• With a Bold Performance, the Emirati Athletes Showcase Fearless Spirit and Competitive Edge

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 29th October 2024: The UAE Motorsports Team has showcased exceptional talent and determination at the FIA Motorsport Games 2024, held from October 23 to 27 in Valencia, Spain. With a delegation of eight competitors, the team made a significant impact across six disciplines, reaffirming the UAE’s growing presence in the international motorsport arena.

This year’s participation marked a pivotal moment for Team UAE, not only in terms of representation but also in the invaluable insights gained throughout the event. Competing alongside nearly 700 athletes from 82 nations provided a wealth of lessons, highlighting where the UAE stands in the motorsport field compared to other countries. The experience has demonstrated that we are competitive and revealed areas for development, setting the stage for a stronger comeback in the next edition of the Games.

Mohammed bin Darwish, Executive Director of the National Olympic Committee, expressed his delight at the impressive results and performance demonstrated by the UAE Motorsports Team, stating: “The determination and commitment of the UAE team members were commendable, as they entered this prominent event with a larger delegation compared to the 2022 edition. The team’s marked improvement in performance and results is noteworthy, especially given the relatively smaller base of motorsports enthusiasts in the UAE compared to other participating nations. The UAE team’s participation in the FIA Motorsport Games achieved all its objectives, particularly through the invaluable experience of competing alongside the world’s top athletes. This accomplishment has bolstered the team’s global reputation in one of the most popular and widely-followed sports worldwide.”

In the GT Sprint category, Saif Alameri made his debut in GT3 racing, finishing an impressive 7th overall. Competing against some of the best in the world, including a Porsche factory driver who secured gold, Alameri’s performance was commendable. Despite the fierce competition, he adapted quickly to the demands of this new category, showcasing his skills on an international stage once again. His dedication exemplifies the spirit of Emirati motorsport and lays a strong foundation for future successes.

The Karting Endurance team, consisting of Humaid Alketbi, Ahmad Alhammadi, and Rauda Altenaiji, concluded the event in an impressive 9th overall. This achievement not only highlights the team’s collaborative spirit but also showcases Rauda as a remarkable representative of diversity within the UAE’s motorsport community. Her participation serves as an inspiration for future generations of female athletes, demonstrating that the sport is accessible and inclusive for all.

In Karting Mini, the 10-year-old Faris Haroun faced stiff competition, finishing in 16th position. As the youngest member of the team and competing in a category introduced for the first time at these Games, his journey is just beginning, and his involvement reflects the potential for future excellence within Emirati motorsport.

Hazaa Alhosani, competing in the Drifting category, qualified for the top 16 runs and exhibited impressive skill and determination before an unfortunate race incident curtailed his progress. Despite this setback, Hazaa’s strong performance underscores the growing popularity of drifting in the UAE, which continues to attract large crowds and establish itself as a significant facet of the motorsport landscape.

In the rapidly evolving world of eSports, Ghanem Almazrouei and Eisa Almarar competed fiercely in the Formula 4 and GT disciplines, respectively. Their participation follows their recent triumph at the first-ever EMSO eRacing Summer Tournaments, where they showcased their skills against the best in the field. The eSports category has seen exponential growth at this year’s Games, highlighting the increasing interest in competitive virtual racing and further demonstrating the UAE’s commitment to nurturing talent in all aspects of motorsport.

Mahir Badri, Chief Executive of the Emirates Motorsport Organization, expressed pride in the team’s achievements, stating: “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Government of the UAE for their unwavering support, as well as to all our partners and sponsors who believed in this initiative. We also wish to thank all eight competitors and their families for their dedication and effort in making this participation a reality. The athletes sacrificed their time and energy to represent the UAE, and we are immensely proud of what they have achieved. Their results exceeded our expectations, and this experience serves as a stepping stone for future participation, strengthening the UAE’s presence in the world of motorsport. From day one, we have aimed to bring athletes on board, rather than just focusing on events. The UAE is renowned for hosting major sporting events across various disciplines, and following the leadership from the government, it is time now we cultivate champions in motorsport. What matters most is having Emirati athletes who are ready to shine and give their all.”

The participation of the UAE Motorsports Team at the FIA Motorsport Games is not merely about securing medals; it represents a commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering diversity within the sport. With ages ranging from eight to 70, and over 100 women and girls taking to the tracks and rally stages this weekend, the Games have served as an inspiration, showing that motorsport is something for everybody to enjoy.

Ali Al Beshr, Executive Director at Ethara said: “At Yas Heat Racing, we are incredibly proud of the UAE Motorsports Team’s inspiring performance at the FIA Motorsport Games. This achievement is a testament to our ‘Talent First’ philosophy, where empowering Emirati athletes to shine on the international stage is our top priority. Supporting these athletes is at the heart of our mission, and witnessing their success reaffirms our belief in the potential of UAE motorsport. Together, we are not just building a legacy but shaping a future where UAE talent thrives.”

The UAE Motorsports Team has demonstrated that, despite being a small delegation, their presence at the FIA Motorsport Games is a testament to the potential within the nation. Competing alongside the world’s top athletes has provided invaluable experience, strengthening their skills and broadening their horizons in the motorsport community. The participation has not only showcased their competitive spirit but also highlighted the UAE’s commitment to fostering the next generation of champions, paving the way for a bright future in motorsport.

The participation of the UAE Motorsports Team in the 2024 FIA Motorsport Games is organized by the Emirates Motorsport Organization and was made 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

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