In a groundbreaking achievement, Alya Abdulsalam has become the first Emirati woman to compete in the Formula 4 Powerboat World Championship, held in Norway and Italy. This milestone not only marks a personal triumph for Alya but also signifies a significant step forward for Emirati women in sports. Her journey began on the shores of the UAE, where her father, Abdulsalam Fairouz, organized major championships, igniting her passion for water sports. Alya’s love for the sea and her adventurous spirit were nurtured from a young age, watching her father’s dedication to the sport. This summer, she took the wheel for the first time in Tønsberg, Norway, where she demonstrated her ability to handle high-speed powerboats, leading her father to establish a team for her. Despite initial skepticism and social media doubts, Alya’s participation in the UAE Championship turned skeptics into admirers. Her success is attributed to her fitness, focus, and quick reflexes, which helped her achieve sixth place in her last race. Alya’s participation in the World Championship, where she finished 11th out of 17 boats and ranked 19th worldwide, is seen as an Arab achievement for ambitious girls. She credits her father, the UAE Marine Sports Federation, the Ministry of Sports, and other supporters for her success. Alya’s message to young girls is clear: ‘Don’t hesitate to take the leap. Passion and determination are the real fuel for success.’ Her father, Abdulsalam, known as ‘Abu Alya,’ proudly watches as his daughter carries forward the legacy of Emirati sports, sailing steadily toward greatness.
‘Victory doesn’t see gender’: Meet first UAE woman to compete for world powerboat title
