Meet Aliya Fairouz, the first Arab woman to compete in Formula 4 powerboat racing

Emirati racer Aliya Fairouz has achieved an unprecedented milestone by becoming the first Arab woman to compete in Formula 4 races, according to the classifications of the International Powerboating Federation. She secured fifth place in her first international participation and was honored as the first Arab woman to compete in this championship.

Aliya was raised in a sports-oriented environment. Her father, Abdulsalam Fairouz, was one of the prominent Formula 2 racers in the 1990s and was among her first supporters and sources of inspiration. She is proud to be following in her father's footsteps, learning from his experience and continuing his legacy.

She took part in four races during the second round of the championship and made a strong showing in the Scandinavian International Championship held in Tønsberg, Norway. She completed 24 laps with high efficiency, securing fifth place among 14 international teams. After obtaining her international license from the International Federation, she marked a successful historic debut, proving her merit and distinction in the sport.

Aliya said, "I didn’t face difficulties in this field, but the main challenge was being the only woman among the competitors. I took that as motivation to prove that women are capable of excelling—even in male-dominated fields. Every woman has a unique talent; she just needs to explore it and work on developing it."

She emphasized that the support of the wise leadership and the UAE Marine Sports Federation played a key role in creating the ideal environment for success—through training, workshops, and logistical support. She noted that the UAE has provided all the necessary resources to nurture talent, especially under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation—“Mother of the Nation”—who has continuously supported Emirati women in various fields.

Aliya is preparing to participate in several international championships this summer, starting in Sweden, followed by her favorite race in Tønsberg, Norway in August, and ending the season in Viverone, Italy—a major milestone in her athletic career.

She expressed her gratitude to the UAE Marine Sports Federation, headed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, and to the marine clubs—particularly Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club and Sharjah Marine Sports Club—for their technical and moral support and their vital contributions to organizing local championships and developing national talent.