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Meet The Females Playing a Vital Role Behind the Scenes At “Dubai Autodrome’s” Motorsport Events

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As the world prepares to celebrate International Women’s Day, two ladies who have been involved in motorsport events at “Dubai Autodrome” this season have spoken of their passion for the sport and hope other women can follow in their footsteps. “Dubai Autodrome” is a subsidiary of Union Properties.

Dr. Sandra Mrad
Maha Younes

Dr. Sandra Mrad and Maha Younes are among the women who regularly give up their time and energy behind the scenes at Dubai Autodrome to help deliver motorsport events safely, offering swift assistance should any incident arise. Recently, they were part of a team, where a third of the venue’s officials were women during the Asian Le Mans race.

Dr. Sandra, who hails from Lebanon, serves as the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, a role she has held since October 2022 alongside her full-time job as an Emergency Medicine Consultant at American Hospital, Dubai. Her responsibilities at Dubai Autodrome include effective and efficient delivery of high-quality medical and emergency services during motorsport events, and facilitating pre-hospital training before each international event, such as rescue theory, scene management, and emergency care.

Having been involved in elite international and regional events such as the 24 Hours Dubai and Asian Le Mans, she loves being part of a motorsport environment.

She said: “What I enjoy most about my role at Dubai Autodrome is the unique blend of emergency medicine and motorsports. Unlike a traditional hospital setting, working trackside puts me at the heart of the action, where quick thinking, teamwork, and specialised skills are essential to ensuring driver safety. The fast-paced nature of motorsports keeps me constantly engaged, and every event presents new challenges that require adaptability and precision.

“Beyond the medical aspect, I find motorsports fascinating. Being part of a world-class racing venue like Dubai Autodrome gives me the opportunity to witness incredible talent, cutting-edge technology, and the sheer adrenaline that comes with high-speed competition. Knowing that my role plays a crucial part in making these events safer and more efficient is what truly makes my work fulfilling,” she added, who says the Asian Le Mans is one of her favourite races due to the “combination of speed, strategy, and endurance.”

For Maha, who hails from Syria, her work at Dubai Autodrome also sees her on the trackside of Dubai Autodrome’s circuit as a Race Marshall. It is a position she is well familiar with, having been doing the role for six years alongside her full-time job at a private company.

As part of her duties as a Race Marshall, she utilises skills such as teamwork, communication, and reporting, while contributing to maintaining the highest safety standards in races and championships.

She said: “My role is crucial in ensuring race safety and smooth operations. I work closely with teams to maintain race flow and respond quickly to any incidents on track. This job requires precision, teamwork, and fast decision-making to guarantee a safe and fair racing environment. 

“Overall, I truly love this community—it feels like a big, united family, full of skilled and passionate professionals. The atmosphere is friendly, thrilling, and full of energy, with every race bringing new challenges and unforgettable experiences.”

Both Dr. Sandra and Maha believe it is encouraging that more women are getting involved in the motorsport landscape on trackside following the Asian Le Mans and hope more females can follow in their footsteps.

Dr. Sandra said: “My advice is simple: believe in yourself, embrace challenges, and never let stereotypes define your path. The world of motorsports medicine is fast-paced, demanding, and often seen as a male-dominated field, but that should never be a barrier. If you have the passion, the skills, and the determination, there is absolutely a place for you here.

“Seek out mentors who can provide insight, share experiences, and help you navigate your journey. The path may not always be easy, but the reward of doing what you love, making an impact, and breaking barriers is worth every step.”

Maha added: “I encourage all women to join the world of motorsports! It’s an incredible opportunity to be closer to the action, work with amazing teams, and experience professional racing first-hand. Women have a place in every part of this industry, from officiating to technical roles and beyond.”

Automotive

NIO Inc. Provides December, Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Delivery Update: Achieving a New Record-High Monthly and Quarterly Deliveries

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Side view of a dark gray NIO electric SUV parked on a paved driveway in front of a modern house with large glass doors and warm interior lighting.

In December 2025, NIO Inc. delivered 48,135 vehicles globally, marking a new monthly record and representing a year-on-year increase of 54.6%. The NIO brand delivered 31,897 vehicles, achieving a historic high with 54.8% year-on-year growth, and recording five consecutive months of growth. The ONVO brand delivered 9,154 vehicles in December. The firefly brand delivered 7,084 vehicles, reaching a new monthly record, with a month-on-month increase of 16.4%, and attaining five consecutive months of growth.

In the fourth quarter of 2025, NIO Inc. achieved record-high quarterly deliveries of 124,807 vehicles, representing a 71.7% year-over-year increase. Deliveries of the NIO brand reached 67,433 vehicles, marking an all-time high and a 27.8% year-over-year growth. The ONVO brand delivered 38,290 vehicles in the fourth quarter, posting a 92.1% year-over-year increase. Deliveries of the firefly brand totaled 19,084 in the fourth quarter, achieving a record high and representing a 52.8% quarter-over-quarter increase.

In 2025, NIO Inc. delivered a total of 326,028 vehicles, representing a new annual record and a year-on-year increase of 46.9%. Total deliveries of the NIO brand reached 178,806. The ONVO brand delivered 107,808 in 2025, hitting a record high. The firefly brand delivered 39,414 vehicles for the year.

As of today, NIO Inc. has cumulatively delivered 997,592 vehicles. Cumulative deliveries of the NIO, ONVO, and firefly brands reached 829,609, 128,569, and 39,414 vehicles respectively.

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Goodyear continues support for Team De Rooy in the 2025 Dakar Rally

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Goodyear continues its partnership with Team De Rooy for the upcoming Dakar Rally 2025. As the official tire supplier, Goodyear will equip the Dutch team with its high-performance Goodyear OFFROAD tires and advanced Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), helping to ensure reliable performance throughout the rally’s demanding stages. This collaboration highlights Goodyear’s dedication to truck motorsport, combining innovation with proven durability on some of the world’s toughest terrains.

Dakar 2025: new challenges await

The 2025 Dakar Rally, running from January 3 to January 17, will cover nearly 8,000 kilometers, including over 5,000 kilometers of competitive stages, starting in Bisha and finishing in Shubaytah. This edition ramps up the difficulty, featuring an early 48-hour chrono stage that flows into the marathon stage, setting a challenging pace from the outset. In the second week, competitors will tackle the demanding dunes of the Empty Quarter, with over 45% of the course on separate tracks for different vehicle classes, enhancing safety while complicating navigation.

Goodyear OFFROAD tires and TPMS: performance in challenging conditions

Team De Rooy relies on Goodyear OFFROAD tires for their durability and reliable traction across different conditions. Designed to handle heat and challenging surfaces, these tires help reduce heat buildup at high speeds and provide consistent performance on sand, rocks, and steep slopes.

Goodyear’s TPMS offers real-time monitoring of tire pressure and temperature, helping the team make quick adjustments and avoid potential issues. This advanced system helps to minimize downtime and supports better strategic decisions—crucial for maintaining momentum during the rally.

A Legacy of motorsport excellence

Goodyear’s continued support of Team De Rooy highlights its long-standing commitment to truck motorsport. As the title sponsor of the Goodyear FIA European Truck Racing Championship (ETRC), Goodyear uses motorsport as a proving ground for tire technology advancements. The partnership with Team De Rooy reflects this commitment, driving innovation and performance in demanding environments.

Maciej Szymański, Marketing Director Commercial EMEA at Goodyear, commented:

“Our continued collaboration with Team De Rooy for Dakar 2025 underscores our commitment to supporting motorsport teams in extreme conditions. With Goodyear OFFROAD tires and TPMS, we aim to provide the reliability needed to tackle the rally’s challenges. We wish Team De Rooy all the best and look forward to another exciting competition at this iconic rally”.

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Elite Group Holding and Jetour Ignite Liwa Festival 2026 with a Powerful Brand Showcase Across the Desert

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A white Jetour T2 off-road vehicle kicks up a large cloud of sand as it drives across the desert during the day. The vehicle is modified with a black hood decal and a roof rack. The background shows the hazy outlines of desert structures and festival signage under a sunset sky.

Jetour, in exclusive partnership with Elite Group Holding in the UAE, has officially kicked off the Liwa International Festival 2026 with a dynamic brand presence designed to celebrate adventure, culture, and community. As the festival opens its doors for a 23-day celebration in the Al Dhafra region, Jetour stands front and centre, welcoming visitors with interactive displays, premium experiences, and thrilling off-road moments that embody the spirit of Travel+.

Five Jetour T2 SUVs in different colors (grey, black, yellow, blue, and teal) are parked in a row on the sand at the base of a massive dune. The teal and yellow vehicles prominently feature "600 HP" graphics on their side doors. The scene is bathed in the warm, soft light of late afternoon.

Recognised as one of the UAE’s most anticipated annual events, the Liwa International Festival welcomes thousands of visitors for an unforgettable celebration of heritage, motorsport, and entertainment. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Al Dhafra’s golden dunes, the festival features an extraordinary line-up of cultural showcases, high-energy competitions, nightly performances, and family-friendly attractions, all paying homage to the UAE’s deep connection to its desert traditions.

For the 2026 edition, Jetour will elevate the festival experience with a comprehensive presence across multiple zones, showcasing the brand’s innovation, exploration, and community engagement. Attendees can enjoy interactive test drives alongside lifestyle-driven hospitality experiences, with Jetour’s showcase crafted to highlight the versatility, capability, and premium comfort of its SUV line-up.

A wide night shot at the Liwa Festival featuring two men in traditional white Emirati kanduras watching a fireworks display. To the right, a black Jetour T2 i-DM is parked next to a large illuminated digital screen displaying technical specifications. The desert ground is sandy, and strings of warm decorative lights are visible in the background.

At the heart of the activation was the Jetour VIP Camp. During the first week, from December 12th to 14th, guests experienced a range of immersive cultural activities, including Arabic Tanoora performances, oud sessions, falconry, henna artistry, and traditional Dalla service. Additional weekends bring a world-music DJ fusion with international drummers and performers from December 19th to 21st, followed by an Eastern-inspired programme from December 26th to 28th featuring a Dragon show, Chinese calligraphy, Bian Lian performances, tea tasting, and more. Throughout the entire festival, the VIP Camp will boast a Majlis, outdoor cinema, refreshments, giant board games, neon installations, volleyball, and a photobooth, creating an elevated retreat for families and adventure-seekers.

A daytime view of a desert exhibition featuring massive, standalone yellow and white letters spelling out "JETOUR" against a backdrop of a towering orange sand dune. Several Jetour SUVs in various colors—white, black, and silver—are parked in front of and between the letters. The sky is bright blue with scattered white clouds.

In the Corporate Area, Jetour presents a fully branded showroom-style display active from December 12th to January 3rd, featuring flagship SUVs including the G700, T2 i-DM 4WD, T2 Luxury Plus, T1, and Dashing. As the festival reaches its peak, Jetour will also command attention at Tal Moreeb from December 31st to January 3rd, where the imposing G700 takes centre stage beside the grandstand culminating with a spectacular New Year’s Eve show and fireworks.

“Our participation at this year’s Liwa Festival reflects Jetour’s passion for connecting with communities through truly immersive experiences,” said Haroon Hayat, Group CFO of Elite Group Holding. “Moments like this remind us that personal achievements are only possible when backed by the dedication of an exceptional team. We are proud to bring Jetour’s adventurous DNA to one of the UAE’s most celebrated cultural gatherings.”

A large yellow spherical monument with the "JETOUR - Drive Your Future" logo sits atop a tall metal structure in the desert. Below it, a white walkway leads toward a small building. Several black and grey Jetour T2 i-DM SUVs are parked on the surrounding sand, with a massive sand dune and white festival tents in the background.

Jetour, under the exclusive distributorship of Elite Group Holding, continues to redefine the UAE’s SUV landscape with its Travel+ philosophy, delivering innovation, intelligent design, and powerful performance tailored for modern lifestyles. With a growing presence across the Emirates, Jetour’s premium SUV line-up is crafted for drivers who value capability, comfort, and discovery across both city roads and rugged terrain.

As Liwa International Festival 2026 begins its annual celebration of heritage and adventure, Jetour is ready to take attendees on a journey of excitement and discovery that captures the true essence of Travel+.

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