BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)

Behind the roar of race cars tearing through Yas Marina Circuit, hundreds of unseen heroes stand ready — calm, focused, alert. At the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025, it is not only the drivers who define the race, but also the marshals who line the track, ensuring safety, precision, and order in one of the world’s most high-pressure sporting environments.

According to the Emirates Motorsports Organisation (EMSO), this year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (ADGP) brings together 750 marshals, 22% of which are Emiratis, highlighting the growing local engagement in the field. It added that 33% of the marshals are women, reflecting a shift toward inclusivity in one of motorsport’s most technical and demanding roles.

The UAE’s motorsport community has grown remarkably in recent years, and the ADGP marshals are a proud reflection of that progress. Retention rates remain strong, with 75–85% returning each year, and the overall pool of marshals continues to grow by around 10% annually, EMSO said in a statement to Aletihad.

Most marshals have between 3 to 5 years of experience and undergo 50 to 75 hours of training per season, according to the organisation.
They hold different roles on and off the track, but most importantly, they are the first to respond when the unexpected happens, waving flags that communicate life-or-death messages to the world’s fastest drivers.

In 2009, during the debut of ADGP, more than 700 marshals were needed, compared to 150 for a major rally. At the time, 350 volunteers from the UK helped. From that point, recruitment and training efforts built a UAE-based team, many of them Emiratis, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).

“This was vital to allow the Grand Prix to become self-sufficient and achieve sustainability, a factor which is so important on a global basis, and central to the FIA’s strategy for motorsport growth and development,” Ben Sulayem said.

Proud, Passionate Marshals 

ADGP volunteer Maha Faez Younes has been a flag official for five years now and for her, it has been a journey of growth and pride.
“I always watched races on TV during university, and when the chance came to participate, I did not hesitate. Over time, I discovered the enormous effort, organisation, and intensive months of training behind the scenes to ensure safety and smooth operation. I was especially drawn to the teamwork and collaboration,” she told Aletihad.

The rigorous preparation stretched for months and covered both theoretical and practical lessons. They had to master rapid intervention, fire handling, rescue, communication, and sending high-speed messages to drivers with critical information to ensure their safety, Younes said.
“All of this prepares us to meet the highest safety and organisational standards. I am proud to take part in this, and I am fully ready and excited for the race weekend,” she said.

Younes felt proud to represent the UAE in such a significant global event. To the youth who are dreaming of being part of the action, she said:  “Volunteering in motorsports gives you the chance to be part of something big, learn, develop yourself, and serve your country. I hope to see more Emiratis join this field.”

That sense of pride echoes across the marshal community. Mohamed Malek Al Hammadi, a sector chief, shares the same passion, one that combines a love for motorsport with national pride.

“I volunteered as a marshal because I am passionate about motorsports and proud to represent my country. Being part of such a major global event in Abu Dhabi feels exciting and rewarding, and I am happy and proud to help make it run safely and smoothly,” Al Hammadi told Aletihad.

Preparation, he explained, is intensive and ongoing, “our training covers race procedures, safety protocols, flag signals, and emergency response. We also do practical exercises like fire safety and vehicle recovery to make sure we are ready for anything during the race weekend.”
When the lights go out and the race begins, marshals like Al Hammadi stand as the silent guardians of the track.

“My key responsibilities include monitoring the track, giving correct flag signals, and responding quickly to any incidents. I stay focused by staying alert, following procedures, and communicating clearly with my team,” he explained.

Every flag waved, every safety car deployed, every rescue completed is a reflection of countless hours of unseen dedication. The marshals of the ADGP stand not just as volunteers, but as a symbol of precision, teamwork, and the UAE’s growing prominence in global motorsports.