Celebrating this year’s International Women’s Day, we are featuring two remarkable women involved in Dubai Autodrome’s motorsport events sharing their passion for the sport and inspiring others to follow their lead.
Dr. Sandra Mrad and Maha Younes are among the dedicated women who volunteer their time and expertise behind the scenes at Dubai Autodrome, a subsidiary of Union Properties, helping to ensure events run safely and providing swift assistance during incidents.
Their contributions were particularly notable during the recent Asian Le Mans race, where women made up one-third of the venue’s officials.
Dr. Mrad, originally from Lebanon, has served as Deputy Chief Medical Officer since October 2022, balancing this role with her full-time position as an Emergency Medicine Consultant at American Hospital, Dubai. Her responsibilities include overseeing high-quality medical and emergency services during motorsport events and conducting pre-hospital training before international competitions.
“What I enjoy most about my role at Dubai Autodrome is the unique blend of emergency medicine and motorsports,” Dr. Mrad said. “Unlike a traditional hospital setting, working trackside puts me at the heart of the action, where quick thinking, teamwork, and specialized skills are essential to ensuring driver safety.”
Having participated in elite events like the 24 Hours Dubai and Asian Le Mans, Dr. Mrad appreciates the community aspect of motorsport. “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 women see encouraging signs in the increasing female presence trackside and hope to inspire more women to enter the field.
“Believe in yourself, embrace challenges, and never let stereotypes define your path,” advised Dr. Mrad. “The world of motorsports medicine is fast-paced, demanding, and often seen as male-dominated, 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.”
Younes echoed this sentiment: “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.”
As motorsport continues to evolve globally, these women exemplify how passion and expertise transcend traditional gender boundaries, creating more inclusive and diverse racing environments.
