Drag-racing Emirati policeman abandons sport due to lack of funding and support

Emirati policeman says clubs are tightening purse strings at a time when one expert believes more race tracks could take speeders off the roads of the UAE.

Emirati police officer Sultan Al Zaabi with his haul of drag-racing trophies in his garage in Ajman. Sarah Dea / The National

AJMAN // Sultan Al Zaabi has had a passion for cars for as long as he can remember.

The Emirati policeman is a 13-year veteran of the UAE’s drag racing scene, but he is now hanging up his car keys.

Mr Al Zaabi, 36, is retiring from drag racing because he is disheartened by the lack of funding and support for the costly, high-octane sport, especially in the Northern Emirates.

“Drag racing depends on money more than anything because cars always need modifications, signals and dedicated streets for racing, all of which need specialist professionals,” he said.

In the past, motor clubs would support members financially, but the money and sponsorship have dried up in recent years, according to Mr Al Zaabi.

“I have decided to stop practising drag races in the UAE. Each club used to give its members a monthly salary, awards and training,” he said. “But now we don’t get anything, just a letter if we need to travel to another country to race.

“The budget and prize values are declining. The prize was Dh30,000 in 2002 and now it becomes Dh10,000. I don’t know the reason behind it.”

Mr Al Zaabi, who owns six cars including a Toyota Supra, Corvette Z06 and a Ferrari 430, joined Emirates Motor Club in Umm Al Quwain in 2002.

He won several competitions across the UAE and in the GCC.

Emirates Motor Club, which is based at the Emirates Motorplex, stages various events including drag racing and motocross throughout the year.

It was set up in 1999 to give young racing fans a place to drive their modified cars safely.

The track, along with the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, are the only two places in the UAE to host drag racing events.

“I wish to have a car-racing club in each emirate,” said Mr Al Zaabi.

Thomas Edelmann, founder of Road Safety UAE, said it was important to offer drivers a place to race that was away from motorways and other motorists.

He said it was also important to give racers a practice venue that was close to home.

The Yas Super Street Challenge drag races will return to the capital next month, but Mr Al Zaabi insisted that he would not be taking part, although he remained open to opportunities abroad. “In March I am going to participate in the Qatar Mile competition because I can’t sit without racing,” he said.