Muscat: Motorsports world chief Dr Mohammed Ben Sulayem held series of discussions with senior government officials in Oman and the officials of Oman Automobile Association (OAA) during a visit on Monday aimed at boosting the growth of the sport in the country.
Ben Sulayem reaffirmed FIA’s support for Oman’s development projects.
The talks centred on enhancing Oman’s motorsports infrastructure such as constructing more racetracks, training facilities, and boosting motorsport tourism.
“I was delighted to learn more about the growth of motorsport in Oman during the various meetings. The government is supporting grassroots development plans in place to ensure that motor sport will thrive in the years to come,” the former Emirati race driver said.
He added: “I applaud the excellent work that is being undertaken by the Oman Automobile Association under the direction of Chairman Brigadier (retd) Salem al Maskiry in the areas of both sport and mobility.”
Some of the main topics covered during the visit centred on the growth of motorsport and efforts to bring sustainable mobility initiatives to the country.
The FIA chief’s visit was hosted by the Oman Automobile Association, founded in 1979, which counts over 10,500 members.
During his stay, Ben Sulayem met with HH Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, Nasr bin Hamoud al Kindi, Secretary-General of the Royal Court Affairs and Dr Khalfan bin Said al Shueili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning.
In addition to enjoying a visit to the Royal Opera House, Ben Sulayem shared a convivial dinner with Shaikh Khalid bin Mohammed al Zubair, Chairman of Oman Olympic Committee.
Earlier on Monday, upon arrival, the FIA President was warmly welcomed by OAA chief Salim al Maskari, Vice-Chairman Brigadier Jamal al Tai and Suleiman al Rawahi, Managing Director of OAA.
The FIA chief concluded his visit by meeting OOC Chairman Shaikh Khalid al Zubair. They discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the FIA and the Oman Olympic Committee in the field of motorsport.
Oman, viewed as a promising market for motorsport, has ambitious vision for the future.
Salim al Maskari emphasised that this visit presents a golden opportunity to strengthen international partnerships and exchange ideas and experiences. He noted that the Oman Automobile Association will work to implement the discussed plans and initiatives to promote motorsport in the Sultanate of Oman.
ESPORTS TOURNEY
Later this year, the OAA will be hosting the Iracing FIA F4 Esports tournament, which will feature the Mena International Karting Trophy. Drifting and remote control racing are also thriving sports. The country has benefited from funding from the FIA Grants Programme in recent years including safety training for baja and cross-country competition.
On the mobility side, FIA and OAA co-hosted an Environmental Seminar with more than 30 participants from 14 regional sport and mobility clubs. The event provided a unique opportunity for FIA and its members to share knowledge and experiences about the environmental challenges in the Middle East and North African countries. Presentations and discussions focused on FIA’s Environmental strategy and the tools available to support clubs in organising more sustainable events.
Moreover, FIA Club representatives took part in an informative session aimed at understanding the scientific bases behind climate change and empowering them to become proactive contributors to climate action.
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