Emirati powerboat racer Alia Abdulsalam Fairooz has made waves in international marine sport after reaching 129 km/h during a Formula 4 speed attempt in Norway, surpassing the previous world benchmark.
Abdulsalam achieved the speed on Lake Songe, moving ahead of the previous record of 128.7 km/h set by British racer John Brewer over a one-kilometre distance.
The result puts the Emirati racer in line for a new world record and adds to what has already been a busy international season for her. The record is expected to go through the formal certification process in connection with an international competition in the UK in November.
Three weeks of preparation in Norway
The 129 km/h run followed three weeks of technical trials and preparation in Norway.
Reaching that speed required more than simply pushing the boat harder. Formula 4 powerboat racing demands precise control, quick reactions and an understanding of how the boat responds to changing water conditions.
During her time in Norway, Abdulsalam worked on her performance and gradually increased her speed before eventually passing the previous benchmark.
The margin between the two figures is narrow, just 0.3 km/h, but small differences matter in speed-record attempts. Her run was enough to move beyond Brewer’s previous mark and put her on course for official recognition.
For now, however, the certification process remains an important final step.
An international season
The Norway attempt forms part of Abdulsalam’s wider racing programme in Europe, where she has been gaining experience against international competitors.
Earlier in the season, she underwent high-performance training in Songe as she prepared for Formula 4 competition. Her programme focused on areas including boat handling, reaction time, cornering and physical conditioning.
She also competed in the Formula 4 Powerboat World Championship round in Viverone, Italy, finishing 13th overall. During the event, she recorded the third-fastest time of the round at one minute and three seconds.
Her European schedule has also included the Norwegian Grand Prix in Drammen, giving her further experience in different racing environments.
Each event has provided another opportunity to understand the demands of international competition and develop the technical skills required at this level of the sport.
A growing Emirati presence in powerboat racing
Abdulsalam’s progress has also drawn attention because of her role as an Emirati woman competing in a sport traditionally dominated by men.
She became the first Emirati woman to compete in the Formula 4 Powerboat World Championship, opening another door for female participation in UAE motorsport.
Her latest achievement comes as the UAE marks Emirati Women’s Day on August 28, giving the result added significance.
Abdulsalam dedicated the achievement to Emirati women, pointing to determination, ambition and hard work as important parts of pursuing success at an international level.
Her progress comes at a time when Emirati women are becoming increasingly visible across a wide range of competitive sports, both at home and overseas.
Racing runs in the family
Abdulsalam’s connection with powerboat racing began long before she started competing internationally.
Her father, Abdulsalam Fairooz, has been involved in marine motorsport, giving her an early introduction to the world of boats and racing.
That early exposure eventually developed into a competitive career of her own.
Formula 4 powerboat racing presents a very different challenge from simply driving a fast boat. Racers have to respond quickly to changing conditions while maintaining control at high speeds. Physical fitness, concentration and technical knowledge all play a role.
International competition has given Abdulsalam the opportunity to develop those skills while testing herself against experienced racers.
World record awaits official certification
The UAE has a long history in international powerboat racing, and Abdulsalam is now becoming part of a new generation representing the country on the water.
Her 129 km/h run in Norway is the latest step in that journey, but there is still an important stage ahead.
Attention will now turn to the formal certification process expected in November. Once completed, the result could officially place Abdulsalam’s name alongside a new Formula 4 powerboat world speed record.
For the Emirati racer, the achievement also provides momentum as she continues building her international career.
Breaking through the 129 km/h mark has shown what she can do. The next challenge will be seeing how far she can take it.