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{{short description|Emirati rally driver and president of FIA (born 1961)}}
{{Infobox WRC driver
{{use dmy dates|date=December 2021}}
| name = Mohammed Ben Sulayemm
{{Infobox officeholder
| image =
[[File: Mohammd Bin Sulayem.jpg|thumb|Smart profile picture- face & a suit]]|Mohammed Bin Sulayem]]
| name = Mohammed Ben Sulayem
| image = Dr.Mohammed BinSulayem.jpg
| image_size =
| office = President of [[Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile]]
| term_start = 17 December 2021
| term_end =
| succeeding =
| predecessor = [[Jean Todt]]
| successor =
| caption =
| caption =
| birth_date = 1961
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1961|11|12|df=y}}
| nationality = {{flagicon|UAE}} [[United Arab Emirates|UAE]]
| birth_place = [[Dubai]], [[Trucial States]] (now [[United Arab Emirates]])
| Years = 1988, 1990, 1991 – 1995
| nationality = [[Emiratis|Emirati]]
| Teams = [[Ford World Rally Team|Ford]], [[Toyota]]
| Championships = 14
| other_names =
| Wins = 61
| known_for =
| Podiums =
| occupation =
| Stagewins =
| education =
| Points =
| honours =
| spouse =
| First race = 1984 [[Acropolis Rally]]
| children =
| First win = –
| Last race = 2003
| parents =
| website =
| module =
{{Infobox racing driver|subbox=yes
| name = <!-- leave empty if it is below another infobox -->
| image =
| image_size = <!-- defaults to 180px unless a value is entered -->
| caption =
| nationality = <!-- use only when necessary per [[WP:INFONAT]] -->
| full_name = <!-- Only if different from name -->
| birth_name = <!-- Only if different from name -->
| birth_date = <!-- {{Birth date and age|yyyy|m|d}} if alive OR {{Birth date|yyyy|m|d}} if deceased -->
| birth_place =
| death_date = <!-- {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (death date then birth date) -->
| death_place =
| retired = <!-- year of retirement -->
| related to = <!-- list of notable relatives with line breaks -->
| last series = [[ Middle East Rally Championship]]
| years active = 1983&ndash;2002
| teams = [[Ford World Rally Team|Ford]], [[Toyota Team Europe|Toyota]]
| starts =
| wins =
| poles =
| fastest laps = <!-- if known -->
| best finish = <!-- if a final championship placing has been recorded -->
| year = <!-- use piped link if season article exists -->
| prev series = <!-- previous series with line breaks -->
| prev series years =
| titles = 14 X [[Middle East Rally Championship]]
| title years =
| awards =
| award years =
}}
}}
}}
'''Mohammed Ahmed bin Sulayem''' or '''Mohammed ben Sulayem''' (born 1961) is the Arab world’s leading motor sport figure and an influential official within the sport’s world governing body, the FIA. A successful organiser and record-breaking former international rally driver, he is a role model to young people across the Middle East.


'''Mohammed Ahmad Sultan Ben Sulayem''' ({{lang-ar|محمد بن سليم}}; born 12 November 1961) is an [[Emiratis|Emirati]] former rally driver and current president of the [[Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile]] (FIA), the governing body of many auto racing events including [[Formula One]].
In a rallying career spanning three decades, he became the most successful Arab driver in motor sport history with 14 FIA Middle East Championship titles, and established himself as a sporting ambassador for the region.


He is a former rally driver, and one of the most successful [[Middle East Rally Championship]] drivers, winning 14 titles. In 2005, he became the President of the [[Automobile & Touring Club of the United Arab Emirates|Emirates Motorsports Organization]], the representative of the [[United Arab Emirates]] in the FIA. In 2008, he was elected as a Vice President for sport and a member of the [[FIA World Motor Sport Council]]. He was key to organizing the first [[Abu Dhabi Grand Prix]] in 2009. In 2012, he was among the founding members and chairman of FIA sub-region of Arab Council of Touring and Automobile Clubs. In December 2021, he was appointed as FIA President, succeeding [[Jean Todt]].
In 2008, he became the first Arab named as Vice President of the FIA, and the first to be elected to the FIA World Motor Sport Council. In his FIA role he has pioneered teaching, research and knowledge transfer initiatives in motor sport.


==Early life and education==
As President of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE since 2006, he has built the organisation into one of the world’s leading national motor sport and motoring authorities, with acknowledged expertise in associated training, research and education.
Sulayem was born on 12 November 1961 in [[Dubai]], [[Trucial States]] (now [[United Arab Emirates]]). He studied business at the [[American University]] in [[Washington, D.C.]], and at the [[University of Ulster]] where he graduated with a [[bachelor's degree]].<ref name="FIA">{{Cite report|date=17 December 2021|title=Mohammed Ben Sulayem, profile|url=https://www.fia.com/profile/mohammed-ben-sulayem |access-date=6 November 2023|publisher=[[Federation Internationale de l'Automobile]]|language=en}}</ref>


==Personal life==
Born in Dubai, he is one of the most celebrated sporting figures to emerge from the United Arab Emirates. He is recognised for presenting a modern and progressive image of the Arab world to a global audience, and by promoting good causes, public service and education.
Sulayem is a prominent car collector and owns multiple [[supercar]]s including [[Koenigsegg Agera]], [[Mercedes-Benz]], [[Ferrari]], [[Porsche]], [[McLaren]], [[Bugatti]], [[Jaguar]], [[Lexus]], [[Ford GT]], [[Lamborghini]] and [[Rolls-Royce Motor Cars| Rolls-Royce]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=ECR Collection - The Mohammed Ben Sulayem Collection|url=https://exclusivecarregistry.com/collection/themohammedbensulayemcollection|access-date=29 July 2022|website=Exclusive Car Registry|language=en}}</ref>


In July 2012, he was awarded the [[honorary degree]] of Doctor of Science from the University of Ulster in recognition of his services to sport, civic leadership and charity.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Ulster Honours Gulf Rally Driver|url=https://www.ulster.ac.uk/news/2012/july/ulster-honours-gulf-rally-driver|access-date=4 May 2021|publisher=Ulster|date=7 November 2016|language=en}}</ref>


On 7 March 2023, Ben Sulayem's son, Saif Ben Sulayem, died in a road accident in Dubai.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Saif Ben Sulayem: FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem's son killed in car crash in Dubai|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12828692/saif-ben-sulayem-fia-president-mohammed-ben-sulayems-son-killed-in-car-crash-in-dubai|date=9 March 2023|access-date=10 March 2023|newspaper=Sky Sports|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=FIA president Ben Sulayem's son loses life in road crash|url=https://www.motorsport.com/general/news/fia-president-ben-sulayems-son-loses-life-in-road-crash/10441692/|access-date=10 March 2023|publisher=Motorsport.com|date=9 March 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
==Education==
Sulayem studied at the [[American University]] in [[Washington D.C.]], and at the [[University of Ulster]] in the UK where he majored in business.


==Racing career==
Ben Sulayem competed in the [[Middle East Rally Championship]] driving for [[Toyota]] and [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]]. He won his first title in 1986 with a [[Toyota Celica]] and went on to win six consecutive titles till 1991.<ref name="MERC"/> In 1994, He won his seventh title with a [[Ford Escort RS Cosworth]]. From 1996 to 2002, Ben Sulayem won a further seven titles with [[Ford Focus RS WRC|Ford]], making the most successful driver in the championship with over 60 wins and 14 titles (both the records have since been broken by [[Nasser Al-Attiyah]]).<ref name="MERC">{{Cite web|url=http://motorsportwinners.com/current/middle-east-rally-championship/|title=Middle East Rally Championship winners|publisher=Motorsport Winners|access-date=1 November 2023}}</ref>


==Rallying career==
==Administrative career==
In 2005, he became the President of the [[Automobile & Touring Club of the United Arab Emirates|Emirates Motorsports Organization]], the representative of the [[United Arab Emirates|UAE]] in FIA.<ref name="FIAP">{{Cite report|date=17 December 2021|title=Mohammed Ben Sulayem, profile|url=https://www.fia.com/file/166694/download/|access-date=6 November 2023|publisher=[[Federation Internationale de l'Automobile]]|language=en}}</ref> In 2008, he was elected as a Vice President for sport and a member of the [[FIA World Motor Sport Council]], and he was key to organizing the first [[Abu Dhabi Grand Prix]] in 2009.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Cooper|first=Sam|date=24 January 2023|title=Who is the FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and where does he come from? |url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/who-is-mohammed-ben-sulayem-fia-president|access-date=20 October 2023|publisher=PlanetF1|language=en}}</ref> In 2012, he was among the founding members and chairman of FIA sub-region of Arab Council of Touring and Automobile Clubs.<ref name="FIAP"/>
After entering rallying in [[Dubai]] in the early 1980s, Sulayem quickly progressed from local events into the [[FIA] Middle East Championship]] which was established in 1984, and two years later he won the first of his 14 regional titles.


In June 2013, he was appointed as the chairman of the new Motor Sport Development Task Force set up by the FIA to build a ten-year plan for the sport's global development.<ref>{{Cite news|url= https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/12/17/mohammed-ben-sulayem/|title=Who is new FIA President Mohammed ben Sulayem – was he a former driver?|date= 17 December 2021|publisher=HITC|access-date=18 December 2021}}</ref> In December 2021, he was appointed as the FIA President succeeding [[Jean Todt]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.fia.com/news/mohammed-ben-sulayem-elected-fia-president|title=Mohammed Ben Sulayem elected FIA President|date=17 December 2021|publisher=FIA|access-date=19 December 2021}}</ref>
From that point on he dominated the Middle East Championship up to his retirement from competitive rallying in 2002, clinching the title in each of the 13 other seasons in which he contested the regional series.


==Honors==
With 61 international victories in the [[Middle East]] overall, he has won more [[FIA]] rallies, and more [[FIA]] championships, than any other driver.
*14 X [[Middle East Rally Championship]] (1986-91, 1994, 1996-2002)


===Individual===
Sulayem’s international reputation was widened by regular overseas excursions, including several with the official Toyota works team in the [[FIA]] [[World Rally Championship]].
Individual honors won include:<ref name="FIAP"/>
His 1991 victory in Turkey’s Bosphorus Rally was the first by an Arab driver in an international Rally outside the Middle East.
*Medal of Honour, [[King of Jordan|King]] [[Hussein of Jordan]] (1986)
*President’s Cup, [[President of Lebanon|President]] [[Amine Gemayel]] of [[Lebanon]] (1987)
*Medal of Honour, [[President of Lebanon|President]] [[Emile Lahoud]] of [[Lebanon]] (1999)
*Medal of Honour, [[King of Jordan|King]] [[Abdullah II of Jordan|Abdullah of Jordan]] (1999)
*Medal of Honour, [[King of Bahrain|King]] [[Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa]] of [[Bahrain]] (2004)
*UAE Sportsman of the Century, [[Agence France-Presse]] (AFP)


==Controversies==
Over the next two years he contested the [[Group N]] World Rally Championship, recording production class victories in [[Spain]] and [[Argentina]].
In 2009, during a promotional event for [[Renault in Formula One|Renault F1 team]] in Dubai, Ben Sulayem crashed a [[Renault R28]] Formula One car in a race against a [[Ford GT]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/other-sport/rally-champion-wonders-what-went-wrong-in-f1-crash-1.548024|title=Rally champion wonders what went wrong in F1 crash|publisher=National News|access-date=1 November 2023}}</ref>


In 2022, Ben Sulayem, as FIA President, oversaw the investigation into the controversial ending of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The race ended with a last lap shootout when the Race Director (Michael Masi) brought in the safety car on the same lap as allowing lapped cars to unlap themselves. This breaches F1 regulations, which require the safety car to stay out for an additional lap after unlapping lapped cars. Had the regulations been applied correctly, the race would have ended under safety car conditions with no overtaking allowed on the final lap. The investigation concluded that whilst the safety car did not stay out for the additional lap, "as required by article 48.12", the result was legitimised because, as Mercedes AMG did not appeal, there was "no available mechanism to change the classification".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fia.com/news/fia-announces-world-motor-sport-council-decisions-25|title=FIA Announces World Motor Sport Council Decisions|publisher=FIA|access-date=19 March 2022}}</ref> The investigation failed to report that the FIA President has the power under Judicial & Disciplinary article 9.1.1.d to refer the controversial ending to the FIA International Court of Appeal (ICA) for them to decide whether the result was legitimate. The ICA have the power to change race classifications should they deem that regulations were infringed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fia.com/rules-practice-directions|title=FIA Judicial and Disciplinary rules|publisher=FIA|access-date=19 March 2022}}</ref> This option is available until March 2027, 5 years after the report was published, in accordance with the statute of limitation defined in the F1 Sporting Regulations.


Ben Sulayem allegedly told FIA officials to declare the Las Vegas circuit unsafe for racing and not certify the [[Las Vegas Grand Prix]] circuit for its 2023 race.<ref name="Andrew Benson">{{cite news |last1=Benson |first1=Andrew |title=Mohammed Ben Sulayem: FIA president allegedly told officials not to certify Las Vegas GP |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/68478049 |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |date=5 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Sarkozi |first1=Kada |title='Ben Sulayem attempted to cancel Las Vegas GP last year' |url=https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/263097/fia-president-ben-sulayem-also-accused-of-wanting-to-cancel-las-vegas.html |publisher=GPblog}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=McDonagh |first1=Connor |title=FIA’s Mohammed Ben Sulayem under more scrutiny as Las Vegas GP allegations emerge |url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1045039/1/fias-mohammed-ben-sulayem-under-more-scrutiny-las-vegas-gp-allegations-emerge |publisher=Crash |date=5 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=BHAGI |first1=PRANAY |title=Mohammed Ben Sulayem Attempted to Cancel $1.2 BN Worth Las Vegas GP for Mysterious Reasons |url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/f1-news-mohammed-ben-sulayem-attempted-to-cancel-worth-las-vegas-gp-for-mysterious-reasons/ |publisher=Essentially Sports |date=5 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Gale |first1=Ewan |title=FIA president facing fresh whistleblower allegations - report |url=https://racingnews365.com/fia-president-facing-fresh-whistleblower-allegations-report |publisher=Racing News |date=5 March 2024}}</ref>
==Automobile & Touring Club of the UAE==
Ben Sulayem is also under investigation for allegedly attempting to intervene in the results of the 2023 [[Saudi Arabian Grand Prix]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Golding |first1=Nick |last2= Parkes |first2=Ian |title=FIA President under investigation for alleged race interference |url=https://racingnews365.com/fia-president-under-investigation-for-alleged-race-interference |website=Racing News |date=5 March 2024}}</ref> On 5 March 2024 the FIA confirmed its [[compliance officer]] has received two whistleblower complaints.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fryer |first1=Jenna |title=FIA confirms whistleblower complaints against president regarding Saudi Arabia and Las Vegas races |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2024/mar/05/fia-confirms-whistleblower-complaints-against-pres/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=March 5, 2024}}</ref>
Since taking over as President of the ATCUAE in 2006, Sulayem has transformed the organisation into one of the world’s leading national [[motor sport]] authorities.


In January 2023, [[The Times]] newspaper resurfaced comments Ben Sulayem made on his now archived website in 2001. The newspaper quoted Sulayem as saying he did not like "women who think they are smarter than men, for they are not in truth". The veracity of the quotes was not refuted by Sulayem, but the FIA defended him saying "the remarks in this archived website from 2001 do not reflect the president's beliefs".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/fia-defends-ben-sulayem-after-reported-sexist-comments-2023-01-28/|title=FIA defends Ben Sulayem after reported sexist comments|author=Alan Baldwin|date=28 January 2023|publisher=Reuters|access-date=30 January 2023 }}</ref>
The Club is the official representative in the Emirates of the [[FIA]], motor sport’s world governing body, and its motor cycling, karting and classic car counterparts, the [[FIM]], [[CIK]] and [[[http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/F%C3%A9d%C3%A9ration_Internationale_des_V%C3%A9hicules_Anciens FIVA]]].

Overseeing more than 140 events annually from Formula One to local moto cross, the Club is now recognised internationally as a knowledge led organisation which delivers training programmes to assist the development of motor sport in many other countries.

Equally active in the field of mobility, it provides wide-ranging services to motorists and travellers in support of the FIA’s commitment to help people move easily about their world, and is a strong supporter of road safety initiatives.


===Motor sport duties===
Under Sulayem’s guidance, the Club has assumed growing responsibilities for the supervision of all forms of circuit racing, rallying, drag racing and moto cross that make up the UAE’s ever expanding [[motor sport]] calendar.

Its major duty is to ensure all events are run in accordance with the regulations of the [[FIA]] and [[FIM]], with top priority given to the safety of competitors, spectators, media and the general public.

The Club has major responsibilities as sporting organisers of the [[F1]] [[Etihad Airways]] [[Abu Dhabi Grand Prix]] and other year-round competitive events at [[Yas Marina Circuit]].

Since 2009, it has worked hand in hand with [[Abu Dhabi]] Motorsports Management to create one of the world’s premier platforms for [[F1]] racing and other world-class competitive motor sport.

In addition to its role in overseeing UAE motor sport, the Club also organises the [[Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge]], a round of both the [[FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup]] and the FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship, as well as the Dubai International Rally, the annual closing round of the FIA [[Middle East Rally Championship]].


===Worldwide training===
In December 2011, the Club was elevated to the status of FIA Institute approved Regional Training Provider, making it one of only four national motoring authorities worldwide entrusted to deliver motor sport training programmes on behalf of the governing body.

Shortly afterwards, Sulayem established the Club’s own training and education division, the Motorsport Knowledge Institute, which now delivers FIA training to its counterparts worldwide for event organisation, with an emphasis on safety for officials, competitors and spectators.

In 2012, MKI teams delivered training programmes to national sport authorities in the Middle East, Africa and South America.

Sulayem also signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with the ATCUAE’s counterpart in Moscow to train and prepare senior motor sport officials and volunteers for the inaugural F1 Grand Prix of Russia in 2014.


===Volunteerism===
One of the biggest challenges presented by the arrival of Formula One racing in Abu Dhabi in 2009 was the need for 700 marshals and officials to help run the event smoothly and safely.

Volunteerism in the UAE was a relatively new concept, and before the F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, there had been a maximum requirement for 150 marshals to help run major rallies or races.

For the inaugural event in 2009, half of the marshals needed had to be flown in from the UK. By then, Sulayem had already initiated a five-year programme to build a fully UAE-based group of Emirati and expatriate volunteers to serve the needs of the Grand Prix, and motor sport in general in the Emirates.

For the 2009 Grand Prix, Sulayem commissioned a study by a team of research specialists to examine the primary motives that influence volunteers to offer their services, time and expertise at motorsport events.

Based on their main findings, Sulayem launched a major recruitment and training programme, and set up the UAE Motorsport Marshals Club to manage and promote the growth of a national framework of motorsport officials, and run events in UAE in a safe and professional manner.

Two years ahead of schedule, he achieved his goal to establish an entirely local-based team of officials and volunteers capable of handling the full spectrum of sporting responsibilities for the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and UAE motor sport in general.

In both 2011 and 2012, the FIA named UAE marshals as its Volunteer of the Year in worldwide motor sport.


===Empowering Emiratis===

Sulayem has driven a number of initiatives in support of the Club’s commitment to encourage greater participation in all areas of motor sport by UAE nationals.

Emiratis now play an increasingly active role in ensuring the safe and efficient running of the F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, forming a significant part of the dedicated team of volunteer officials and marshals.
In 2010, as part of the ATCUAE’s efforts to create more roles for UAE nationals in motor sport, Sulayem signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Takatof voluntary social programme designed by the Emirates Foundation for Youth Development to create a culture of volunteering throughout the Emirates.

A growing number of members of the UAE Motorsport Marshals Club set up by Sulayem are Emiratis. At the 2012 F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, 15% of the marshals were Emiratis.

In 2011, Sulayem established the UAE Motorsport Star programme to support some of the country’s best young racing drivers.


===Mobility===
In the field of mobility, Sulayem has significantly expanded the role of the ATCUAE in offering vital service and guidance to motoring tourists and travellers.

The Club is the sole supplier in the UAE of official International Driving Permits, and Carnet De Passage en Douane - better known as carnets or trip tickets - which simplify customs formalities for those taking vehicles outside the country.

New official International Driving Permits are now easily recognisable as they carry the official logos of both the ATCUAE and the National Transport Authority, distinguishing them from unauthorised versions still finding their way into the market.

The Club operates a fast track system for the supply of official IDPs, CPDs and Certificates of Tourism at its Dubai headquarters in Al Mumzar.


===Classic cars===

In its role as official representative in the UAE of FIVA, the ATCUAE has made it possible for classic cars previously confined to museums, and private collections hidden away from the public, to appear on the UAE’s modern roads and highways.
In June 2012, in collaboration with Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority, Sulayem introduced a new licensing service which classifies vehicles in six categories. Vehicles more than 30 years old can qualify for FIVA licences if they pass stringent mechanical and safety tests set by the Club.
This places the UAE among the leading countries in the world in the licensing of classic vehicles.


==Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge==
In 1991, Sulayem founded the UAE Desert Challenge, and over the next few years he developed the event into one of the world’s most spectacular and demanding international cross country rallies for cars and trucks, as well as bikes and quads.

In 1993, Sulayem succeeded in taking the event into the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies, and it remains the leading round of the series, attracting many of the world’s top drivers.

Two years later, the Desert Challenge doubled up for the first time as a round of the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship, and continues to attract the world’s top bike and quad riders to the dramatic desert terrain of the UAE.

The event entered a new era in March 2009 when it was renamed the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, and is staged in its entirety in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, taking competitors on a testing adventure through the spectacular desert terrain of the Western Region of Al Garbia.

Reaching deep into the Liwa desert, the route crosses some of the most demanding landscapes on earth, testing drivers, riders, and machinery to the limit in the crossing of towering dunes and desert plains.


==F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix==
One of the biggest challenges for Sulayem’s organisational skills was the 2009 debut in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship of the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

As President of the ATCUAE, the sporting organisers of the event, he was in charge of a 700-srong team of officials and marshals tasked with ensuring the event ran smoothly and safely.

It was the first race run in both day and night time and was watched by a TV audience of more than 500 million people.

The race was an outstanding success, going on to earn the award as the best event in the 2009 F1 World Championship, and has since firmly established itself as one of the most popular and respected F1 events with drivers, teams, racing fans and the media.


==FIA role==
In 2008, Sulayem was appointed Vice President of the FIA and a member of the World Motor Sport Council.

The FIA is the global sporting authority for motorsport and represents 100 million car owners in almost 200 countries. The World Motor Sport Council meets at least four times a year to decide on rules, regulations, safety and development of motor sport at every level, from karting to Formula One.

Headed by the FIA President, its membership is chosen by the FIA General Assembly, which contains representatives from national automobile clubs throughout the world.

In his FIA role, Sulayem has pioneered teaching, research and knowledge transfer initiatives in the UAE and elsewhere throughout the world, encouraging the continuing professional development of leading officials in the field.

Sulayem is a founding member of the Arab Council of Touring and Automobile Clubs, which aims to unite the FIA Clubs of Arabic-speaking territories.


==Research==
Under Sulayem’s guidance, the ATCUAE started its work in this field in 2009 by conducting research into Volunteer Management at the F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as well as an Economic Impact study of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, the first of its kind in motor sport.

In 2010, Sulayem used a research-based approach to develop an FIA Strategy for the development of motorsport in the Middle East. This was the first such strategy ever developed by the FIA and has received widespread acclaim for its contribution to governance of the sport.

In 2012, Sulayem instigated a scientific research programme into hydration and the health and safety issues of motorsport volunteers and officials working in high temperatures.

This culminated in a report calling on national sporting authorities to take a lead role in countering risks to health and safety.

The report was based on extensive scientific research carried out by the Automobile & Touring Club of the UAE in conjunction with its academic partners at the University of Ulster, one of the UK’s top learning and research institutes.
It was presented by Sulayem to senior officials attending an assembly of Middle East and North Africa national motor sport authorities in Doha on 4 February 2013.

The FIA President, Jean Todt, who was on an official visit to the region, was present at the meeting to receive a copy of the study.

The research was carried out in the UAE in 2012 during the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge in April, the F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November, and the Dubai International Rally in December.

The main findings of the study were backed up by strong recommendations that the region’s national motor sport authorities, and their Chief Medical Officers, offer structured advice to
help marshals combat the risks of dehydration, which in extreme cases can be fatal.

The study showed the UAE as a leader in the field of sports science research. As its findings and recommendations were not limited to motor sport, or restricted to the Middle East, the report was distributed worldwide for the benefit of any sporting organisation that requires its staff to work in high temperature conditions.

A second report commission by Sulayem and delivered at the assembly said the MENA region can play an important part in shaping the future of motor sport on a global basis as its focus moves away from Europe, says a comprehensive report to be released tomorrow.

The report contained a six-point plan aimed at increasing the region’s total number of competitors, officials and volunteers, and the number of motorsports events, by 20 % by 2015.

It said one of the keys to success will be a firm commitment by MENA’s 22 national motor sport authorities to work together to create a new generation of national heroes, backed by funding from the FIA, the world governing body.


==FIA Middle East Rally Championship==

Sulayem’s success as a record-breaking driver in the FIA Middle East Rally Championship helped attract worldwide attention for the regional series, and brought greater international credibility for Middle East motor sport.

When the championship’s popularity faded in recent years, he responded by tasking an ATCUAE research team to develop a new strategic approach to breathe life back into the series.

In December 2012, the World Motorsport Council approved Sulayem’s plans to boost the championship by incorporating four additional title races to attract young driving talent and increase entries overall.
As a result, the 2013 FIA Middle East Championship got under way in Qatar in January with a new look, the main drivers’ championship running alongside individual categories for Group N production cars, young drivers, and 2WD vehicles, as well as a T3 class for 2WD and 4WD buggies.

In another move instigated by Sulayem to reverse the trend of falling entries in recent years, the homologation period of some older rally cars was extended, giving a new lease of life to vehicles - and their drivers - which fell out of the series but can now continue until 2016.

At his instigation, the championship also featured a sophisticated new tracking system designed to eliminate route deviations.
Tested successfully during the 2012 Dubai International Rally, the new upgraded system was developed to ensure a fairer level of competition, with realistic penalties replacing the harsher ones of recent years to allow those who stray off line to remain in contention.


==Road safety==
Sulayem has been at the forefront of safe driving initiatives in the Middle East across four decades.

He started his association with this issue in a 1985 campaign in Kuwait to promote the use of safety belts in road cars. Later that year he also launched a similar campaign in the UAE in conjunction with the Government.

For his contribution, he was recognised with the Safety/Environment Campaigner of the Year award from the Institute of Motor Industry in 1991.

On an annual basis he gives numerous talks in schools and universities in the region on the subject. In his role as Vice President of the FIA, he is a strong supporter of the FIA ‘ Makes Roads Safe ‘ initiative.


==Support for charities==

Since launching his sporting career in the early 1980s, Sulayem has made a substantial
contribution to the needs of wider society.

For many years he has been actively involved with social causes, lending his name to fund-raising events and endorsing brands where the proceeds are forwarded to pre-selected foundations and institutes.
While his rally driving career ended in 2002, he has always been willing to bring himself, and some of his cars, out of retirement to raise much needed funds for charity and to support good causes, including taking special needs children for a spin on the Dubai Autodrome circuit.

When TAG Heuer invited Sulayem to join its famous line-up of brand ambassadors, he accepted in the condition that the entire proceeds of the deal would go to an international charity organisation, Save the Children.

In 2009 he gave permission for his image to be used in the driving game ‘Dirt 2’ on condition that his fees went to a range of good causes.

In the UAE he is a patron of a number of special needs charities.

He has also used his celebrity status to generate public contributions for good causes. In 2001 via MBC TV’s ‘Who wants to be a millionaire’, he raised AED250,000 for charities in Lebanon and the UAE. In 2006, he developed the ‘Ride with the Champion’ TV show which generated
US$100,000 to a range of charities.

In 2012, he provided sponsorship support for the 15-strong UAE team taking part in the London Paralympic Games.


==Honorary doctorate==
In July 2012, Sulayem was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Science from the University of Ulster, one of the UK’s leading learning institutes, in recognition of his services to sport, civic leadership and charity.


==Rallying achievements==
Sulayem was FIA Middle East rally champion 14 times in the years 1986-1991, 1994, and 1996-2002.

His record of individual rally victories is as follows:



FIA Middle East Championship

Dubai International Rally (15) 1985-88, 1991-95, 1997-2002
Jordan International Rally (12) 1984, 1987-88, 1990, 1994, 1996-2002
Qatar International Rally (9) 1988, 1990-91, 1996-98, 2000, 2001, 2002
Oman International Rally (6) 1986-87, 1990-91, 1994, 1998
UAE International Rally (5) 1996-99, 2001
Rally of Lebanon (4) 1987, 1991, 1998-99
Kuwait International Rally (4) 1985, 1988-89, 1996
Bahrain International Rally (3) 2000, 2001, 2002
Syrian International Rally (3) 2000, 2001, 2002

Other international rally wins

Masafi 4WD Rally - UAE 1985
Jebel Akhbar International Rally – Oman 1986
Bosphorus Rally – Turkey 1991
WRC Catalunya Rally – Group N 1992
WRC Argentine Rally – Group N 1993
Saudi Rally – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 2000

Other awards

1986 Medal of Honour from King Hussein of Jordan
1987 President’s Cup from President Amine Gemayel of Lebanon
1999 Medal of Honour from King Abdullah of Jordan
Medal of Honour from Lebanese President Emile Lahoud
UAE Sportsman of the Century from Agence France-Press (AFP)
2004 Medal of Honour from King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa of Bahrain




==Rallying achievements==
Sulayem was FIA Middle East rally champion 14 times in the years 1986-1991, 1994, and 1996-2002.

His record of individual rally victories is as follows:<br />
<br />


'''[[FIA]] [[Middle East Rally]] Championship'''

*Dubai International Rally (15): 1985-88, 1991-95, 1997-2002
*Jordan International Rally (12): 1984, 1987-88, 1990, 1994, 1996-2002
*Qatar International Rally (9): 1988, 1990-91, 1996-98, 2000, 2001, 2002
*Oman International Rally (6): 1986-87, 1990-91, 1994, 1998
*UAE International Rally (5): 1996-99, 2001
*Rally of Lebanon (4): 1987, 1991, 1998-99
*Kuwait International Rally (4): 1985, 1988-89, 1996
*Bahrain International Rally (3): 2000, 2001, 2002
*Syrian International Rally (3): 2000, 2001, 2002

<br />
<br />

'''Other international rally wins'''

*Masafi 4WD Rally - UAE 1985
*Jebel Akhbar International Rally – Oman 1986
*Bosphorus Rally – Turkey 1991
*WRC Catalunya Rally – Group N 1992
*WRC Argentine Rally – Group N 1993
*Saudi Rally – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 2000
<br />
<br />

'''Other awards'''

*1986 Medal of Honour from King Hussein of Jordan
*1987 President’s Cup from President Amine Gemayel of Lebanon
*1999 Medal of Honour from King Abdullah of Jordan
Medal of Honour from Lebanese President Emile Lahoud
UAE Sportsman of the Century from Agence France-Press (AFP)
*2004 Medal of Honour from King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa of Bahrain


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|Mohammed Ben Sulayem}}
{{Commons category|Mohammed bin Sulayem}}
*[http://www.mohammedbensulayem.com/ Mohammed Ben Sulayem]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20060425052945/http://www.mohammedbensulayem.com/ Mohammed Ben Sulayem]
*[http://www.bspturbo.com/index.htm Ben Sulayem Performance]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20060515115828/http://www.bspturbo.com/index.htm Ben Sulayem Performance]

*[http://www.thenational.ae/article/20090409/NATIONAL/528266148/-1/ART]
{{s-start}}
*[http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/custom-carshot-rods/more-on-the-slrpowered-mercedes-slk-out-of-the-mouths-of-mechanics-122019.php Jalopnik ''More on the SLR-Powered Mercedes SLK: Out of the Mouths of Mechanics'']
{{s-sports}}
*[http://www.atcuae.ae/ Automobile & Touring Club of the UAE]
{{succession box | before = [[Jean Todt]] | title = President of the [[Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile]] | years= 2021–present | after= Incumbent}}
{{succession box | before = [[Saeed Al-Hajri (rally driver)|Saeed Al-Hajri]] | title = [[Middle East Rally Championship|Middle East Rally Champion]] | years = 1986–1991 | after = Mamdouh Khayat }}
{{succession box | before = Hamed Al-Thani | title = [[Middle East Rally Championship|Middle East Rally Champion]] | years = 1994 | after = [[Abdullah Bakhashab]]}}
{{succession box | before = [[Abdullah Bakhashab]] | title = [[Middle East Rally Championship|Middle East Rally Champion]] | years = 1996–2002 | after = [[Nasser Al-Attiyah]]}}
{{s-end}}
{{FIA}}{{Authority control}}


{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
| NAME = Sulayem, Mohammed Ben
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = Emirati rally driver
| DATE OF BIRTH = 1961
| PLACE OF BIRTH = UAE
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sulayem, Mohammed Ben}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sulayem, Mohammed Ben}}
[[Category:1961 births]]
[[Category:1961 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Emirati rally drivers]]
[[Category:Emirati rally drivers]]
[[Category:People from Dubai]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Dubai]]
[[Category:World Rally Championship drivers]]
[[Category:Middle East Rally Championship]]
[[Category:Presidents of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile]]

Revision as of 21:50, 26 April 2024

Mohammed Ben Sulayem
President of Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile
Assumed office
17 December 2021
Preceded byJean Todt
Personal details
Born (1961-11-12) 12 November 1961 (age 62)
Dubai, Trucial States (now United Arab Emirates)
Middle East Rally Championship
Years active1983–2002
TeamsFord, Toyota
Championship titles
14 X Middle East Rally Championship

Mohammed Ahmad Sultan Ben Sulayem (Arabic: محمد بن سليم; born 12 November 1961) is an Emirati former rally driver and current president of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the governing body of many auto racing events including Formula One.

He is a former rally driver, and one of the most successful Middle East Rally Championship drivers, winning 14 titles. In 2005, he became the President of the Emirates Motorsports Organization, the representative of the United Arab Emirates in the FIA. In 2008, he was elected as a Vice President for sport and a member of the FIA World Motor Sport Council. He was key to organizing the first Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2009. In 2012, he was among the founding members and chairman of FIA sub-region of Arab Council of Touring and Automobile Clubs. In December 2021, he was appointed as FIA President, succeeding Jean Todt.

Early life and education

Sulayem was born on 12 November 1961 in Dubai, Trucial States (now United Arab Emirates). He studied business at the American University in Washington, D.C., and at the University of Ulster where he graduated with a bachelor's degree.[1]

Personal life

Sulayem is a prominent car collector and owns multiple supercars including Koenigsegg Agera, Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, Porsche, McLaren, Bugatti, Jaguar, Lexus, Ford GT, Lamborghini and Rolls-Royce.[2]

In July 2012, he was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Science from the University of Ulster in recognition of his services to sport, civic leadership and charity.[3]

On 7 March 2023, Ben Sulayem's son, Saif Ben Sulayem, died in a road accident in Dubai.[4][5]

Racing career

Ben Sulayem competed in the Middle East Rally Championship driving for Toyota and Ford. He won his first title in 1986 with a Toyota Celica and went on to win six consecutive titles till 1991.[6] In 1994, He won his seventh title with a Ford Escort RS Cosworth. From 1996 to 2002, Ben Sulayem won a further seven titles with Ford, making the most successful driver in the championship with over 60 wins and 14 titles (both the records have since been broken by Nasser Al-Attiyah).[6]

Administrative career

In 2005, he became the President of the Emirates Motorsports Organization, the representative of the UAE in FIA.[7] In 2008, he was elected as a Vice President for sport and a member of the FIA World Motor Sport Council, and he was key to organizing the first Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2009.[8] In 2012, he was among the founding members and chairman of FIA sub-region of Arab Council of Touring and Automobile Clubs.[7]

In June 2013, he was appointed as the chairman of the new Motor Sport Development Task Force set up by the FIA to build a ten-year plan for the sport's global development.[9] In December 2021, he was appointed as the FIA President succeeding Jean Todt.[10]

Honors

Individual

Individual honors won include:[7]

Controversies

In 2009, during a promotional event for Renault F1 team in Dubai, Ben Sulayem crashed a Renault R28 Formula One car in a race against a Ford GT.[11]

In 2022, Ben Sulayem, as FIA President, oversaw the investigation into the controversial ending of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The race ended with a last lap shootout when the Race Director (Michael Masi) brought in the safety car on the same lap as allowing lapped cars to unlap themselves. This breaches F1 regulations, which require the safety car to stay out for an additional lap after unlapping lapped cars. Had the regulations been applied correctly, the race would have ended under safety car conditions with no overtaking allowed on the final lap. The investigation concluded that whilst the safety car did not stay out for the additional lap, "as required by article 48.12", the result was legitimised because, as Mercedes AMG did not appeal, there was "no available mechanism to change the classification".[12] The investigation failed to report that the FIA President has the power under Judicial & Disciplinary article 9.1.1.d to refer the controversial ending to the FIA International Court of Appeal (ICA) for them to decide whether the result was legitimate. The ICA have the power to change race classifications should they deem that regulations were infringed.[13] This option is available until March 2027, 5 years after the report was published, in accordance with the statute of limitation defined in the F1 Sporting Regulations.

Ben Sulayem allegedly told FIA officials to declare the Las Vegas circuit unsafe for racing and not certify the Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit for its 2023 race.[14][15][16][17][18] Ben Sulayem is also under investigation for allegedly attempting to intervene in the results of the 2023 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.[19] On 5 March 2024 the FIA confirmed its compliance officer has received two whistleblower complaints.[20]

In January 2023, The Times newspaper resurfaced comments Ben Sulayem made on his now archived website in 2001. The newspaper quoted Sulayem as saying he did not like "women who think they are smarter than men, for they are not in truth". The veracity of the quotes was not refuted by Sulayem, but the FIA defended him saying "the remarks in this archived website from 2001 do not reflect the president's beliefs".[21]

References

  1. ^ Mohammed Ben Sulayem, profile (Report). Federation Internationale de l'Automobile. 17 December 2021. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
  2. ^ "ECR Collection - The Mohammed Ben Sulayem Collection". Exclusive Car Registry. Retrieved 29 July 2022.
  3. ^ "Ulster Honours Gulf Rally Driver". Ulster. 7 November 2016. Retrieved 4 May 2021.
  4. ^ "Saif Ben Sulayem: FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem's son killed in car crash in Dubai". Sky Sports. 9 March 2023. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  5. ^ "FIA president Ben Sulayem's son loses life in road crash". Motorsport.com. 9 March 2023. Retrieved 10 March 2023.
  6. ^ a b "Middle East Rally Championship winners". Motorsport Winners. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  7. ^ a b c Mohammed Ben Sulayem, profile (Report). Federation Internationale de l'Automobile. 17 December 2021. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
  8. ^ Cooper, Sam (24 January 2023). "Who is the FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and where does he come from?". PlanetF1. Retrieved 20 October 2023.
  9. ^ "Who is new FIA President Mohammed ben Sulayem – was he a former driver?". HITC. 17 December 2021. Retrieved 18 December 2021.
  10. ^ "Mohammed Ben Sulayem elected FIA President". FIA. 17 December 2021. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
  11. ^ "Rally champion wonders what went wrong in F1 crash". National News. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
  12. ^ "FIA Announces World Motor Sport Council Decisions". FIA. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
  13. ^ "FIA Judicial and Disciplinary rules". FIA. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
  14. ^ Benson, Andrew (5 March 2024). "Mohammed Ben Sulayem: FIA president allegedly told officials not to certify Las Vegas GP". BBC Sport. BBC.
  15. ^ Sarkozi, Kada. "'Ben Sulayem attempted to cancel Las Vegas GP last year'". GPblog.
  16. ^ McDonagh, Connor (5 March 2024). "FIA's Mohammed Ben Sulayem under more scrutiny as Las Vegas GP allegations emerge". Crash.
  17. ^ BHAGI, PRANAY (5 March 2024). "Mohammed Ben Sulayem Attempted to Cancel $1.2 BN Worth Las Vegas GP for Mysterious Reasons". Essentially Sports.
  18. ^ Gale, Ewan (5 March 2024). "FIA president facing fresh whistleblower allegations - report". Racing News.
  19. ^ Golding, Nick; Parkes, Ian (5 March 2024). "FIA President under investigation for alleged race interference". Racing News.
  20. ^ Fryer, Jenna (5 March 2024). "FIA confirms whistleblower complaints against president regarding Saudi Arabia and Las Vegas races". Las Vegas Sun.
  21. ^ Alan Baldwin (28 January 2023). "FIA defends Ben Sulayem after reported sexist comments". Reuters. Retrieved 30 January 2023.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mohammed bin Sulayem.
Sporting positions
Preceded by President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile
2021–present 		Succeeded by
Incumbent
Preceded by Middle East Rally Champion
1986–1991 		Succeeded by
Mamdouh Khayat
Preceded by
Hamed Al-Thani
 Middle East Rally Champion
1994 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Middle East Rally Champion
1996–2002 		Succeeded by
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