Ben Sulayem has been elected as the new President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), succeeding Jean Todt who has held the position since 2009. Sulayem, a former rally driver, is the first Arab to hold this prestigious position in the history of the FIA.

Sulayem’s election comes at a crucial time for the FIA as the organization faces numerous challenges in the world of motorsport, particularly in the areas of safety, sustainability, and governance. As a veteran of the motorsport world, Sulayem is well-equipped to lead the FIA and address these pressing issues.

During his tenure as President of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE), Sulayem has demonstrated strong leadership skills and a deep commitment to promoting the development of motorsport in the region. Under his guidance, the ATCUAE has become one of the leading motorsport organizations in the Middle East, hosting prestigious events such as the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge and the Dubai International Rally.

Sulayem’s experience as a rally driver has also given him a unique perspective on the challenges faced by competitors in the world of motorsport. He is well aware of the dangers and risks involved in the sport and is dedicated to enhancing safety measures to protect drivers and spectators alike.

In addition to his work in the motorsport industry, Sulayem is also actively involved in promoting sustainability and environmental protection. He has been a vocal advocate for the use of electric vehicles and renewable energy sources in motorsport, and has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the importance of environmental conservation among competitors and fans.

As the new President of the FIA, Sulayem has a daunting task ahead of him. He will need to work closely with stakeholders from around the world to address the challenges facing the sport and ensure its continued growth and success. However, with his experience, vision, and dedication, there is no doubt that Sulayem is more than up to the challenge.

In his acceptance speech, Sulayem expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as President of the FIA and pledged to work tirelessly to advance the interests of motorsport and uphold the values of the organization. With his leadership, the future of the FIA looks bright, and the motorsport community can look forward to exciting developments and positive change under his guidance.