MEP backs first Emirati woman to compete in Formula 4 Powerboat World Championship
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD) Powerboat racer Alia Abdul Salam will accelerate to new success after being selected to join the Mubadala Excellence Programme (MEP), a community initiative that supports talented individuals across the UAE in the field of sports, arts, culture, and innovation. As part of this milestone, Mubadala joins as the Title Partner for Alia's 2025 Formula 4 Powerboat World Championship season.Her participation marks a historic moment as the first Emirati woman to compete in the Formula 4 Powerboat World Championship, representing the UAE in upcoming international races in Sweden, Norway, and Italy. This is both a personal milestone and a meaningful reflection of the UAE's growing presence in global sport, and a proud step forward for Emirati women competing in high-performance arenas. Through the programme, she will gain access to support that helps her pursue this passion with purpose. Launched in 2021, MEP is part of Mubadala's commitment to nurturing local talent and contributing to a resilient, connected society.Alia was raised in a sports-focused environment and inspired by her father, Abdul Salam Firooz, a former champion and longtime contributor to marine motorsports. From a young age, she was drawn to the water and began carving her path in the sport, steadily breaking barriers at the local level before stepping onto the global stage. Her journey is defined by ambition, discipline, and a strong commitment to growth.Reflecting on her journey, Salam shared: "My goal is to inspire the next generation of Emirati girls to pursue their passions, no matter the challenges. Joining this program provides me with a broader perspective, allowing me to learn from industry leaders and develop the skills I need to outshine in marine sports and beyond. Mubadala's trust in me - and in the ability of Emirati women to succeed globally - is a powerful message, not just for me but for every young girl in the UAE dreaming of taking a different path."Through this partnership, I hope to encourage more girls to enter the world of motorsports, motivate young people to pursue innovation, and raise the UAE flag high in the world of fast-paced marine sports. It is a privilege and an honour to have Mubadala as Title Partner for this journey."
Salam made her international debut in Norway last year, where she secured fifth place in her first international Formula 4 race. She also showcased exemplary skill and talent at the UAE F4 Powerboat Championship, winning ninth place during Round 1, seventh place during Round 2 and sixth place during Round 3.
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