Isidora Ciric (ABU DHABI) - Among the trailblazers cutting through the fiercely competitive Formula 4 sphere is Rashid Al Dhaheri, a teen prodigy from Abu Dhabi, whose racing accolades have reverberated around the motorsports circuit. With a helmet adorned with inspirational quotes from the UAE's leaders and a heart brimming with aspirations, Al Dhaheri, the youngest Emirati to transition from karting to single-seater racing, is already placing the UAE on the global motorsports map.

In an interview with Aletihad, Al Dhaheri spoke about his beginnings and how Abu Dhabi’s Formula 1 Grand Prix inspired him to forge a unique career path.

“At the age of three, my motorsport journey started with my first visit to the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix. I was excitedly standing in front of the Ferrari box for hours and followed the sound of the engines,” he vividly remembered.

“My curiosity was noticed by the Ferrari team, and they took me inside their box. From that moment on, I knew what my future should be.”

  • Rashid Al Dhaheri


He started out with the support of his family, who put him on a cart and pulled it with a rope. Only two years after the fate-turning Grand Prix event, Al Dhaheri embarked on his karting venture in the UAE, and immediately achieved incredible results, proving his engine prowess. During his first race, the 2013-2014 UAE Championship, he finished as runner-up.

His successes expanded with every race, and he became the first Arab ever to win the WSK Championship (World Series of Karting), taking home four titles in two categories.

“I am a record-holder in the UAE as the 5-time Dubai Kartdrome O Plate Champion, Macao International Kart Grand Prix Champion, and WSK Champion... Never has an Arab won them before,” he said.

 

  • The young driver is currently attending an online high school for athletes

 


Al Dhaheri was also the first Arab driver to reach the renowned Ferrari Driver Academy, a feat he accomplished at only 14 years old. 

“In 2022, I was invited to participate in the “19th Supercorso Federale” of the Italian Motorsport Federation and I also became the first Arab driver to reach the Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA) Scouting World Finals.”

His skills were quickly noticed by PREMA Racing, and he was asked to join their acclaimed team, making his car racing debut at the FIA F4 Italian Championship.

Regardless of how far he goes to fight for his dreams, the young driver always carries the UAE close to his heart. His racing helmet is not just a piece of safety gear, but a canvas portraying his roots.

“I chose the UAE falcon and the sand dunes as a reminder of our identity and origin. At the same time, my country’s flag is protectively flying over my helmet. Further, I included Arabic calligraphy in my helmet design and chose quotes of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan around my helmet and of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum below my visor. Both quotes are very meaningful and inspirational to me.”

Juggling between professional racing and education, Al Dhaheri exemplifies a rare brand of dedication. 

“Education was always challenging due to the little time I have,” he said.

The young driver is currently attending an online high school for athletes, where he is already six months ahead of schedule. 

Besides juggling school and training, his winter schedule is full of competitions. He is expected to compete in the Italian F4 Championship, the EURO4 Championship, and the UAE F4 Championship in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, among others.

Speaking about the future of motorsports in the UAE, he believes that the country will remain a key player.

“The UAE became a very important destination on the F1 schedule. The Abu Dhabi GP turned out to be one of the most popular and prestigious races of the year, with tickets sold out far ahead of the race. Therefore, I am positive that the UAE race will remain a very important event on the F1 programme.”

Serving as an inspiration to young Emiratis and Arabs, he noted that having a goal and working towards it through determination and discipline is very important, and that he would love to see more young Arab drivers racing on the international level.

“It is very important to have a goal in your life, whatever it is. And once you set your goal, keep working hard for it. Do all what it takes to achieve it. You must be determined, very committed, and disciplined,” he said.