ON THE ROAD TO SUCCESS
We speak to one of the UAE’s foremost petrolheads about life behind the wheel and what it takes to be a Lamborghini advisor and head of a fashion label. Ladies and gents, meet Maha Al Shamsi
ORIGINALLY FROM AL Ain, but now calling Dubai home, Emirati Maha Al Shamsi isn’t your average businessperson. Not only is she launching her own fashion brand, House of MC, but the 28-year old mother of two is also a member of the female advisory board of Lamborghini Worldwide, continuously conquers social media with selfies often including her Bentley Bentayga, Bentley Mulsanne, McLaren 675LT and Lamborghini Huracan Performante; and will be the first Emirati woman to participate in a 3200km European rally later this year – just her against 24 men over 10 days. With so much going on, we had to catch up with the talented driver to find out more.
I feel blessed to live in a country where women are afforded the opportunity and support to pursue their dreams” Maha Al Shamsi
What does it mean to be on the female advisory board of Lamborghini? What does your role entail?
As a member of the female advisory board for Lamborghini our main task is to consult with the brand on user experience and to raise awareness that Lamborghini is a car that can be driven by women. It is a very exciting appointment for me as an owner of the Huracan Performante.
What do cars mean to you? When did your love of cars surface and what is your all time favourite car?
Cars are a passion of mine which also serve a purpose. I fell in love with them at the age of 13 and got my dream car - the Lamborghini Huracan Performante - a few months ago. It’s a car built for high performance and stability which is what I’m looking for in cars.
Passions don’t come from any outside influence – they are innate; you just feel them. As a mother and businesswoman my time can be limited but I always try to make sure I have some time for myself to train and test the performance of my cars as well as my skills under controlled conditions. Responsibility is a big part of being a great driver as is a love for adrenaline and speed.
How far do you see yourself as an ambassador for the UAE to the rest of the world? Do you think your activities change peoples’ perception of the Middle East and the role of women in the region?
I hardly see myself as an ambassador but as a representative of my country to the business and racing community. I feel blessed to live in a country where women are afforded the opportunity and support to pursue their dreams with our founding fathers teaching us to aim high and conduct ourselves in the world in an appropriate and respectful manner. In regards to perceptions; just because you don’t see many women in high performance sports cars doesn’t mean they are not there and I never believed that jobs or hobbies are separated by gender. My aim is to educate not challenge.
How do you think being from the UAE helps you with your motoring ambitions? Do you think you could have achieved everything you have if you had been from somewhere else?
I believe that being from the UAE is in fact helpful to my racing as there is a higher concentration of sports cars in the region as well as facilities, like Yas Circuit Days, catering to us. That is the advantage of not living in an overly populated country.
Do you ever face any negativity or have you in the past, either in person or perhaps on social media? What would you say to young people who possibly face troubles on their social media?
I never set out to be an influencer – I am a woman passionate about fast cars and fashion, subjects which are clearly relevant to many people so my following grew organically. Most have been supportive, without denying the existence of naysayers, but ultimately all you can do is try to educate and rely on the support of your family and friends. Everybody is entitled to their own opinion and I respect that, though it does not influence my life.
How supportive have your family been throughout your career and do you hope to involve your kids in what you do?
Families tend to worry about activities that can be remotely dangerous however, despite certain objections, they are certainly supportive of my passion for cars. In regards to my children, I would never dare to inhibit their individuality by involving them in any of my activities or ventures. When they are old enough I will be there to guide and support them in what they want to do.
Tell us about the House of MC. What made you go into fashion? What can people expect from your brand that they can’t find anywhere else?
The concept will launch in October (with a soft online launch in August) and will be online and offline based, with a ‘maison’ in d3. House of MC will host a curated selection of luxury occasion wear, accessories and highed jewellery for hire with a dedicated concierge as well as personal shopping services. Our in-house hair and make-up artists will complete your look while our fleet of luxury cars will transport you to your event. This is the House of MC luxury experience: an up-to-the season, luxury and sustainable lifestyle experience.
What is your ultimate ambition?
To take House of MC global – it is a project close to my heart that I feel very strongly about. Every woman wants to look great in a cost-effective and ethically sustainable manner. We want to be there and take the stress and hard work out of your special event so you can fully enjoy it.