ATCUAE appointed to new role by world governing body for historic cars

ATCUAE President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the Club looks forward to working with FIVA - "Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens" - to develop a calendar of touring or non-competitive rallies and other special events.

Sulayem said plans are already in place for the ATCUAE to stage two FIVA-sanctioned touring rallies for historic vehicles next year - the Trans Emirates Classic in February, and another event organised in conjunction with the Rolls Royce Club in March which will link Qatar, the UAE and Oman.

It also plans regular events bringing together historic car enthusiasts for discussions, and demonstrations by experts, on subjects such as restoration and preservation of vehicles.

FIVA has more than 75 member organisations in more than 50 countries throughout the world, which in turn represent more than one million historic vehicle enthusiasts.

As the exclusive representative of FIVA in the Emirates, the ATCUAE will be solely responsible for issuing historic car certificates to vehicles which are at least 25 years old.

FIVA certification provides international credibility and can enhance the value of historic cars, although vehicles have to undergo intensive examination. Said Sulayem: "They have to be maintained to a very high standard and comply with international FIVA safety regulations, otherwise they will simply not be awarded a certificate."

Its appointment by FIVA underlines the status of the ATCUAE as the leading motoring and motor sport organisation in the Gulf region.

The Club is already the official representative in the UAE of both the FIA, the world governing body of all motor sports, and its motor bike counterpart, the FIM. It organises the UAE Desert Challenge, one of the world's leading cross country rallies, and the Dubai International Rally, part of the FIA Middle East Championship.

It is the only organisation authorised by the FIA to supervise motor sport events and issue competitor licences in the UAE, and oversees the complete range of other events, including rallying, karting, drag racing, hill climbs and motor bike activities such as moto cross.

The Club also has overall responsibility for circuit racing, and as its President Sulayem is a member of the advisory board for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which makes its debut in the Formula One World Championship in November next year.

The ATCUAE provides a growing range of services for motoring tourists and travellers. For instance, it is the only FIA authorised organisation in the UAE to issue International Driving Permits, as well as Carnet de Passage en Douane (Trip Tickets) and International Certificates which simplify customs formalities.

While its main responsibilities are generally confined to the UAE, the Club will welcome historic car owners from other Gulf countries seeking FIVA certification. The ATCUAE is the most active organisation of its kind in the Middle East, and last year Sulayem travelled to Tehran for talks with his Iranian counterparts aimed at reinforcing links between the two countries in motor sport and tourism.

He was also the driving force behind moves earlier this year to set up the Arab Council of Touring and Automobile Clubs. ACTAC links national automobile and touring organisations across the Middle East and North Africa and is assuming wide ranging responsibilities on road safety, tourism, traffic, transportation and the environment.