Dubai: The UAE’s Mohammad Bin Sulayem was elected as one of the seven vice-presidents of world governing body for motorsport, the FIA.

Bin Sulayem will be representing the Middle East region as one of seven continental vice-presidents of FIA chief Jean Todt, who was unanimously elected by the members of the general assembly for a third four-year term in Paris on Friday.

Brian Gibbons from New Zealand will be the President of the Senate, Graham Stoker from the UK will be deputy president for Sport, while Belgium’s Thierry Willemarck will be deputy president for Mobility.

While Bin Sulayem is the vice-president representing the Middle East, the former Middle East champion also got the nod as member of the World Motor Sport Council Membership. The other six who made it for the next four years as vice presidents are Surinder Thatthi (Africa), Jose Abed (North America), Heping Wan (Asia-Pacific) and European representatives Angelo Sticchi from Italy and Hermann Tomczyk from Germany.

Bin Sulayem has been at the forefront of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE) team that manages all of the marshals for the Etihad Airways Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix each year.

He also oversees international events such as the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge and the Dubai International Baja, which are internationally recognised desert rallies that challenge even the toughest drivers and riders.

And as a former champion, Bin Sulayem understands the challenges of his new role. “I have always prioritised safety and innovation and I look forward to bringing that to my new role with the FIA,” he said in a statement.

“It’s a new challenge, but I am honoured to have been elected and excited for the new role,” he added.