Salaam! I was fortunate to sit down and talk with Safiya Al Sayegh here in the UAE. She is the current UAE National Road and Timetrial champion. She also races professionally with the World Tour Team UAE Team ADQ with the likes of Marta Bastianelli, former world champ. She initially rejected the opportunity to become a professional, wanting to focus on her graphic design degree, but with persistency from the team, she agreed.
Not only is she the first Emirati woman, but she is also the first in the pro peloton to wear a scarf while racing. She gave a comment about feeling 'alien' while doing so, but does not let it phase her. She is striving to get more women and Muslims in the sport, giving them something to aspire to.