Bold move: When other 12-year-old girls were playing with dolls, Nahla – the first female Emirati F3 driver – was getting behind the wheel of a race car for the first time. Two decades on, her passion for motorsports shows no sign of abating, though many have questioned her atypical career choice. “I had to stand tall and prove to society and to my culture that I am not doing anything wrong, I am just pursuing my dream and passion. As a result, I have gained respect, love and more loyal friends.”

Work ethic: Nahla has worked her way up the ranks of the motorsports world, working as a time keeper at Dubai Autodrome before landing a role at Yas Marina Circuit as Deputy Circuit Manager. As an Emirati woman working in F1, she’s had her fair share of doubters, but she’s proved them all wrong. “I’ve proved I’m professional and passionate about motorsport. No negativity will bring me down.”

Future goals: The F1 boys’ club better watch their backs, because this girl is gunning for their jobs – and when she sets her mind to something, she goes for it with gusto. “My whole career, I’ve listened to my heart and followed my passion. My goal is to work with the Formula One management and be a Team Principal for the Red Bull team.”

Be inspired: “Motorsports is a man’s world. If I’ve opened the doors for other women to succeed in the motorsports field, then my 12 years of ups and downs didn’t go to waste.”