Abu Dhabi:The UAE has emerged as one of the world's foremost destinations for motorsport, according to Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). He emphasized the Middle East's growing significance in the global motorsport landscape.
Accourding to Emirates News Agency, the hosting of Grand Prix races in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar has expanded the sport’s fan base, particularly among young people and women. This aligns with the FIA's goal to increase participation and make motorsport more accessible.
Ben Sulayem noted that recent long-term commercial and strategic agreements by the FIA mark a new era for global motorsport. These agreements are designed to enhance institutional stability, support world championships, attract investment, and drive innovation. They encompass various competitions, including the FIA Formula One World Championship, rallying, endurance racing, and Formula E.
The Concorde Governance Agreement will regulate the FIA Formula One World Championship until 2030, while a new agreement extends the FIA World Endurance Championship’s partnership with the Automobile Club de l'Ouest until 2037. Additionally, a significant commercial rights agreement for the FIA World Rally Championship and FIA European Rally Championship has been established, and the Formula E agreement has been extended to support electric motorsport's future.
Since 2021, the FIA has improved its governance and financial performance, achieving an operating profit of £6.7 million and an exceptional gain of £20 million from the Formula E agreement extension. This financial turnaround allows for increased investment in championships, member clubs, and initiatives focused on road safety and sustainability.
Looking forward, the FIA aims to strengthen financial sustainability, enhance safety, foster technological innovation, and support emerging talent. It also plans to expand into new markets and create pathways for aspiring competitors.
Sustainability is a key focus, with efforts to integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into decision-making processes. Ben Sulayem emphasized the importance of engaging younger generations, noting their growing presence in the sport. To support this, the FIA is developing digital content and interactive platforms.
He encouraged young people in the UAE and the Arab region to explore various opportunities in motorsport, highlighting the need for engineers, technicians, organizers, and technology specialists alongside drivers. Ben Sulayem urged them to continue learning, work hard, and respect the sport's rules, as the future of motorsport relies on the next generation.