Yuliana Grasman also known as "Juliana Grasman" or her track name "Afra"^[1][2] (عفراء), is a racer, drifter, filmmaker, actress, and model.^[3][4][5] She is the only female 4×4 drifter in the world.^[6]

Grasman was born in Russia and brought up in Kazakhstan.^[7][8]

At the age of 4, she started to showcase her love for all things cars and at the age of 11, Grasman got her first taste of being behind the wheel.^[9][10] As she got a little older, Grasman's father took her off-road to teach her how to drive a manual car.^[11][12]

She competed in her first competition at 159 and as the only female competitor, she went on to secure her first victory against an all-male competitor line-up.^[11][12]

Yuliana continued racing all through her teenage and as the wins kept coming, her interest in driving, building and modifying cars took hold, and she stepped out of the background to help inspire other women to compete in the sport.^[11][12]

After moving to the UAE in 2013, Yuliana has competed in over 10 races.

In 2017, she participated once again, against an all-male competitor line up, and won a Gold Medal, becoming a crowned champion of the UAE Mudcross Fest.

Grasman drives a 4x4 Nissan Patrol called Black Edition which she rebuilt herself from scratch.^[11][12]

Grasman was featured in an article on Khaleej Times for being the first lady freestyle drifting in the UAE.

She describes herself as having been a "Petrol Head" (Car Fanatic) since a very young age.1 Known for her freestyle drifting in the desert, it was her Emirati friend who gave Grasman her track name, Afra,7 because of the way she drove her 4x4 in the desert.^[11][12]

In an interview, when asked about her love for cars, Yuliana replied, "There is no telling.

It happened in Kazakhstan.

From a small age, I played with cars, built a car out of the cushions from the couch.

Over the years it has grown into something serious.

My experience in motorsport is more than 10 years.

I have participated Samuryk rally in Astana, in Time attacks autocross, in slalom and even ice races.

I have awards.

Now I miss the ice, but still, love the sands.

Residents of all countries of the Arabian Peninsula live with off-road racing.

Three years ago I have decided to take part in them.

Last year I was the only female participant in the Wise Cross festival and won the cup, ahead of all men."

Today, that passion for all things motors has gained her the title of the first female 4x4 freestyle drifter in the GCC and ME.^[11][12]

Apart from car racing, Yuliana has filmed and edited music videos for Afghani TV.

She has also done commercial videos and films for companies like Gargash enterprise, an authorized distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Dubai, Sharjah, and the Northern Emirates, Hyundai Genesis, Bentley, a full season with Deals on Wheels, Supercar Club Arabia and so on.

She has also been interviewed by many notable platforms including Abu Dhabi Sports TV.

Yuliana was starred in an official music video/debut song "Unknown Skies" by a UAE based Metal Band "Regus" in 2018.^[13] She produced and acted in the music video for Afghani star Ashkan Arab.

Yuliana also appeared in a Bollywood film "Zero", released the same year, alongside Shahrukh Khan.

She also appeared in the movie "Bharat" alongside Salman Khan and makes an appearance in upcoming Jackie Chan movie "Vangaurd", that has to be released in 2020.

Besides acting, In 2018, Afra also recorded her own rap song called "Never Give up" with Westkid.^[14]

In January 2020, Yuliana appeared on the Lovin Show in Lovin Dubai.

She was interviewed as the first female 4x4 drifter in the world.^[15]