FIA’s Commitment to Road Safety and Modern Transport in the MENA Region
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is intensifying its initiatives aimed at enhancing road safety and modernizing transportation services throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This message was emphasized during a recent workshop held in Muscat, Oman, which focused on advancing these crucial issues.
Workshop Overview and Collaboration
The FIA, recognized as the global governing body for motorsport and a federation for mobility organizations around the world, organized the workshop in partnership with the FIA MENA Mobility Council and the Oman Automobile Association (OAA). This gathering brought together various automobile clubs from different countries in the region, fostering a collaborative environment to address transportation challenges and opportunities.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who has a deep connection to Oman due to its significant role in his rally career, participated in the discussions. He also engaged in a meeting with H.E. Saeed bin Hamoud al Maawali, Oman’s Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology. Their conversation revolved around potential collaborations aimed at strengthening Oman’s position in smart and sustainable mobility.
Enhancing Transportation Infrastructure
The discussions included key themes such as developing advanced transportation infrastructure and implementing digital licensing systems. Both leaders recognized the importance of promoting innovative road safety measures across the MENA region. With a focused approach on these developments, Oman aims to lead the way in efficient and secure transportation solutions.
The workshop served as a platform for sharing insights and innovations geared toward updating essential international mobility services. Significant documentation, such as the International Driving Permit (IDP) and Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD), were also reviewed during these discussions, marking their relevance in enhancing travel efficiency in the region.
Introduction of New FIA Mobility Services
A highlight of the event was the unveiling of several new FIA mobility services designed to enhance road safety and accessibility. Among these were the FIA Road Safety Index, the FIA Driver Safety Index, and the Safe Mobility 4 All & 4 Life program. Each initiative aims to improve safety standards by leveraging data-driven insights and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders.
Ben Sulayem remarked, “The MENA region is witnessing some of the fastest-growing mobility ecosystems globally. This workshop is centered around harnessing innovation and shared expertise to improve mobility accessibility and safety for everyone.”
The FIA Driver Safety Index
Introduced recently at the FIA Asia Pacific Congress in Thailand, the FIA Driver Safety Index (DSI) stands out as a subscription-based Software as a Service (SaaS) solution. This tool enables both public and private organizations to assess and compare driver risk comprehensively. As global road safety statistics reveal that approximately 1.19 million lives are lost annually in traffic accidents, addressing these challenges is pivotal to the FIA’s mission.
Safe Mobility Initiatives
The Safe Mobility 4 All & 4 Life program represents an FIA University initiative that brings together FIA Member Clubs and governmental entities to build capacity, generate knowledge, and develop practical road safety projects. This collaborative effort equips local authorities and clubs in 13 countries across North, South, and Central America with the necessary tools to establish national road safety programs. These initiatives have focused on enhancing safety standards, improving young driver training, and utilizing technology to increase the safety of high-risk vehicles.
By fostering such partnerships, the FIA aims to integrate successful strategies from around the world into the MENA region, driving a substantial change in road safety practices. As these initiatives take root, they will pave the way for a future where mobility is not only efficient but also safe and accessible for all users.
