Dear MENA Presidents, dear Colleagues, dear Friends,

I am delighted for the opportunity to introduce the launch of this newsletter for our Clubs across the MENA Mobility Council sub-region of Region I. More than a source of information, I hope it becomes a platform to inspire, connect and strengthen our network through the sharing of ideas, experiences and opportunities.

Mobility is evolving rapidly, and Clubs cannot rely on traditional services such as issuing IDPs and CPDs alone to remain relevant and economically sustainable. At the same time, today’s challenge brings significant opportunities to innovate, diversify and develop. I was extremely satisfied to see the amount of projects from MENA Mobility Council Clubs in the FIA Innovation Challenge this year. I am eager to see further mobility initiatives and innovation flourish in MENA.

Through the Safe Mobiltiy for All and for Life programme we have secured significant funds for capacity building and the deployment of mobility programmes in MENA – I wholeheartedly encourage you to embark in this programme. More than a mere funding opportunity, this programme, rolled out with the United Nations, will allow you to further build and solidify your institutional reputation and build relationships with authorities in your countries and region. Together, let us grow the MENA Mobility Council into a reputable partner for institutions such as the Arab League.

Furthermore, we have recently launched the Peer-to-Peer programme. Through it, we look forward to funding deployment of successful initiatives from clubs into new markets by providing the seed resources required. Already several clubs are benefitting from the programme in the Region, and I encourage you to do so.

Finally, the Regional Team is working on deployment toolkits to further regulatory engagement. This is a unique opportunity – symbiotic to the 4All programme – to strengthen your reputation and defend the interests of motorists across MENA. I encourage you to engage with the Brussels office to learn more about this exciting initiative to speak with one voice across the Region.

Thanks to the long-term health and strength of our Federation, you have the opportunity to leverage the FIA’s brand and credibility, expand your role, and create greater value for your communities and for the Federation as a whole. The FIA will continue to launch initiatives that you can benefit from, but at the same time I want to stress that there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. Every region and every Club faces different realities. We are here to support and accompany you, but it will be essential for MENA, and for each Club to identify the needs, opportunities and solutions that are most relevant to your market.

I hope this newsletter will support you in shaping the future of mobility in your uniquely rich part of the world: one of the very few to combine deep history with such dynamic future opportunity!

Maʿa khāliṣ at-taqdīr,

Jorge F. Delgado

FIA Region I President