How to Become a Racing Driver in the UAE
The UAE’s thrilling car racing sports are fueled by the country’s world-class circuits and vibrant motorsports culture. From the iconic Yas Marina Circuit to Dubai Autodrome, enthusiasts can find several places to practice their passion. For those with a dream of becoming a race car driver, the opportunities in the Emirates are unmatched.
Let’s take a look at how to become a racing driver in the UAE and elaborate on each step involved in the process.
Steps to Become a Racing Driver in the UAE
To become a race car driver in the UAE, you have to follow a structured pattern which includes training, obtaining a licence and choosing the right vehicle. Following are all the steps to become a racing driver in the UAE.
Step 1: Develop Your Skills
Developing your skills is the first step towards becoming a race car driver in the UAE. Start from go-karting as it is considered an ideal sport to polish high-speed driving skills. Moreover, it is also the nearest experience to open-wheel racing.

Step 2: Join a Motorsports Academy
Once you have practised enough on Go-karting, it’s time to join a racing academy for first-hand experience. A number of motorsports academies in the Emirates offer racing courses including, Yas Marina Circuit and Dubai Autodrome.
Step 3: Book a Race Assessment
After completing the mandatory course and having enough skills to drive a race car, book a race assessment. The race assessment is a test to check the racing skills of an entrant driver, after completing the training courses.
All drivers must score 100% in the race assessment. In case of low scores, drivers are recommended more seat time to practice their racing skills. The cost of the race assessment is AED 1,575 for one time.
Step 4: Get a Racing Licence
The next step in becoming a racing driver in the UAE is to obtain a driving licence from the Emirates Motorsport Organization (EMSO). Prior to initiating the process, please remember that the licence is only for UAE nationals, others have to check with their local motorsport federation. The following documents are required to get a racing licence in Dubai and other Emirates.
- Passport (Copy)
- UAE Visa (Copy)
- Emirates ID (Copy)
- Test Certificate
- Medical Report
- Online Self-declaration Report
- School letter and parent confirmation letter (in case of drivers younger than 18 years)
- If applying for an international licence for the first time, an anti-doping certificate is also required
Visit the official website of EMSO and apply for the online licence. Provide all the required information and submit the above-mentioned documents to process the licence provision request.

Step 5: Choose Racing Category
The racing licence officially allows drivers to participate in different motorsports events across the country. Drivers can choose from different types of car racing options, some of which are mentioned below.
- Time Attack UAE
- 24H Series (Endurance Racing)
- Kart Racing
- Porsche Sprint Challenge Middle East
- Gulf ProCar Championship
- Waleed Alshemais Sportsbike Race Series
- Gulf Radical Cup
- FIA F4 UAE Championship
- Formula Regional Middle East Championship
Step 6: Find Your Ideal Car
The last step to becoming a race car driver in the UAE is to find your ideal vehicle. The first way is to either opt for new or used cars for sale in the UAE and make them race-ready. Besides, you can also rent a race car from local teams that also provide technical support on the track.
FAQs
Can anyone become a race car driver?
Yes, anyone above 18 years of age with the approved medical report and certified training can become a race car driver in the UAE.
How to get a race licence in Dubai?
The race car licence in Dubai and other Emirates are provided by the Emirates Motorsport Organization (EMSO). Please visit EMSO’s official website to apply for a licence.
What is the fee for race assessment in Dubai Autodrome?
The fee for race assessment in Dubai Autodrome is AED 1,575.
These were all the steps of becoming a racing driver in the UAE. Catering to the motorsports passion of the residents, a number of institutes in the UAE offer courses to train race car drivers. After successful completion of training, you can obtain your own licence and participate in racing events. If you are in search of a track to practice your skills, here are some of the top racing tracks in Dubai that you can opt for.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s auto blog for more information on motorsports.
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