Page 31 - MOS PR REPORT - AUGUST 2025

8/20/25, 9:20 AM UAE Committee for Talent and National Sports Support includes drift driver Khalifa Al Falasi in its dedicated programs
The inclusion of Khalifa Al Falasi into UAETSS’ programs marks a pivotal step in its efforts to identify
high-potential athletes, nurture their skills and empower them to achieve exceptional sport milestones 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. reaffirmed that talent discovery and development are
fundamental priorities for the Ministry, forming key pillars for building an outstanding generation of
athletes who can represent the country in regional and international events. This aligns with the goal to

reinforce the UAE’s position as a nurturing and supporting destination for talents and sustainable
sporting excellence.

H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum further emphasised that UAETSS makes constant efforts to
recognise and cultivate sport talents across various sports disciplines in the UAE. It offers
comprehensive technical and administrative support, along with funding and training programs for

honing their skills and empowering them. These efforts aim to establish an integrated ecosystem that
promotes constant athlete development, enabling them to reach the professional elite level and compete
internationally within a sustainable and professional environment. He added, “The onboarding of the

young Emirati drift driver Khalifa Al Falasi is a testament to the Ministry’s commitment to nurture young
sports talents and invest in human capital, in line with the directives of our wise leadership to boost the
competitiveness of Emirati sports and reinforce its international presence.”

Khalifa Al Falasi, who is 17 years old, is the first professional Emirati driver to compete in FIA’s global
championship and he is also the youngest driver in the competition’s history. He is supported and

nominated by the Emirates Motorsports Organization (EMSO), the official governing body for
motorsports in the UAE.

He has an exceptional regional record of achievements, which includes securing first place nationally in
the 2024 Emirates Drift Championship during his professional debut season and winning third place in

both the Red Bull Car Park Drift UAE and Red Bull Car Park Drift Oman qualifiers (Middle East
category). In 2025, he achieved second place nationally in the Emirates Drift Championship
(Professional category) and was recognised as the youngest professional drift driver in the Middle East.

The UAE Committee for Talent and National Sports Support continues to advance objectives through
the Talent Committee Platform, which was launched by the Ministry of Sports in June 2025. This platform

tracks the progress of exceptional talents and athletes, closely monitoring their achievements through
latest digital tools for data analysis, technical assessment and growth indicators. This approach helps
constantly optimise training and support plans.

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