The UAE lost a trailblazer this weekend. Hamda Taryam, the groundbreaking Emirati drag racer and humanitarian, passed away in the early hours of Saturday. She was just 24 years old.
Known for her fearless spirit on and off the track, Hamda rose to fame as one of the region’s first female drag racers, captivating audiences on Netflix’s The Fastest. But beyond her speed, she leaves behind a legacy of ambition, generosity, and inspiration—proving that passion knows no limits.
A Racing Legend in the Making
Hamda’s love for cars began at 15, when she bought her first vehicle and taught herself to repair it after frequent breakdowns in the desert. What started as a necessity soon became her calling.
“This led to drag racing, and soon, I knew this is all I wanted to do,” she once said.
Her breakthrough came when The Fastest—Netflix’s first Arabic reality show—spotlighted her journey, showcasing her alongside drivers from across the Middle East. The exposure skyrocketed her platform, earning her over 140,000 followers and solidifying her status as a role model for young Arab women.
A Heart for Giving Back
Hamda didn’t just race—she raced for a purpose. In 2021, she founded the Hamda Foundation, channeling her winnings into life-changing projects. Partnering with sponsors and peers from motorsports, she focused her efforts on Uganda, where she:
- Built the Hamda Vocational and Social Institute, offering free professional training to orphaned students.
- Provided education for over 300 children.
- Established a non-profit hospital in 2020, bringing critical care to those in need.
Her Enduring Message
Hamda’s words resonate now more than ever:
“Just believe in yourself—nothing is impossible. Develop your skills and chase what you love.”
She shattered stereotypes, proving that women belong in male-dominated spaces, and inspired a generation to dream boldly.
Her light was extinguished far too soon, but her legacy-of speed, strength, and selflessness-will live on.
Rest in power, Hamda.
