OMANI RACING CHAMPION AL FAISAL AL ZUBAIR SPEAKS ABOUT MOTORSPORTS AND PASSION

Between winning the Spa 24 Hours, Dubai 24 Hours, and being the Porsche Middle East champion, can you explain how you handle the physical endurance required for these races?

The Porsche Middle East Championship was quite different from the endurance races I currently compete in. Those were 30-minute sprint races, which required more mental focus than physical endurance. Endurance racing, however, is a whole new challenge. Our races last 3, 6, 12, or even 24 hours, with two teammates sharing the driving. Besides arriving at the track physically fit, maintaining a strong mental state is just as important. Our stints can last over two hours, and staying mentally and physically sharp is crucial during those periods.

Can you walk us through your daily regimen—food, training, relaxation, etc.?

I always discuss this question with people curious about the physical demands of endurance racing. Without a doubt, being physically fit makes everything much easier, but I truly believe that nothing beats the training of actually being in the car. Fortunately, I get to drive at least once a month, which is the best way to stay in peak condition. I also train on my simulator at home, which helps sharpen my skills. Outside of racing, I enjoy playing paddle with friends—it’s a great way to stay active. Many drivers take different approaches to fitness, with some being more active than others. As for my diet, I’m quite flexible most of the time, but during testing and race weekends, I’m much more disciplined and careful about what I eat.

As the founder of Al Manar Racing, Oman’s flagship GT3 team, you’re required to manage a completely different skill set. Can you describe what that involves on a daily basis?

Racing under the Omani flag on international stages is an incredible feeling. It gives me extra motivation to fight for wins and podiums, knowing that I’m representing my country. Over the past few years, the team has accomplished a lot, and I’m grateful for that. However, there’s much more to it than just driving—choosing the right team, engineers, personnel, contracts, and even smaller details like arranging drivers for the season. Those behind-the-scenes aspects can be just as challenging as the racing itself.

The sports scene in the Arab world is thriving, with countless major sporting events. Where do you see this trend going in the future?

It’s incredible to witness this growth in the Arab world, and as Arabs, it makes us proud to see these developments happening in our time. Looking at motorsport specifically, almost every major championship now has a round in the GCC. We’re already in a strong position, but I believe we have the potential to go even further—not just as hosts but as true hubs for motorsport and other sports worldwide.

With 65% of the Arab youth under the age of 35, many love watching sports, but participation is another challenge. How do you see the future of an active and fit generation in the region?

Honestly, I see both sides of this. There’s definitely an increase in sports culture, but at the same time, gaming and digital entertainment are growing even faster. However, with the rising number of sporting events and a greater emphasis on sports in the region, I believe younger generations will start seeing real career paths in sports—something that wasn’t as clear in the past.

Years ago, Arab champion Mohammed Bin Sulayem, now FIA president, used to say, “No, we are not even related” when asked if he was the rally driver, as racing wasn’t widely accepted as a profession. Now, as someone who inspires young athletes, how do you feel about the change in mentality?

The shift in mentality has been massive, even from when I started racing in 2013 until today. Motorsport is becoming more popular every year, and as a racer, it’s great to see that growth. As athletes, we also have a responsibility to show young people that success in this field is possible. There are no shortcuts in racing—or in any sport. Some believe success comes quickly, but that’s far from the truth. It takes years of hard work, sacrifices, and difficult moments. At the end of the day, it all comes down to how badly you want to win.

Al Manar Racing is the only Omani and Arab team representing the region in the GT3 Gold Category, competing on some of the world’s biggest endurance racing stages. With your international exposure and track record of success, how do you see brands benefiting from partnering with you and Al Manar Racing? What makes motorsports a unique platform for sponsors looking to engage with a global and highly passionate audience?

Motorsports isn’t just about racing; it’s about passion, a loyal audience, and global reach. Currently, the Gulf region is at the forefront of its growth. With Saudi Vision 2030, F1 races in the region, and the UAE’s booming power sports scene, GT racing is becoming more mainstream than ever. Just last year, the European GT competition, GT World Challenge Europe, was held in Jeddah for the first time. Additionally, we witnessed significant engagement during the Dubai 24H race. GT racing embodies precision, performance, and prestige, attracting high-net-worth decision-makers, motorsport enthusiasts, and luxury consumers. Al Manar Racing stands out in this category, not only as the sole Omani and Arab team in the GT3 Gold Category but also as a beacon of regional pride, excellence, and international ambition. For brands looking to create a meaningful impact aligned with these ideals, the exposure is unmatched. Take the Dubai 24H as an instance: our car captured significant screen time during most of the 24 hours of live coverage and featured on every regional and global sports platform after securing victory. That translates to countless brand impressions on an international stage. Consider the reach, engagement, and brand alignment that accompany being part of this journey.