Ben Sulayem 'committed to transformation of FIA into modern, accessible, and connected organisation' - Middle East Business News and Information
Dubai, UAE, 4th May, 2025: The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motorsport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, is set for a busy agenda of high-level discussions at its annual FIA Region I Spring Meeting starting in Marrakech on Tuesday.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem will be in attendance at the three-day assembly of mobility and motorsport leaders from across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa to discuss key initiatives in road safety, sustainable mobility, regional sporting growth, and innovation in transport.
Speaking ahead of the conference, which is hosted by Mobilité Club Maroc, Ben Sulayem said: 'As a global federation it is not often that we are able to unite our community in one place, so moments like this are particularly special.
'The next few days will provide an invaluable opportunity for engagement and participation, along with key votes to decide on the leadership of our community.'
The Region I Spring Meeting will coincide with a series of sessions designed to equip Member Clubs with new strategies and insights into evolving mobility and sporting trends. The event will be an opportunity to share knowledge and best practice across topics such as service delivery, sustainable responsibility, and consumer-focused innovation.
Ben Sulayem said: 'Our Members are fundamental to the success of the FIA, and I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made together during my first term in office and the successes we have achieved. We continue to strengthen the link between sport and mobility, expanding our reach and impact on the global stage.
'I am committed to the transformation of the FIA into a modern, accessible, and connected organisation. Globally we are continuing our mission to double motorsport participation through grassroot initiatives and accessibility programmes such as Affordable Cross Car and the Global Karting Plan, while ensuring ongoing empowerment of all regions across our mobility capabilities.'
The FIA Member Club structure forms the backbone of the federation's governance and operations, with each full Member Club holding voting rights across the FIA's elections and regulatory decisions. Clubs are grouped into two primary categories, with some serving in both roles.
Mobility Clubs provide mobility services and represent the interest of road users, with a focus on road safety, travel and tourism, consumer rights, and sustainable mobility.
National Sporting Authorities (ASNs) govern and develop motorsport at a national level, are responsible for sporting events, issuing licenses, and engagement across regulations.
Within the FIA there are four Mobility Regions and six sport zones. FIA Region I is comprised of 101 Mobility Member Clubs from across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, representing over 41 million members.
Caption: FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem – 'Our Members are fundamental to the success of the FIA.'
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motorsport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility.
Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mid East Info
26-06-2025
- Mid East Info
Shared vision for mobility, motorsport boosting UAE's trading partnership with Japan – Ben Sulayem - Middle East Business News and Information
FIA President says meeting with Japanese Prime Minister revealed approach which is a model for nations across the world Dubai, UAE, 26th June, 2025: Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), says a shared vision for the future of mobility and motor sport is helping to reinforce the UAE's strong trading partnership with Japan. Ben Sulayem recently returned from an official visit to Japan where he met Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and other leading officials, and was given deep insights the country's influence on global transportation and its status as a rising motorsport powerhouse. 'Throughout our discussions it became clear that Japan's approach is a model for nations across the world,' said the FIA President. 'From sustainable fuels to smart infrastructure, Japan continues to push boundaries in ways that align with the FIA's global mission.' Japan and the UAE continue to strengthen their trade partnership, with the UAE maintaining its position as Japan's top Gulf trade partner – accounting for 43.6% of Japan's total trade with Middle Eastern countries. In 2024, bilateral trade reached $49.6 billion, marking a steady 1.2% increase compared to 2023. Last year, Japanese exports to the UAE totalled $12.73 billion, vehicles and the automotive industry leading the way at $4.7 billion, a marked 10.9% year-on-year growth fuelled by strong demand for SUVs, sedans, and hybrid vehicles[1]. 'This collaboration is not just about trade, it is about a shared vision for our global future,' said Ben Sulayem. 'Prime Minister Ishiba's leadership in promoting sustainable and innovative mobility solutions is setting a powerful precedent, ensuring that Japan remains at the forefront of advancements in transportation, investing annually over $38 billion in mobility infrastructure[2]. 'His dedication to fostering innovation is equally clear in Japan's motorsport industry. A surge in fan engagement and a growing pipeline of talented drivers, Japan is rapidly solidifying its status as a global motorsport hub.' Japan produces around 8.23 million vehicles annually[3], but is not just a country that builds cars – it is a nation that defines how the world moves. 'With groundbreaking developments in sustainable mobility, artificial intelligence, and a community-first approach, Japan is shaping the future of transportation,' said Ben Sulayem. 'The nation's innovation verges at times on what could feel like science fiction – magnetic levitation cars developed by researchers at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology eliminate the need for traditional engines and batteries, promising higher energy efficiency and a broad sustainable impact[4]. ' The FIA President says Japan's passion for motorsport is contributing to a growing sporting scene and a stronger impact globally, as the country continues to set a high standard, from grassroots to its F1 Japanese Grand Prix which draws record crowds year on year. Says Ben Sulayem: 'Japan is more than just a hub for mobility and motorsport. It is a symbol of what is possible when passion meets progress. The FIA will continue to champion innovation, sustainability, and accessibility, working alongside Japan to shape the next chapter in global mobility and motorsport.' -ENDS- Notes to Editors: The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motorsport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility. Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all. [1] All statistics provided by the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) [2] [3] [4]
Mid East Info
11-06-2025
- Mid East Info
Middle East's world championship motorsport dates secured for 2026 - Middle East Business News and Information
FIA President Ben Sulayem highlights technological milestones being reached, new talent emerging on global stage Dubai, UAE: The Middle East's prominence on the global motorsport stage has been underlined for another year with confirmation of the FIA's major world championship calendars for 2026. The Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will take place on Jeddah's street circuit on 17-19 April next year in a 24-race championship which will see the next generation of F1 cars running on 100% sustainable fuels. This was confirmed at the FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting in Macau yesterday which was chaired by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem as the Federation's global community gathered for the FIA's annual conference. The 2026 FI World Championship again includes three other Middle East rounds, in Bahrain on 10-12 April, Qatar from 27-29 Nov and Abu Dhabi, the traditional final Grand Prix of the season from 4-6 December. Saudi again stages back-to-back Jeddah races in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship calendar on 13-14 February, while the Middle East also has four rounds in the 2026 F2 Championship coinciding with the F1 races in Bahrain, Saudi, Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Once again, the Dakar Rally in Saudi commences next year's FIA World Rally-Raid Championship from 3-17 Jan, with the Rally du Maroc taking place from 28 Sept-3 October and the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge on 22-27 Nov. Bahrain represents the Middle East in the ten-round F3 calendar. FIA President Ben Sulayem told World Motor Sport Council members: '2025 is proving to be an exciting year across all our championships with technological milestones being reached, new talent emerging, and battles being fought on the track and across stages each week.' 'This year is a powerful opportunity for us to innovate and grow. New agreements across our championships are unlocking fresh potential, we are enhancing the level of competition and expanding our global reach. Each race across our championships shows the passion and dedication of our community.' The World Council approved one of the final pieces of the compelling puzzle that is coming together to mark the start of a brand-new era for the FIA World Rally Championship from 2027. The WRC27 ruleset has been undergoing its final refinements and updates over the past six months, and confirmation in Macau of the reference volumes for bodywork cements the commitment set out by the FIA to put flexibility at the core of these regulations. To achieve this, the rules define a zone in which all of the bodywork panels must be located, but within this volume, manufacturers and constructors have the freedom to scale and integrate almost any design. This means that, without effecting performance, cars ranging from saloons to hatchbacks, cross-overs and completely bespoke designs could be entered over the ten-year regulation cycle through to 2037. The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motorsport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility. Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.
Mid East Info
08-06-2025
- Mid East Info
Ben Sulayem says Japan and the FIA are united in driving global progress
FIA President reflects on influential visit celebrating mobility innovation and motorsport growth Dubai, UAE, 8th June, 2025: FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has completed an official visit to Japan, reaffirming the strong ties between the Federation and one of the world's most influential nations in mobility and motorsport. As the governing body for world motorsport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, the FIA is committed to building partnerships that drive innovation, safety, and sustainability. Hosted by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) and President Masayoshi Sakaguchi, the visit offered vital insights into Japan's investment in smart infrastructure and the evolving role of cities as arenas for both mobility innovation and sporting events. Japan continues to be a vital partner in advancing the FIA's goals, and this visit highlighted the shared commitment of both Japan and the FIA to accelerate progress across the global transport and motorsport arenas. During his official visit, Ben Sulayem met with key national figures including Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Koji Murofushi, Commissioner of the Japan Sports Agency, and Hiromasa Nakano, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Their discussions focused on common challenges and opportunities – from advancing cleaner technologies and enhancing road safety, to expanding access to motorsport and preparing for the future of urban mobility. Reflecting on his visit, Ben Sulayem said: 'This has been an important milestone for the FIA as we deepen our relationship with Japan – a country that continues to lead by example in both mobility innovation and motorsport development. 'It was a personal honour to meet with Prime Minister Ishiba and leading ministers, and to witness firsthand the energy and commitment driving progress across the sector. 'From transformative government policies to world-class sporting activities including four FIA World Championship events, Japan shows how integrated approaches to mobility and sport can serve society. 'The JAF's dual role as a sport and mobility leader, representing more than 20 million members and hosting our Championships, is truly remarkable and I am grateful for their hospitality and support.' Ben Sulayem also highlighted the significance of having Mr. Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota, as an active member of the FIA Senate, symbolising the close and constructive relationship between Japan's automotive leaders and the FIA's global mission. The visit comes at a time of notable growth and renewed momentum for Japan's motorsport and mobility sectors. JAF now reports over 200,000 licensed racing drivers – a 20% increase over the past five years – with the 2025 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix recording its highest attendance since 2006. At the same time, Japan's broader mobility ecosystem continues to inspire on the world stage through cutting-edge innovation in smart cities, hydrogen, and sustainable technologies. With a mobility-first approach to infrastructure design that is seeing smart-transport apps rank among one of the fastest growing national services and a smart transportation market valued last year at $6.9 billion, Japan is a pioneer in the real-world integration of new technologies. Ben Sulayem has quickly moved on from Japan to Macau for the 2025 FIA Extraordinary General Assembly and Annual Conference starting on Tuesday and welcoming over 500 senior FIA delegates across mobility and motorsport from 149 countries. -ENDS- Notes to Editors: The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motorsport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility. Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.
