From majestic dunes to record-breaking man-made marvels, the UAE is the land of many wonders. The country also has a passion for automobiles and different types of motorsports. Driving this passion in a more organised and regulated perspective is the Emirates Motorsports Organization. It is a state-owned organisation working on both national and international levels to promote the region’s scope of motorsport.
Let’s find out more about the Emirates Motorsports Organization, the regulations it has set, its affiliated clubs, and sporting events.
More About Emirates Motorsports Organization (EMSO)
The Emirates Motorsports Organization (formerly the Automobile & Touring Club of the UAE) is one of the world’s oldest motorsports governing bodies, founded in 1965. Since its inception, EMSO has played a leading role in regional motorsport development. The organisation’s scope has grown by leaps and bounds.
As of today, over 140 competitive events are organised under EMSO’s governance. The organisation looks after the entire UAE motorsport yearly calendar for various types of motorsports, such as circuit racing, NASCAR championships, rallying, drag safari and more.
EMSO’s Affiliates and Associations
EMSO is the UAE’s only representative of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), a multinational motorsports association. The motorsports organisation is also a member of the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA) and the International Road Transport Union RTU). Furthermore, EMSO is also accredited by the UAE National Olympic Committee.
In addition to the aforementioned associations, EMSO has also collaborated with the following sports clubs and organisations for 2023 motorsports events.
- Yas Motor Racing Club
- Dubai Autodrome Motorsport Club
- Al Ain Raceway Kart Club
- Emirates Motorsports Club
- Dubai Motocross Club
- Octanium Experiences LLC
- Emirates Motorplex
- Creventic International DWC LLC
- Sabertooth Motoring Adventure
- Waleed Alshemais Racing
- The Drift Home
- R1SE Gaming Publisher LLC
- Prodrift Event Management Services
- Mx Ride Dubai
- Saluki Motorsport
- Xquarry Off-road Park
- Automadness Dubai
- GPX Events
Motorsports Events in 2023
According to the 2023 motorsports yearly calendar for the UAE, here is the list of events.
Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge
It was held from February 26 to March 3, 2023. This rally raid event took place in the deserts of Abu Dhabi and was part of the FIA World Cup’s cross-country rallies. Like always, this year’s event featured challenging terrains and attracted world-famous off-road racers to participate in it.
Formula 1
One of the most prestigious motorsport events in the world is set to be hosted by the UAE. The event will take place from November 24-26, 2023. The race will take place at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. It is over a five-kilometre track that features 21 turns and runs through the Yas Island Marina. After the first two days of practising, the race will begin on November 26 and will be held over 58 laps.
Dubai International Baja
It is an international baja-style rally racing event held in Dubai. Formerly known as the known as the Dubai International Rally, the event has been taking place since 1984. In 2016, the rally was reformatted into a cross-country event. Dubai International Baja hosts racing competitions for both the car and bike categories. This year’s edition of the Dubai International Baja will take place from December 1-3, 2023.
Sporting and Technical Regulations
EMSO ensures the implementation of sporting and technical regulations for a smooth motorsports experience in the UAE. From circuit to karting to rally and Baja, EMSO regulations cover all these motorsports aspects.
Besides modern car safety features, EMSO also keeps a close check on the horsepower and body-weight ratio of the participating vehicles. Also, the implementation of regulations may vary for national and international events.
EMSO Services
Responsible for the sustainable and continuous growth of motorsports in the region, EMSO offers or looks after the following services.
Issuance of Motorsports License
Motorsports license acquisition is a bit different from the process of getting a driver’s license in the UAE. EMSO is responsible for the screening of the applicants and issuance of racing licences. EMSO outlines the complete process in this regard. However, the process of how to get a racing license in the UAE may vary according to the motorsport type.
E-Permit for Motorsports Organisers
A motorsports organiser cannot operate in the Emirates unless they have a permit from EMSO. For the convenience of the applicants, the organisation allows online request submission via its e-permit system. Entities with operational permits can also apply for an EMSO-affiliation licence.
Insurance Coverage
One of the primary services of EMSO is the issuance of insurance coverage for all of its events. Participants and organisers of such events can download these insurance coverage certificates via the organisation’s online portal.
Motorsports Vehicle Registration
EMSO’s scope also expands to the registration of imported motorsports vehicles in the UAE. The organisation oversees the issuance of technical passports of the motorsports vehicle, which is a key requirement for its registration. After acquiring the technical passport from EMSO, vehicles satisfy the criteria for the RTA Dubai vehicle registration.
Safety Cage Certification
A safety cage, also known as a roll cage, holds prime importance when it comes to motorsports vehicle safety. This safety equipment also helps drivers and passengers safely evacuate in a roll-over accident. This is why, motorsports vehicle owners need to have them installed. The issuance of the safety cage certification also comes under the domain of EMSO.
Women in Motorsports
Emirates Motorsports Organisation also plays a significant role in promoting women’s participation in motorsports. A specific quota has been set for women in different types of motorsports events organised under EMSO’s supervision.
EMSO’s commitment to overcoming stereotypes in the UAE motorsport domain has encouraged Emirati women’s participation in regional and international competitions.
FAQs
How to Get a Racing Driving Licence in the UAE?
EMSO outlines and overlooks the entire process of racing licence acquisition in the UAE. However, the application and requirements may vary according to the type of motorsport.
How to get NOC from the Emirates Motorsports Organization?
When registering a motorsports vehicle, EMSO’s technical centre undertakes its inspection. Once the process of inspection is completed, NOC is issued.
What is the Emirates Motorsports Organization contact number?
The contact number of the Emirates Motorsports Organization Dubai is +971 4 2961122. You can also visit their website for more contact information.
There you have it – a detailed overview of EMSO and its organisational scope. For more information on the aforementioned motorsports events, domains and regulations, you can visit the official website of the Emirates Motorsports Organization.
Besides if you are looking for a supercar or an off-roader for your motorsports adventures, here’s a wide selection of used cars for sale in the UAE.
For more updates on the EMSO Expo Dubai and other motorsports activities, keep following the dubizzle Cars blog.
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