The M-Automotiv NOUR Rallye Raid, a rally for women only, is set to admit motorcycles and buggies for the first time in its fourth edition. Until now, participants have competed only in 4×4 vehicles. The event runs from Tuesday 27 October to Saturday 31 October 2026, mainly between Erfoud and Merzouga in south-eastern Morocco. The prize-giving is planned for Casablanca.
The information comes from a statement by the event, which LesEco.ma published on 21 October 2026. It says the motorcycle and buggy categories are being added “for the first time” to the 4×4 vehicles already entered. VH.ma and L’Observateur Automobiles report in almost identical terms. Both texts clearly derive from the same statement and are therefore not independent confirmations.
What remains unclear about the motorcycle class
Important questions remain open for female motorcyclists. The statement names no separate motorcycle classes, no regulations, no engine-capacity limits and no stage distances. It also does not say how many motorcycles have entered. “More than thirty teams” are expected in total, with no breakdown by vehicle type. According to the organisers, the new category is meant to broaden the sporting format, while the safety and support of participants remain the focus. How that support will work for motorcycles is not described.
According to the statement, a navigation system used in international competitions and championships is also new. It is meant to improve tracking of the teams. Which system is meant is not stated. The stages lead over tracks and through dunes and are intended to test navigation, vehicle control and endurance. According to the organisers, participants include beginners as well as drivers with off-road or competition experience.
Organiser and sponsor
The rally is organised by Hanane Amraoui, who is introduced in the statement as a co-driver with experience in international rallies. The statement says (translated from the French): “Our wish is to let the event keep growing and to professionalise the experience for participants, without losing what makes it unique.”
The title sponsor is the Moroccan vehicle dealer M-Automotiv. It is bringing three models from the brands it represents to the rally: the JAC T8, the Soueast S09 and the KGM Rexton. Part of the statement therefore clearly also serves to present these vehicles.
NOUR POUR ELLE solidarity project
The rally has had a social focus since its first editions. According to the statement, the association NOUR POUR ELLE, run by the participants, is new. It aims to support young girls in school and higher education.
Sources and image credits
- LesEco.ma: “Le M-Automotiv NOUR Rallye Raid revient pour une 4ᵉ édition du 27 au 31 octobre”, 21 October 2026, Link
- VH.ma: “Le M-Automotiv NOUR Rallye Raid change de dimension”, 22 October 2026, Link
- L’Observateur Automobiles: “M-Automotiv NOUR Rallye Raid 2026: Le défi 100 % féminin franchit un nouveau cap au Maroc”, 21 October 2026, Link
- Official website M-Automotiv NOUR Rallye Raid, Link
- Photo 1: dune landscape with off-road vehicle and two women. Photographer not named, rights holder M-Automotiv NOUR Rallye Raid. Archive photo, date taken not given. Original source
- Photo 2: rally participants. Photographer not named, rights holder M-Automotiv NOUR Rallye Raid. Archive photo, date taken not given. Original source