The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has hosted – alongside the FIA MENA Mobility Council and Oman Automobile Association (OAA) – a regional workshop designed to bring together clubs across the region to share knowledge and innovation.

Taking place in Muscat and attended by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem – who holds a close affinity with the Sultanate due to the prominent part it played in his rally career – the workshop brought together automobile clubs from across the Middle East and North Africa to focus on advancing the modernisation of key international mobility services, including the International Driving Permit (IDP) and Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) systems. Discussions centred on digitalisation, road safety, and innovation in mobility and tourism, highlighting the region’s growing role in shaping the future of safe and sustainable mobility.

Meeting with H.E. Saeed bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, President Ben Sulayem discussed opportunities for collaboration to further enhance Oman’s leadership in smart and sustainable mobility, including the development of advanced transport infrastructure, digital licensing systems, and initiatives to promote road safety and innovation across the wider region.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said, “This region is home to some of the fastest-growing mobility ecosystems in the world. This workshop is about working together to harness innovation, digitalisation, and shared expertise to deliver safer and more accessible mobility for all. Collaboration between our Member Clubs and government authorities is essential as we modernise services and strengthen our regional capabilities.

“My thanks to the FIA MENA Mobility Council, the Oman Automobile Association, His Excellency the Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, and my FIA colleagues for making this landmark event happen and leading the way in these vital discussions.”

The event also marked the introduction of several new FIA mobility services in the region, including the FIA Road Safety Index, the FIA Driver Safety Index, and the Safe Mobility 4 All & 4 Life programme, each designed to enhance capacity, strengthen collaboration, and deliver data-driven improvements in safety and accessibility.

The Muscat workshop reflects the FIA’s commitment to empowering its Member Clubs worldwide and supporting them in developing forward-looking mobility and road safety solutions. The discussions further underline the importance of partnerships, technology adoption, and regional coordination in achieving the FIA’s wider mission to deliver safe, sustainable, and affordable mobility worldwide.

-ENDS- 

For media enquiries please contact: 

• Geri Sherwin, Director of Presidential & Mobility Communications: gsherwin@fia.com
• Laure Mercier Roussel, Head of Mobility Communications: lmercier@fia.com  

About the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile 

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility. 

Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.