• A celebration of national pride and grassroots development

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 20th October 2024: The UAE Motorsports Team is set to represent the nation at the highly anticipated FIA Motorsport Games 2024, taking place from October 23 to 27 in Valencia, Spain. This prestigious event, known as the “Race of Nations,” brings together over 1,000 competitors from more than 85 countries, showcasing the spirit of unity and competition.

As the UAE continues to host international motorsport events, the participation of the UAE Motorsports Team in this global competition highlights the country’s commitment to nurturing its own champions. This year, the team will compete across six disciplines, demonstrating the growth of grassroots motorsport within the UAE and providing opportunities for young athletes to shine on an international stage.

UAE representation at the FIA Motorsport Games is not just about competition; it embodies a powerful message of national pride. Each driver carries the hopes of their nation, proudly displaying the UAE flag while competing against the best in the world. This moment serves to inspire future generations, following the footsteps of rally legend and former EMSO President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. With a record number of championship victories and recognition as an international motorsport icon, FIA President Ben Sulayem serves as a beacon for young Emirati drivers.

The FIA Motorsport Games are a unique event where the heroes are not the drivers or the brands, but the national flags. The Race of Nations is considered as the Olympic Games of motorsport, being the only event where drivers compete as national teams, proudly representing their countries.

Mohammed Bin Darwish, CEO of the UAE Olympic Committee, stated: “The participation of the emerging UAE team is a significant achievement in itself. We are proud of these athletes; they are a young and developing team, and this is one of the priorities of the Olympic Committee.”

Eight athletes will compete in the Race of Nations across six disciplines. Saif Alameri will champion the GT Sprint category for the UAE. Alameri, the driver with the highest international exposure in the team, has frequent podium finishes in the GT Middle East Championship, 24H Dubai, 6H Abu Dhabi, and impressive participations in the Imola Porsche Cup in Italy.

Participating athletes include Humaid Alketbi, Ahmad Alhammadi, and Rauda Altenaiji in Karting Endurance, along with rising star Faris Haroun in Karting Mini. The Karting Endurance team features a female-male combination, in line with the gender equality policy promoted by both the Games and EMSO. The three drivers will take turns behind the wheel of the kart to complete the six hours of non-stop racing stipulated by the regulations. Faris Haroun, the youngest member of the team, won the MENA Karting Cup in his class last December, and experts see a bright future ahead for him.

Ghanem Almazrouei and Eisa Almarar will compete in esports Formula 4 and GT, respectively, after winning the first-ever EMSO eRacing Summer Tournaments last month. Hazza Alhosani will defend the UAE colors in the Drifting series. Alhosani is not only one of the most experienced Emirati drifters with sustained professional success but is also among the most awarded.

The involvement of these eight young athletes will not only bolster their own careers but also create a positive ripple effect within the community, encouraging more youth to engage in sports.

Ali Al Beshr, Executive Director at Ethara said: “Yas Heat Racing is proud to participate in the FIA Motorsport Games, showcasing UAE talent across multiple motorsport disciplines. Our partnership with EMSO reflects a shared commitment to developing motorsport in the UAE, offering opportunities for young and professional drivers alike to compete on a global stage. Through this collaboration, Yas Heat Racing is dedicated to supporting the growth of UAE motorsport while reinforcing our presence on the international racing scene. We’re excited to champion the future of motorsport in the region.”

The entire UAE delegation will consist of 26 members, including the eight athletes and support team. The different disciplines will take place at three venues in Valencia. Fans will be able to see the UAE delegation in action and show their support at the City of Arts and Sciences for esports events, Aspar Circuit for Karting Endurance and Karting Mini, and Ricardo Tormo Circuit for GT Sprint and Drifting.

Grassroots development is at the heart of the UAE Motorsports Organization’s mission. The FIA Motorsport Games provide an ideal platform for young drivers to gain invaluable experience, sharpen their skills, and foster camaraderie among international competitors. This experience is crucial for building confidence, enhancing performance, and preparing them for future challenges.

Sport plays a vital role in shaping lives and communities. It teaches valuable lessons in teamwork, perseverance, and dedication. Following government directives for the development of Emirati athletes, and in line with the Emirates Motorsport Organization’s vision for developing the sport and supporting the next generation of UAE champions, these eight drivers represent a minority, but alongside the flag, they carry the hopes of an entire nation.

The UAE Motorsports Team’s participation in the FIA Motorsport Games exemplifies how sport can positively impact society, promoting health, well-being, and unity. While medals are not anticipated, the expectation for competitive performances is high.

Mahir Badri, Chief Executive of the Emirates Motorsport, expressed: “As these talented Emirati youngsters embark on this quest, we watch with pride how far the UAE has come in the sports industry, becoming the host of many world-class international events. It is time for us, as a country, to start creating our own champions and to shine in the international arena because of our own Emirati athletes’ prowess. As the UAE Motorsports Team heads to Valencia, the entire nation stands behind them, eager to witness their journey and celebrate their achievements.”

The participation of the UAE Motorsports Team in the 2024 FIA Motorsport Games is organized by the Emirates Motorsport Organization, and is possible thanks to the support of the UAE National Olympic Committee and Official Partner Yas Heat Racing, Ethara’s racing academy. The UAE Team is also supported by the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge brand and Abu Dhabi Ports.

For more information about the UAE Motorsports Team and their participation in the FIA Motorsport Games, please visit www.emso.ae.