Abu Dhabi, June 9 (WAM) – The Mubadala Excellence Program has announced the addition of Emirati Alia Abdulsalam to its roster of innovators, continuing her journey in the world of powerboat racing towards achieving more successes.
The Mubadala Excellence Program is a community initiative that aims to support talent across the UAE in the fields of sports, arts, culture and innovation. Mubadala joins as a Principal Partner of the 2025 Formula 4 World Championship.
Alia’s participation marks a significant moment in the history of women’s sports in the country, as she is the first Emirati woman to participate in the Formula 4 World Championship, representing the UAE in the upcoming races held in Sweden, Norway and Italy. This represents a personal achievement for her and a message that reflects the growing presence of the country in international sporting events, and a vital step that enhances the status of Emirati women in various fields.
Through the program, Alia will receive the necessary support to achieve her ambitions in this sport. The program, which began in 2021, seeks to empower innovators and unleash their potential in various fields, in addition to enhancing the social impact, as part of Mubadala’s commitment to nurturing local talent.
Alia grew up in a sporting environment, influenced by the career of her father, Abdul Salam Fairouz, a former powerboat champion. She was drawn to this sport from a young age, and she continued to progress, proving her worth locally and paving her way globally.
Alia expressed her happiness at joining the program, noting that her goal is to inspire the next generation of Emirati girls to pursue their ambitions, regardless of the challenges, expressing her pride in the trust Mubadala has placed in her.
She added that she hopes that through this experience, she will encourage girls to pursue powerboat sports, contribute to motivating young people to innovate, and raise the UAE’s flag high in marine sports.
Alia finished fifth in her first international Formula 4 Championship in Norway in 2024. In the first round of the UAE Formula 4 Championship in Abu Dhabi, she finished ninth. In the second round, held in Khorfakkan, she finished seventh after a remarkable performance in turbulent sea conditions. In the third round in Abu Dhabi, she finished sixth, earning the appreciation of experts for her technical precision and meticulous strategy.