UAE Committee for Talent and National Sports Support Onboards Drift Driver Khalifa Al Falasi
The UAE Committee for Talent and National Sports Support (UAETSS), operating under the UAE Ministry of Sports, has announced the inclusion of young Emirati car racer Khalifa Al Falasi into its dedicated programs for nurturing sports talent across the nation.
At just 17 years old, Al Falasi is the first and youngest professional Emirati drift driver to qualify for the FIA Intercontinental Drift Cup, scheduled to take place from October 2–5, 2025, in Latvia. His inclusion reflects UAETSS’ commitment to identifying high-potential athletes and providing them with the technical, administrative, and financial backing needed to excel at both regional and global levels.
His Excellency Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Sports Development and Competitiveness Sector and Chairman of the UAETSS, met with Al Falasi at the Ministry’s headquarters in Dubai. H.E. emphasized that talent discovery and development remain central priorities for the Ministry, serving as key pillars in building a generation of athletes capable of representing the UAE internationally.
“The onboarding of the young Emirati drift driver Khalifa Al Falasi is a testament to the Ministry’s commitment to nurturing young sports talents and investing in human capital, in line with the directives of our wise leadership to boost the competitiveness of Emirati sports and reinforce its international presence,” Sheikh Suhail said.
Al Falasi, supported and nominated by the Emirates Motorsports Organization (EMSO), has already established an impressive record in regional competitions. He won first place nationally in the 2024 Emirates Drift Championship during his debut professional season. He secured third place in both the Red Bull Car Park Drift UAE and Red Bull Car Park Drift Oman qualifiers. In 2025, he claimed second place nationally in the Emirates Drift Championship (Professional category), earning recognition as the youngest professional drift driver in the Middle East.
The UAETSS’s ongoing efforts are reinforced through the Talent Committee Platform, launched in June 2025. This digital platform monitors the progress of exceptional athletes using advanced data analysis and technical assessment tools, ensuring structured development pathways that align with the UAE’s long-term vision for sporting excellence.
With Khalifa Al Falasi’s entry, the Ministry further demonstrates its mission to empower young athletes, expand opportunities, and position the UAE as a global hub for sports talent development.
