FIA President Says Middle East Volunteers Are the Best in the World

Klaus Schmidt · 2026-10-26

When you think of motorsport, you probably picture the drivers, the roaring engines, the checkered flag. But there's a whole army of people behind the scenes who make it all happen. And according to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the volunteers and officials in the Middle East are among the best in the world. Ben Sulayem didn't hold back his praise. He called them "the lifeblood of our sport" and said that without their "dedication, professionalism and passion, there would simply be no racing or rallying." That's a pretty strong endorsement from the man at the top of global motorsport. ### Why Middle East Volunteers Stand Out So what makes them so special? It's not just about showing up. It's about the level of commitment and the sheer professionalism they bring to every event. In a region that's become a major hub for international motorsport – from Formula 1 in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain to rallying across the deserts – the demands on volunteers are huge. They're not just flag-wavers; they're trained officials who ensure safety, fairness, and smooth operations. Ben Sulayem, who is himself from the UAE, knows this firsthand. He's seen the growth of motorsport in the region and understands that the backbone of that growth is the volunteer force. "With October designated as a month to celebrate volunteers, it's the perfect time to recognize their contributions," he noted. ### The Backbone of Racing Think about it: every race weekend, hundreds of volunteers give up their time to stand in the heat, often for hours, just to make sure everything runs smoothly. They're the ones who respond when there's a crash, who wave the flags, who check the cars. Without them, races simply couldn't happen. And it's not just about the big international events. Local and regional championships also rely on these dedicated individuals. They're the ones who nurture young talent and help grow the sport from the ground up. > "The lifeblood of our sport" – that's how Ben Sulayem describes them, and it's hard to argue. ### A Global Recognition This isn't just a feel-good story. It's a recognition of the Middle East's rising status in the motorsport world. The region has invested heavily in infrastructure and events, and the volunteers have risen to the occasion. They've proven they can handle the pressure of world-class competition. For professionals in the United States who follow motorsport or work in related fields, this is a reminder that the sport is truly global. The expertise and dedication of volunteers in the Middle East are on par with anywhere else – and perhaps even better. So next time you watch a race, take a moment to appreciate the people in the background. They're the ones who make the magic happen, and according to the FIA President, the Middle East's volunteers are among the best of the best.