The 5.39km Dubai Autodrome circuit is one of the most modern in the world; it is also one of the most challenging, as it has a combination of high-speed straights and technical corners. The venue is part of the Union Properties Motorcity development in the greater Dubailand area. The circuit, which contains six different configurations, is designed to allow three racing circuits to operate simultaneously, safely and independently from each other. The result presents circuit users with unparalleled options.
The circuit was designed to meet the strictest safety requirements and is the first FIA-sanctioned circuit to incorporate wide asphalt run-off areas. The digital surveillance system provides complete coverage of all areas of the track and is linked to the Race/Safety control room for monitoring and saving on hard disk recorders. This means that every incident along the track during a race or event can be viewed by the clerk of the course.
Most facilities are housed in a two-storey ultra modern complex facing the grandstand. These facilities include Pit Complex, Race/Safety Control Room, Timekeeping Room, Media Centre, VIP Suite and Stewards Room. A world-class Medical Centre is situated behind the Pit area for track emergencies during major events.
At the rear of the Pits is a traditional racing paddock for team staff and hospitality. The Dubai Autodrome offers a one-of-a-kind facility for VIPs to enjoy motor racing in a quality setting. The VIP Suites offer a spectacular view of the thrilling action with cars passing only meters away.
Race control officials monitor each session through the CCTV system, which covers the entire circuit. Despite no official timing safety on track is run to strict international standards with marshal posts manned while safety trucks, ambulance and paramedic services are available throughout the event.
Another important aspect of the DAMC is the comprehensive training on offer for volunteer motorsport marshals who provide a vital service on any given race day. Dubai Autodrome offers a platform for those wishing to become involved in motorsport – but not as a competitor.
The Race & Drive Centre which is the first of its kind in the Middle East. The expereinecs available caters for the novice and experienced driver – a perfect place to hone skills and develop better driving abilities.
The track experiences combine classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction and are designed to give in-depth exposure to the latest in safety and race driving techniques. Hence the slogan: Experience it! The fleet includes: a variety of perfomance prepared Audis, slicks and wings single seater and the awesome Subaru STI Impreza all available for anyone to sample.
Keeping the venue operational almost 24/7 is the very popular Kartdrome which offers Arrive & Drive session, on both indoor and outdoor tracks, with state-of-the-art leaisure karts.
In recent years Dubai Autodrome has deliberately positioned itself as the home of UAE national motorsport. The goal to develop and promote UAE motor racing at national level. Through the DAMC the venue hosts races for: UAE Touring Car Championship, UAE GT Championship and the UAE Sportbikes Championship. Other race series that visit the circuit include: Trofeu Maserati, Radical Cup, Porsche Cup Middle East, Suzuki Swift Cup and Formula Gulf 1000.
The highlight of the local motorsport calendar has been the Dubai Motorsport Festival, at the circuit which takes, on a distinctly local flavour with the catch phrase being: a celebration of UAE motorsport.
Dubai Autodrome started to hold international motorsport events in 2004. Since then a number of illustrious events have taken place at the venue including rounds of the: FIA GT World Championship, FIA World Touring Car Championship, A1GP, World Series by Renault, Dunlop 24 Hours Endurance Series, Speedcar Series and GP2 Asia Series.
Some of the world’s most famous drivers have driven competitively or visited the circuit including the likes of Michael Schumacher, Jacques Villeneuve, Kimi Raikkonen, Johnny Herbert, Jean Alesi to name just a few.
The Dunlop 24 Hour of Dubai endurance race has become a mainstay of the international motorsport calendar and is the first major road racing event on the global calendar of any given year. Hosted at Dubai Autodrome the round attracts a huge entry of teams and drivers from all corners of the world including a number of teams and drivers from the UAE.
At the Kartdrome the international standard track across the boulevard from the Dubai Autodrome main straight. The venue hosts Championship level karting organised by the Dubai Autodrome Motorsport Club (DAMC) featuring Cadet, Rotax Max Junior and Rotax Max Senior categories.
On DAMC race days the venue also hosts the SWS Sprint Series, and three times a year holds the internationally acclaimed 24 Hours Endurance Challenge.
On an international level the Kartdrome has hosted rounds of the Biland World Finals and is part of the Middle East Karting Championship calendar which has attracted some of the top drivers in the world and from the region to compete at the venue.