FIA President Celebrates UAE’s Ascendancy as a Premier Global Motorsport Destination
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, has underscored the United Arab Emirates' transformation into one of the world's most significant motorsport hubs, whilst highlighting the region's expanding influence across the international racing calendar.
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile has affirmed the United Arab Emirates’ distinguished position within the global motorsport landscape, with the nation’s hosting of prestigious Grand Prix races contributing meaningfully to the sport’s continued expansion and accessibility. The presence of these world-class events has proven instrumental in cultivating an increasingly diverse enthusiast base, particularly amongst younger generations and women, thereby advancing the FIA’s overarching mission to democratise participation across all motorsport disciplines.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, has emphasised that a series of comprehensive commercial and strategic agreements negotiated in recent years represent a transformative moment for international motorsport governance and development. These arrangements, spanning the FIA Formula One World Championship, rallying, endurance racing and Formula E, transcend mere commercial considerations and instead constitute an integrated framework designed to fortify institutional stability, establish sustainable financial foundations and enhance the competitive experience for all stakeholders.
The organisation has achieved considerable institutional progress since 2021, navigating a remarkable financial transformation that has repositioned the FIA’s operational standing. The achievement of an operating profit of €6.7 million, coupled with exceptional gains of €20 million derived from the Formula E agreement extension, has facilitated expanded investment across championships, member organisations, official personnel, road safety initiatives and sustainability programmes.
Looking toward the future, the FIA remains committed to strengthening financial resilience, advancing safety protocols and developing regulatory frameworks that encourage technological innovation. Particular emphasis remains upon broadening participation opportunities and nurturing emerging talent, with sustainability principles increasingly integral to motorsport’s technical and sporting evolution, from electric vehicle competition to the integration of environmental, social and governance considerations throughout the organisation’s strategic decision-making.
Addressing young people across the United Arab Emirates and the broader Arab region, Ben Sulayem has underscored the expansive career pathways now available within motorsport’s multifaceted ecosystem. Beyond traditional driver roles, the sport demands skilled engineers, technicians, organisers and specialists in technology and data analytics, each contributing meaningfully to the sport’s continued advancement and excellence.
Source: WAM