Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February 2, 2013: Dr. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Vice President of the International Automobile Federation (FIA), will lead the largest meeting in Doha tomorrow (Monday) focused on the future of motorsports in the MENA region.

During the meeting, which will be attended by representatives from automotive bodies and clubs from 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa, Ben Sulayem will present a comprehensive report that includes a six-point plan aimed at increasing the total number of competitors, officials, and volunteers, as well as the number of motorsport events by 20% by 2015.

The report indicates that a key to the success of the plan will be the commitment of national motorsport organizations from the 22 countries in the MENA region to work together to establish a new generation of local champions, with support from the FIA, the global governing body for motorsports.

Key Attendees at the Meeting

Among the notable attendees at the Doha meeting will be FIA President Jean Todt, who confirmed his participation after receiving an official invitation from Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Statements from Mohammed Ben Sulayem

In a statement preceding the Doha meeting, Ben Sulayem, President of the Emirates Motorsports Club, said: "From a regional perspective, the starting point must ensure the effectiveness and participation of national motorsport bodies in the relevant countries in motorsport events."

He added: "This will require specific assistance from the FIA Institute in terms of funding and knowledge transfer through effective and appropriate methods."

He continued: "Efforts must focus particularly on developing drivers and local racing stars using effective and low-cost methods, alongside training officials within the organizations, which is one of the main demands of the FIA."

The Six Points for Developing Motorsports

The six points outlined in the report are summarized as follows:

Support and Develop the Sport at the National Level: Each national member body must establish a plan to develop and support motorsports in their respective countries.
Development at the Regional Level: This involves creating a union based on the concept of "adopting emerging clubs" where the union assists and guides the weaker clubs within it.
Driver Development: Seeking approval and funding from the FIA Institute to manage a special academy for the MENA region starting in 2014 and encouraging member motorsport bodies to nominate young drivers.
Regional Monitoring: Submitting a request to the FIA Sports Department to annually collect information about competitors, events, and officials and share this information with regional vice presidents.
Event Development: Encouraging the FIA to appoint a supporter for the FIA Middle East Rally Championship, along with developing a low-cost regional karting proposal and ensuring television coverage.
Training Officials: With the aim of increasing the overall number by 20% by 2015.

Ben Sulayem added: "Successful local and regional events, where local competitors race and win, alongside strong media support to raise public awareness and attract its backing, will be the key to growth and development."

He further stated: "While this report focuses on developing motorsports in the MENA region, it is important to recognize that the region, like other emerging areas around the world, will play a larger and more significant role in advancing the FIA and enhancing its role."

He continued: "This is in addition to the facts indicating that the traditional base of the FIA, namely Europe, is facing population growth and rising retirement rates. In contrast, the MENA region is expected to see a growing percentage of youth."

Ben Sulayem remarked: "Motorsports are still in the early stages of development in this region compared to Europe. The total number of drivers and officials in motorsports in the MENA region is less than a small or medium-sized market in mature European motorsport markets."

He explained: "This presents a tremendous growth opportunity, especially in the most densely populated countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Iran."

The Report and Future Directions

The report, titled "2013 Recommendations for the Research and Development of Motorsports Bodies and Clubs in the MENA Region," highlights significant growth and development in motorsports in the area.

Just a decade ago, the only gathering occurred during the meeting of member countries in the Middle East Rally Championship to discuss rally regulations and laws.

In contrast, the upcoming meeting scheduled for Monday, to be held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Doha, will be attended by senior officials to discuss the future of motorsports in the 22 countries of the MENA region.