MEET THE FEMALES PLAYING A VITAL ROLE BEHIND THE SCENES AT “DUBAI AUTODROME’S” MOTORSPORT EVENTS
- To mark the occasion of International Women’s Day, Dr. Sandra Mrad and Maha Younes open up on their involvement in being part of a motorsport environment, their passion and what they enjoy about their Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Race Marshall positions.
- The pair were part of a team where a third of the venue’s officials were women during the Asian Le Mans.
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.”
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AUTODROMES
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