
Ben Sulayem 'committed to transformation of FIA into modern, accessible, and connected organisation' - Middle East Business News and Information
Motorsport leaders assemble in Marrakech with FIA President continuing mission to double motorsport participation
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
2 days ago
- Mid East Info
MENA clubs back Ben Sulayem for second term as FIA president - Middle East Business News and Information
Regional officials say he has shown integrity, innovation, and courage in driving positive change on the world stage Dubai, UAE, 1st June, 2025: National motor sport and mobility authorities from across the MENA region have delivered another huge vote of confidence in Mohammed Ben Sulayem's leadership of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), and urged him to seek re-election as President. The 29 FIA member clubs have written to Ben Sulayem saying that his tenure 'has brought vital reforms across mobility and motorsport, marked by enhanced transparency, governance, sustainability, and inclusivity.' Backing him for a second term in office, they expressed confidence that this will 'further strengthen and modernize the organization for the benefit of all its members and stakeholders.' In a letter of support to Ben Sulayem, the clubs say: 'Your vision has helped bridge gaps, inspire unity, and empower regions like ours to contribute more meaningfully to the global FIA mission. 'We now feel equal as members of the FIA regardless of our size or location. We are proud to stand behind a leader from our region who has shown integrity, innovation, and courage in driving positive change on the world stage.' Among the senior regional officials to sign the letter were MENA FIA Vice President Mobility, Essa Hamza Al Failakawi from Kuwait, and FIA Vice President for Sport – MENA, Abdulla bin Issa Al Khalifa from Bahrain. The clubs told Ben Sulayem: 'The modernization of our institution and the strong emphasis you have placed on member engagement and regional development have greatly benefited our clubs and the communities we serve.' FIA President Ben Sulayem has responded by saying: 'I am deeply grateful for the trust and encouragement shown by the 29 Sport and Mobility Member Clubs from across the MENA region. 'This support holds special meaning for me, given my close connection to the region. I've seen firsthand the exceptional talent, commitment, and ambition that define the MENA community, and it is a true honour to have this backing. 'The work being done by clubs in both sport and mobility across the region reflects the core values of the FIA – from grassroots initiatives like the MENA Karting Cup to ongoing efforts in road safety and sustainable mobility. 'Together, we will continue to shape a stronger, more dynamic FIA – one that truly represents the strength, diversity, and potential of every region we serve.' The overwhelming support for Ben Sulayem from his home region quickly follows another powerful endorsement of his achievements as President delivered in a letter of support from 36 FIA member clubs across the Americas. Captions: FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem tells MENA members club: 'Together, we will continue to shape a stronger, more dynamic FIA.' FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is being backed by MENA's FIA clubs for bringing vital reforms across 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.


Mid East Info
5 days ago
- Mid East Info
Ben Sulayem backed to seek new FIA term by member clubs across Americas - Middle East Business News and Information
Club leaders send letter of support as 'brothers' commending President for achieving 'extraordinary' turnaround Dubai, UAE: Mohammed Ben Sulayem has received powerful backing to seek a second term of office as President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) after achieving an 'extraordinary' turnaround in its fortunes. A letter of support from 36 FIA Region III & IV clubs encompassing the Americas, and the Vice Presidents for Sport – North and South America, has strongly urged Ben Sulayem to continue his work to secure the future of the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide. Representing clubs from across South and Central America, and Canada, and signed under the name of 'Hermanos' (brothers), the letter thanks the FIA President 'for your service, commitment, vision, and, above all, the delivery of your Manifesto promised to us, the members. It goes on to say: 'We are all acutely aware of the catastrophic financial situation you inherited. Without the decisive and bold actions you took from day one, the very future of the FIA would have been at risk. 'The turnaround achieved in less than four years is nothing short of extraordinary, especially when coupled with the implementation of professional management systems that you deployed in parallel. The letter adds: 'As club Presidents, we have personally felt and experienced the daily focus you and your leadership team have placed on supporting and engaging with us – the members – treating each of us with equal respect. This inclusive approach is deeply appreciated. 'We also recognize and commend the significant efforts made by you and your team to reposition the FIA as a global leader in both mobility and motorsport. The strength and reputation of the FIA brand have clearly grown as a result of your leadership.' The Americas club presidents conclude their message to Ben Sulayem by saying: 'We understand that four years is a short time to complete the ambitious reforms you have initiated. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to seek re-election at the upcoming AGA, (FIA Annual General Assembly) so that you may continue the important work you have started, with our full support.' Among those to have signed the letter of support is Ricardo Morales Rubio, FIA Region IV (South America and Central America) President, and Fabiana Ecclestone, FIA Vice President for Sport – South America. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sualyem, said: 'I am honoured by the support I've received from across 36 Member Clubs in Regions III and IV. It is a privilege to be part of such a dedicated global community. 'My commitment remains steadfast: to lead a federation that puts its Member Clubs at the core of everything we do and to continue to deliver across my manifesto promises. 'I remain committed to expanding motorsport participation through grassroots initiatives and accessibility programs like the Affordable Cross Car and the Global Karting Plan. 'At the same time, I continue to empower every region by leveraging the FIA's mobility expertise, reinforcing its central role in the automotive industry, and leading vital conversations around the future of sustainable cities, road safety, and intelligent transport systems. Together, we will continue to deliver a stronger FIA we can each be proud of.' The FIA recently announced a pivotal turnaround in its financial health under the leadership of Ben Sulayem. At the end of the fiscal year 2024, the Fédération reported that is has achieved a robust operating result of € 4.7m, and an operating income of € 182.0m. This takes it from a considerable financial loss of €-24.0m in 2021, before Ben Sulayem was elected. Since Ben Sulayem's election as President in 2021, the organisation has undergone a comprehensive strategic transformation process, designed to radically improve internal systems and processes. The FIA has strengthened its teams, optimised its working practices and shifted to a more efficient and financially sustainable model. 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
20-05-2025
- Mid East Info
Ben Sulayem guides FIA to financial turnaround, marking new era of growth and stability - Middle East Business News and Information
Federation reports strongest financial result in almost ten years – operating result of € 4.7m for FY2024, up from operating loss of €-24.0m in 2021 Dubai, UAE, 20th May, 2025: The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, today announced a pivotal turnaround in its financial health under the leadership of FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. At the end of the fiscal year 2024, the Fédération reported that is has achieved a robust operating result of € 4.7m, and an operating income of € 182.0m. This takes it from a considerable financial loss of €-24.0m in 2021, before Ben Sulayem was elected. In line with Ben Sulayem's manifesto pledge, and under the FIA's new leadership since 2021, the organisation has undergone a comprehensive strategic transformation process, designed to radically improve internal systems and processes. It has strengthened its teams, optimised its working practices and shifted to a more efficient and financially sustainable model. Today's result, which will be published in full in the FIA's 2024 Activity Report in June, reflects this positive transition. 'Upon my election as President of the FIA, I committed to ensuring a profitable operation,' said Ben Sulayem. 'Today, I am incredibly proud to show that we have achieved this mission, delivering the strongest set of financial results in eight years. 'Improving the governance, transparency and financial health of the FIA was central to my manifesto pledge, and I will continue to work with all of our internal and external stakeholders to drive positive change within the FIA, to deliver better outcomes for our Member Clubs, our people and for all.' The operating result of € 4.7m marks a strong improvement from 2023, with operating income growth of €+26.7m respectively +17% year-on-year. The FIA is absent of any financial debt at the 2024 fiscal year end, and it reports a healthy equity ratio of 45%. The current leadership team has worked rigorously since 2021 to ameliorate its internal systems, controls and processes. It has strongly enhanced procurement control and automation, implemented internal quarterly reporting, and established a financial steering model which enables effective decision making within senior management. This model has enabled increased budget control and has allowed the FIA to review its pricing and reallocate resources to best pursue its strategic priorities across motor sport and mobility. In addition to these important measures, the FIA has introduced a second General Assembly mid-year, to ensure that prior year audited financial accounts can be established within the appropriate timeframe for release. For the second year running, the FIA will publish a full Activity Report ahead of the General Assembly in June. This year, the Activity Report has been enhanced by a new P&L presentation format which enhances clarity and transparency. The strengthened financial health of the FIA brings the organisation out of a five-year long period of substantial operating loss, enabling it to provide a world-class service to its 245 Member Clubs around the world, as well as reinvest into the seven World Championships under its governance. The FIA, which is a not-for-profit organisation, is well-placed to continue pushing forward its core objectives such as strengthening grassroots participation in motor sport and driving the sustainability agenda across the board. Caption: FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem – 'Improving the governance, transparency and financial health of the FIA was central to my manifesto pledge.' -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.