The Emirates News Agency reported that FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem used a recent address to underscore the UAE’s transformation into a premier motorsport venue. Ben Sulayem highlighted the country’s world-class facilities and organisational capabilities that have enabled it to secure a prominent place among international racing destinations. His remarks reflect the culmination of decades of strategic development that began well before the first Formula One race on UAE soil and have since expanded to encompass rallies, endurance competitions and grassroots programmes.
According to the FIA President, the UAE has become one of world’s leading destinations for motorsport through consistent upgrades to safety standards and event management that meet the highest international benchmarks. The comments came as the federation continues to expand its presence in the Middle East and North Africa region with additional championships and training initiatives. Ben Sulayem, an Emirati former rally champion, drew on his personal experience to illustrate how local terrain and modern infrastructure have combined to create demanding yet accessible competition venues.
A 2025 sector outlook placed the UAE motorsports market at 6.58 billion USD in 2024 with forecasts pointing to growth reaching 11.70 billion USD by 2033 at a compound annual rate of 6.82 percent. This expansion builds on the hosting of flagship events including the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit and multiple rounds of the World Rally-Raid Championship. Industry assessments link the rise to broader economic goals that position motorsport as a driver of tourism, hospitality and high-value investment across the emirates.
An EY-Parthenon study commissioned by the FIA estimated global motorsport economic output at nearly 160 billion euros, supporting more than 2.7 million participants and 7,000 facilities worldwide. Within that ecosystem the UAE contributes through circuits such as Dubai Autodrome, which concluded its 2025-26 season with over 15 competitions and a record 30,000 spectators at the 24H Dubai according to venue officials. Faisal Al Sahlawi, general manager of Dubai Autodrome, noted that the calendar also featured more than 80 track days and 20 community roll racing events that broadened engagement beyond elite competition.
FIA data indicate that the Formula One World Championship alone requires a minimum of 20,112 trained volunteers each season, equivalent to 965,376 service hours across 24 races. The UAE events draw on this volunteer network through local clubs and federation-supported training that has grown significantly in the MENA region over the past decade. Such human infrastructure complements the physical assets and has helped maintain the country’s reputation for seamless event delivery even under demanding regional conditions.
The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, launched by Ben Sulayem in 1991, stands as one of the calendar’s most challenging cross-country rallies and will stage its 35th edition in November as part of the World Rally-Raid Championship. Complementary events like the Dubai International Baja attract entrants from more than 30 countries and span categories for cars, motorcycles, quads and buggies. These fixtures not only advance sporting excellence but also promote the UAE’s natural landscapes and boost related sectors including transport and accommodation, according to organisers.
