- Key Facts and Profile Summary
- Early Influence and Passion Rooted in Family
- Sponsorship and Support
- Racing Highlights and Achievements
- Challenges and Resilience
- “The Girl and the Waves”
- Alia’s Vision for the Future
At just 23 years old, Alia Abdulsalam Fairooz has etched her name in UAE sporting history as the first Emirati woman to compete professionally in Formula 4 powerboat racing. Her journey from the shores of Abu Dhabi to the turbulent waters of Scandinavia is not just a story of speed — it is one of heritage, passion, and breaking barriers.
Marking her international debut in the Scandinavian Championship in Norway, Alia represents a generation of Emirati women turning dreams into reality — making waves in a male‑dominated arena and carrying the flag of UAE pride across global waters.
Key Facts and Profile Summary
Her adventurous spirit and discipline mirror her father’s legacy — a former Formula 4 driver and sports promoter — making her not just a competitor but a continuation of a family tradition anchored in speed and resilience.
Early Influence and Passion Rooted in Family
Alia’s journey began long before her official races. Growing up around powerboats and race events like the President’s Cup for Formula 2, organized by her father, she was immersed in motorsports from childhood.
- She spent hours observing teams prepare boats and manage pit lanes during race weekends.
- Her first taste of adrenaline came during a fun ride on Norway’s Tønsberg Lake, where she discovered the thrill of speed on water.
- She credits her father and the UAE’s push for women empowerment as the two pillars that inspired her pursuit of powerboat racing.
“One day, I realized I wanted to feel the same rush my father did when he raced,” Alia told Khaleej Times. “It’s a passion I never expected but can’t live without.”
Sponsorship and Support
Her emergence on the international scene was made possible through strong local support.
- A major sponsorship was secured with Nirvana Holding and 9Yards Communications, providing travel, media, and logistics support for regional and global events.
- She also received backing from the Mubadala Excellence Program, which focuses on empowering Emirati athletes in global competitions.
- These partnerships underscore the UAE’s growing support for female athletes entering internationally competitive arenas.
Racing Highlights and Achievements
Alia’s career is rapidly gaining momentum, with each competition adding new experience and confidence to her resume.
Recent Milestones:
- 2024: Obtained the International Powerboat Racing Licence — the first Emirati woman to do so.
- 2025: Joined Team Mubadala for the Formula 4 World Championship.
- 2025, Norway: Set a personal best time of 48.34 seconds at the Scandinavian Championship.
- 2025, Italy: Scheduled to race in one of the season’s main Formula 4 events.
Even when faced with a technical malfunction that kept her out of one final race, Alia focussed on training and rebounded quickly with discipline and grit.
Challenges and Resilience
Racing in a male‑dominated sport was never easy.
- Alia faced skepticism at the starting line from competitors unaccustomed to a female racer.
- Balancing her training schedule with professional and media commitments posed constant challenges.
- Yet, through the guidance of the UAE Marine Sports Federation, and workshops from the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, she overcame these hurdles — proving that determination knows no gender.
“Every lap teaches me something new,” Alia said. “It’s not the competition that matters, it’s the progress.”
“The Girl and the Waves”
Once there was a young woman who stood by the shore, watching boats roar across the water. The waves challenged her, but she smiled. She tamed their anger with precision and patience.
In time, the sea accepted her as its equal. Now, every splash is a salute to courage — a reminder that the bravest waves come from within.
Moral: Every barrier is just a wave — strong only until you learn how to ride it.
Alia’s Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Alia plans to expand her participation in international powerboat racing circuits over the next five years. She intends to train locally during the winter and represent the UAE in European races during the summer season.
“My dream is to see more Emirati women take the helm in motorsports,” she affirms. “It’s not just about winning races — it’s about inspiring confidence.”
As the UAE continues to push the boundaries of female empowerment, Alia’s story shines as a symbol of what vision, family support, and national encouragement can achieve.
Legacy and Impact
Alia Abdulsalam is no longer just a racer; she’s a trailblazer. Her efforts have rekindled interest in marine sports among young Emiratis — especially women who see in her a reflection of their own ambition. Through her journey, powerboat racing in the UAE has gained renewed energy and visibility as a platform where talent and tenacity outshine tradition.
