the growth of rallies and the Saudi Arabian Motorsport Federation's support, he decided to participate in local rallies himself. As an expert mechanic and CNC programmer, he built a rally bike and competed in his first rally in 2021.
- Racing the Saudi championship in 2022 was a learning experience that brought him closer to his dream. In 2023, he became the first Lebanese to compete in the FIM World Baja Cup. That same year he even won the Saudi championship. That’s when he started planning for the Dakar.
- In 2024, on his way to the World’s toughest rally, he competed in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, becoming the first Lebanese in the W2RC championship. He finished the grueling event in the Malle Moto category which would be an accomplishment beyond words.
- Come January, his dream of starting the Dakar will finally be accomplished. He will indeed be the first Lebanese on a bike.
AMBITION 2025
E.A.H.: “I was determined to one day spectate the Dakar Rally myself. As a motorsport enthusiast and tuner, I stayed connected to the racing world. At 16, I started riding motorbikes, fueled by dreams of becoming a rally racer. In 2020, the Dakar Rally was held in Saudi Arabia for the first time. Witnessing the start in Jeddah was a dream come true - I saw the rally legends and their machines up close.
After 22 rallies under my belt, I have been accepted to compete in Dakar. As the first Lebanese in my category, I am overjoyed and proud. I look forward to celebrating at the finish line, achieving my dream and showing the world that nothing is impossible.”
