FIA President meets with Qatar’s Prime Minister to discuss country’s motorsport and mobility activity

Ahead of the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Grand Prix 2024 taking place later this month, Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) President Mohammed Ben Sulayem met with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, and the Minister of Sports and Youth, HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani.
Top of the agenda was Qatar’s key role in global motor sport alongside the country’s innovation and education in mobility. Advocacy and impact of sustainability in the region was discussed at length – a key consideration for all parties who confirmed their mutual commitment to advancing sustainable practices and raising awareness. The ongoing collaboration between Qatar, the FIA, and Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) ensures the continued growth of motor sport, and success in the mobility and transport sectors, across the region and globally.
From the end of November to mid-December, the world’s eyes will be drawn to Qatar and the Lusail International Circuit in the year of its 20th anniversary. From hosting the penultimate race, Formula 1 Qatar Airways Grand Prix 2024, to witnessing top karting talents from across the Middle East and North Africa compete in six thrilling categories at the MENA Karting Championship Nations Cup.
The FIA is committed to increasing accessibility and diversity across motor sport, ensuring equal opportunities for equal talent, with the global grassroots programme crucial to ensuring the ongoing success of motor sport in the Middle East. Alongside sporting matters, the parties discussed the FIA’s continued support in mobility and transport in the region.
Sulayem said “My thanks to the Prime Minister of Qatar, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani for his generous welcome. We had a very productive meeting to discuss the future of global motor sport and mobility. It was also good to discuss a number of grassroots development initiatives across motorsport and mobility with the Minister of Youth and Sports, HE Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al-Thani.”
“I am proud of the close relationship that has been built by the FIA and our regional Member Club Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation, and the partnership we have fostered to ensure ongoing innovation and collaboration in the region. I look forward to the upcoming events taking place in Qatar and spending more time in this vibrant country.”
“Welcoming Mohammed Ben Sulayem to Lusail Circuit reflects the strength of Qatar’s motorsport journey in 2024,” said Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif al-Mannai, President of QMMF and Lusail International Circuit. “Hosting other prestigious events such as the International BAJA, the International Rally, the World Endurance Championship, and the MENA Karting Championship Nations Cup underscores our commitment to advancing excellence in motorsport. Our focus on sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity aligns with Qatar’s vision to inspire progress and nurture talent, ensuring the region’s enduring impact on the global motorsport landscape.”