Shared Vision for Mobility and Motorsport Strengthens UAE-Japan Trade Ties: FIA President Ben Sulayem
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), has underscored the importance of a shared vision for the future of mobility and motorsport in bolstering the longstanding trade partnership between the UAE and Japan.
Fresh from an official visit to Japan, Ben Sulayem shared insights following high-level meetings with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and senior Japanese officials. The visit highlighted Japan's rising influence in global transportation, sustainable innovation, and its evolution as a motorsport powerhouse.
“Japan’s approach is a model for nations across the world,” said Ben Sulayem. “From sustainable fuels to intelligent infrastructure, their policies align closely with the FIA’s global mission for innovation and accessibility in mobility.”
Trade Ties Driven by Innovation
Japan remains the UAE’s largest trading partner in the Gulf, accounting for 43.6% of Japan’s total trade with the Middle East. In 2024, bilateral trade reached $49.6 billion, a 1.2% year-on-year increase. Vehicle exports led the surge, with the automotive sector generating $4.7 billion in trade, driven by high demand for SUVs, sedans, and hybrid vehicles.
“This collaboration is not just about trade,” said Ben Sulayem. “It reflects a broader, shared commitment to shaping a more sustainable, technologically advanced future.”
Japan’s national commitment to transportation infrastructure is reflected in its $38 billion annual investment in mobility systems. Its push for innovation includes developments in artificial intelligence, sustainable fuels, and pioneering concepts such as magnetic levitation cars, currently under research at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology.
Motorsport as a Cultural and Economic Force
Japan produces approximately 8.23 million vehicles annually, yet Ben Sulayem emphasized that its influence extends beyond production. “Japan is shaping the way the world moves,” he said. “Its fusion of engineering excellence, community-first values, and futuristic vision positions it at the forefront of mobility transformation.”
The FIA President also praised Japan’s growing motorsport ecosystem, citing surging fan engagement and the rise of homegrown racing talent. From grassroots karting to the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix, Japan is cementing its role as a major global motorsport destination.
“Japan is more than a manufacturing hub—it is a symbol of what’s possible when passion meets progress,” Ben Sulayem stated. “At the FIA, we are proud to work alongside Japan to drive innovation, sustainability, and accessibility in global mobility and motorsport.”
As both nations continue to expand economic, cultural, and sporting ties, Ben Sulayem’s visit serves as a testament to the potential of shared values to foster international cooperation and advance global transformation agendas.
