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How Dubai Autodrome is shaping the UAE’s motorsports legacy
In the UAE, racing is not just a sport but a cultural phenomenon that captures the nation's innovative spirit and reflects the passion of its people.
In the UAE’s brief 53-year history, two constants stand out: innovation and the remarkable speed at which it is embraced. Faisal Al Sahlawi exemplifies these qualities through his unwavering passion for racing. As a visionary in the UAE’s motorsports narrative and the General Manager of Dubai Autodrome, Al Sahlawi shares stories and ambitions illuminating the UAE’s vibrant racing legacy—past, present, and future.
The thrill of speed has long been a part of Emirati tradition, predating the arrival of automobiles in the country. For Al Sahlawi, the UAE’s motorsport culture is deeply entwined with the local heritage of pushing the limits of various modes of transportation. “We [Emiratis] have raced horses, camels, and even traditional dhow ships,” Al Sahlawi shared. With a hint of humor, he added, “The first race car in the UAE was a Land Rover. So as soon as there were two Land Rovers, there was a race on the streets.”
In the UAE, the passion for racing goes beyond mere innovation, embodying a cultural phenomenon that reflects the spirit and identity of its people. Events like the 20th edition of the Michelin 24H Dubai race at the Dubai Autodrome showcase the nation’s deep-rooted heritage and its ambitious vision for the future on the global racing stage.
A DECADE OF TRANSFORMATION
Al Sahlawi highlighted the transformative evolution of motorsports over the past five years, driven largely by its growing global appeal. “Everyone saw the Netflix show,” he remarked, referring to Formula 1: Drive to Survive, a pivotal series that brought the sport into the mainstream. By offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the drama and excitement of racing, the show captivated new audiences, fueling a surge of interest across the spectrum—from grassroots racing to the apex of the sport, Formula 1.
However, the UAE’s motorsport ascent wasn’t solely reliant on the global traction fueled by Netflix or Western racing triumphs. “For us at Dubai Autodrome, this renaissance started before that,” Al Sahlawi noted. The Autodrome embraced the digital era early on, leveraging social media and digital platforms to engage with fans and amplify its reach. “We gamified our experiences and products,” he added, highlighting how these innovations significantly boosted Autodrome’s visibility and helped cultivate an expanding audience across the region.
The results speak for themselves—2021 marked a record-breaking year for Dubai Autodrome, a feat repeated in 2022, 2023, and 2024. “It’s been on a positive trajectory,” Al Sahlawi remarked with pride, highlighting how digital platforms have played a pivotal role in making motorsports more accessible and captivating for fans and enthusiasts worldwide.
A SUSTAINABLE CHAPTER IN DUBAI AUTODROME’S STORY
As the motorsports industry reaches new milestones and sets unprecedented records on the track, its environmental impact accelerates. In 2022, the logistics for F1 championships worldwide contributed nearly 50% of the sport’s total carbon footprint, underscoring the significant challenge of balancing growth with sustainability.
Dubai Autodrome has aligned its sustainability agenda with the UAE’s Net Zero Strategy 2050 to combat these mounting statistics.
These initiatives have penetrated nearly every facet of the motorsport experience. With the installation of solar panels on the roof of its expansive racing facility, the Autodrome currently generates 2.8 megawatts of clean energy. “This has reduced our emissions by 8,000 metric tons of CO2,” Al Sahlawi shared, comparing the reduction to the environmental impact of removing 1,000 trucks from the streets.
In line with its commitment to sustainability, Dubai Autodrome has implemented measures to reduce the environmental footprint of motorsport events. One such initiative is the ban on tire warmers, which are typically used to heat tires before races, helping to lower energy consumption. “Now, drivers must warm up the tires by driving,” Al Sahlawi explained, explaining how even small changes can significantly reduce emissions.
For Al Sahlawi, sustainability goes beyond emission targets and technological innovation. The preservation of native flora is also essential to fostering a lasting ecosystem. In collaboration with the UAE government, Dubai Autodrome is working on establishing a ghaf tree sanctuary featuring a species renowned for its resilience and low water consumption. “The ghaf tree helps offset emissions while contributing to the ecosystem by producing oxygen,” Al Sahlawi explained. This initiative is part of the facility’s broader sustainability strategy and aligns with Dubai’s ambition to generate 50% of its energy from sustainable sources.
FROM THE UAE TO THE REST OF THE WORLD
In a rare moment of reflection, Al Sahlawi recalled the challenges he faced growing up in the UAE. The absence of a racetrack or development program made it difficult for aspiring racers like himself to pursue their passion professionally.
Dubai Autodrome has invested heavily in nurturing young talent through its racing academies and competition programs to bridge this infrastructural gap. For Al Sahlawi, the goal has always been to provide a pathway for aspiring drivers, from grassroots programs to professional racing. “We are an enabler,” Al Sahlawi remarked, emphasizing that the Autodrome not only provides the facilities but also offers coaching, competition, and the infrastructure necessary for promising local drivers to enter the international motorsports circuit.
Over the years, several graduates of the Autodrome’s Karting Academy have gone on to compete internationally, with a few even on the path to Formula 1. “Some Formula 1 drivers come here during the winter to train,” Al Sahlawi noted, emphasizing how the Autodrome has become a hub for talent, attracting both local and international drivers.
ELEVATING THE FAN EXPERIENCE
No race is complete without an audience that embodies the intense euphoria of witnessing the convergence of engineering and human skill. Al Sahlawi explained the significant impact proximity to the track and racers has on the overall thrill of the chase. To amplify this excitement among the crowds, the facility has created the Apex Garden, a landscaped area located at the fastest corner of the track. Here, fans can stand, sit, and even picnic while enjoying the races up close.
Dubai Autodrome is one of the few race tracks that allows spectators onto the starting grid of major events, fostering a unique and intimate connection between fans and the sport. “We want to ignite that first spark of passion for motorsports,” said Al Sahlawi, noting that many children who attend the 24-hour races at the Autodrome are inspired by their experience and later join the racing academy.
ENVISIONING A RECORD-BREAKING FUTURE
As the UAE solidifies its position as a global motorsport destination, Dubai Autodrome is set for even greater success. “During the winter, the UAE is the racing hub of the world,” Al Sahlawi declared, highlighting the steady flow of international competitions held from November to March.
Looking ahead, Al Sahlawi has ambitious plans for Dubai Autodrome. “I want to see a local championship with more Emirati drivers,” he said, hoping that, over time, the UAE will develop a pool of drivers capable of competing at the highest international levels. “Only when we have hundreds of Emirati drivers will we have someone who can reach the pinnacle of the sport.”