Mubadala Excellence Program to support first Emirati woman in Formula 4 Powerboat World Championship
Powerboat racer Alia Abdul Salam will accelerate to new success after being selected to join the Mubadala Excellence Program (MEP), a community initiative that supports talented individuals across the UAE in the field of sports, arts, culture, and innovation. As part of this milestone, Mubadala joins as the Title Partner for Alia’s 2025 Formula 4 Powerboat World Championship season.
Her participation marks a historic moment as the first Emirati woman to compete in the Formula 4 Powerboat World Championship, representing the UAE in upcoming international races in Sweden, Norway, and Italy. This is both a personal milestone and a meaningful reflection of the UAE’s growing presence in global sport, and a proud step forward for Emirati women competing in high-performance arenas.
Through the Mubadala Excellence Program, she will gain access to support that helps her pursue this passion with purpose, highlighting the program’s mission to unlock potential and foster meaningful community impact.
Launched in 2021, MEP is part of Mubadala’s commitment to nurturing local talent and contributing to a resilient, connected society.
Alia was raised in a sports-focused environment and inspired by her father, Abdul Salam Firooz, a former champion and longtime contributor to marine motorsports. From a young age, she was drawn to the water and began carving her path in the sport, steadily breaking barriers at the local level before stepping onto the global stage. Her journey is defined by ambition, discipline, and a strong commitment to growth.
Reflecting on her journey, Alia shared:
“My goal is to inspire the next generation of Emirati girls to pursue their passions, no matter the challenges. Joining this program provides me with a broader perspective, allowing me to learn from industry leaders and develop the skills I need to outshine in marine sports and beyond. Mubadala’s trust in me — and in the ability of Emirati women to succeed globally — is a powerful message, not just for me but for every young girl in the UAE dreaming of taking a different path.”
“Through this partnership, I hope to encourage more girls to enter the world of motorsports, motivate young people to pursue innovation, and raise the UAE flag high in the world of fast-paced marine sports. It is a privilege and an honour to have Mubadala as Title Partner for this journey.”
Career Highlights
- International Debut – Norway (2024): Secured fifth place in her first international Formula 4 race, competing against more than eight international contenders.
- UAE F4 Powerboat Championship – Round 1, Abu Dhabi: Achieved ninth place among 14 competitors, all young Emiratis and residents.
- Round 2, Khorfakkan: Demonstrated adaptability to changing marine conditions and secured seventh place.
- Round 3, Abu Dhabi: Delivered her strongest performance of the season, placing sixth and earning recognition for technical precision and race strategy.
