Automobile and Touring Club of the United Arab Emirates

What Automobile and Touring Club of the United Arab Emirates does

Automobile and Touring Club of the United Arab Emirates (ATCUAE), founded in 1965 and headquartered in Dubai, is the UAE's national automobile association and the sole National Sporting Authority recognized by both the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) and the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme). The organization operates three integrated business lines: (1) mobility documentation services, issuing International Driving Licenses (IDLs) to UAE residents, Carnet de Passage (CPD) for temporary vehicle imports, and TIR Carnets under IRU authorization that guarantee customs duties and taxes up to USD 50,000 per transport across 68 connected countries; (2) motorsport governance and event organization, sanctioning more than 140 events annually and operating flagship properties such as the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, Dubai International Baja, Emirates Desert Championship, and marshal recruitment for the F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix; and (3) motorsport training through the Motorsport Knowledge Institute (MKI), the world's first motorsport e-Learning platform delivering courses in 7 languages across 20+ countries.

ATCUAE's technology stack centers on three digital platforms: an e-Services portal for online IDL registration with PCI-DSS payment processing, the E-Permit digital system (developed with ActionPoint in 2019) for automating motorsport event permits, and the MKI e-Learning platform for training volunteer officials. The organization maintains a physical footprint across five UAE locations (Dubai headquarters, Abu Dhabi Yas Marina Circuit, Sharjah, Al Ain, and Madinat Zayed) plus a Vehicle Technical Inspection Center in Al Quoz.

Revenue is generated through one-time licensing fees on IDL, TIR, and CPD issuance (with 5% VAT on IDLs), professional services fees for event sanctioning and vehicle inspection, sponsorship from government patrons and corporate sponsors (including Nissan/AW Rostamani, ADNOC, and Rotana), and recurring training subscriptions via MKI. Customer segments span individual UAE consumers, international transport operators, motorsport event organizers, and government entities. Mohammed Ben Sulayem serves as President and concurrently as FIA Vice President Sport.

Name

Automobile and Touring Club of the United Arab Emirates

Legal name

Automobile and Touring Club of the United Arab Emirates

Website

https://atcuae.ae

Company type

Private

Founded year

1965

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

ATCUAE is the UAE's national automobile association and sole FIA/FIM sporting authority, issuing International Driving Licenses, TIR Carnets, and Carnet de Passage documents while sanctioning 140+ motorsport events annually and operating the global Motorsport Knowledge Institute e-Learning platform.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Automobile Association Services

SIC

Services-Racing, Including Track Operation (7948)

akta.pro primary industry

Motorsport Sanctioning Bodies (FIA/FIM/IMSA, etc.) (MPAKAFAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Motorsports Sanctioning Bodies & Governing Organizations (MPAKAGAD), In-Transit & Special Regimes Processing (Transit, TIR/ATA Carnet, Temporary Import/Export) (TLACAFAJ)

Keywords

• International driving license
• Carnet de passage
• TIR carnets
• Motorsport sanctioning
• Vehicle technical inspection

Headquarters

HQ city

Dubai

HQ country

United Arab Emirates

HQ region

Middle East

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. International Driving License (IDL) Issuance: ATCUAE issues International Driving Licenses to UAE residents for driving abroad. The service is sold directly via the e-Services portal. A 5% VAT is added to the IDL fee (effective January 1, 2018), and a shipping fee of 15.75 AED applies for postal delivery (effective January 1, 2023). Delivery takes 3-5 working days.
2. TIR Carnet Issuance: ATCUAE issues and guarantees TIR Carnets to transport operators as the authorized UAE association. The TIR system connects 68 countries and allows goods to transit with minimal customs interference. Revenue derives from issuance fees which vary by country. ATCUAE organizes workshops and training to build local TIR capacity.
3. Carnet de Passage (CPD) Issuance: ATCUAE provides Carnet de Passage for temporary vehicle imports without customs duties. Administered under the AIT/FIA framework, the CPD enables vehicle travel across borders with customs facilitation.
4. Motorsport Event Sanctioning and Licensing: ATCUAE issues competition licenses and event permits for motorsport activities in the UAE. As the national sporting authority for FIA and FIM, it sanctions over 140 motorsport events annually. The E-Permit system digitizes the permitting process.
5. Motorsport E-Academy Training: The Motorsport Knowledge Institute (MKI) provides online training for motorsport officials globally. Initial courses include Psychological First Aid, Media Crisis Communication, and Managing Medical Teams. ATCUAE has delivered 29 training programs to over 2,500 officials across 20+ countries in 7 languages since 2012.
6. Vehicle Technical Inspection Services: ATCUAE operates a Vehicle Technical Inspection Center in Al Quoz Industrial Area 3, Dubai, providing vehicle inspection and certification services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

ATCUAE issues internationally recognized International Driving Licenses (IDLs), Carnet de Passage (CPD) for temporary vehicle imports, and TIR Carnets for cross-border road transport of goods. It also serves as the National Sporting Authority (ASN) for both FIA and FIM in the UAE, sanctioning more than 140 motorsport events annually and organizing flagship rallies such as the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge and Dubai International Baja.

Product overview

The Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE) operates as a multi-service national organization offering both document/certification products and motorsport event management services. Its core licensing products include the International Driving License (IDL), Carnet de Passage (CPD), and TIR Carnet — all accessible through both physical offices and an e-Services portal — supported by a digital E-Permit platform for motorsport event organizers. On the motorsport side, ATCUAE organizes and sanctions major international events (Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, Dubai International Baja, F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix) and national championships (Emirates Desert Championship), manages the UAE Motorsport Marshals' Club volunteer network, and delivers the world's first motorsport e-Learning platform (ATCUAE e-Academy / MKI) for training officials globally.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• International Driving License (IDL) An internationally recognized driving permit issued by ATCUAE allowing UAE residents to drive in foreign countries. The license covers multiple vehicle types including motorcycles, light cars, and goods vehicles, is delivered within 3-5 working days, and is available via the e-Services portal or pickup at ATCUAE offices.
• Carnet de Passage (CPD) A customs transit document administered by AIT/FIA that enables temporary import of vehicles abroad without paying customs duties and taxes, provided by ATCUAE in the UAE and covering vehicles traveling internationally under customs seal.
• TIR Carnet An international road transport document issued by ATCUAE under IRU authorization, enabling goods to cross national borders with minimal customs interference. TIR Carnets are valid for up to 60 days from issuance and guarantee customs duties and taxes up to USD 50,000/EUR 60,000 per transport, connecting 68 countries globally.
• E-Permit Digital System A FIA-endorsed digital platform that automates the motorsports event permit application and approval process in the UAE, supporting online document submission, secure PCI-DSS compliant payment, and planned regional rollout across the Middle East and North Africa.
• Motorsport e-Learning Platform (ATCUAE E-Academy / MKI) The world's first motorsport e-Learning platform providing FIA-standard online training for motorsport officials worldwide. Courses include Psychological First Aid, Media Crisis Communication, and Managing Medical Teams, with video lectures, quizzes, and certificates of completion, targeting over one million volunteer officials globally.
• Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge One of the world's most prestigious international cross country rallies, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The event serves as a round of both the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies and the FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship, featuring cars, buggies, motorcycles, and quad bikes across five days of desert stages.
• Dubai International Baja A world-level cross country rally for cars and motorcycles organized by ATCUAE under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The event serves as a round of both the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Bajas and the FIM Baja World Cup, based at Dubai Autodrome with a 407km special stage through the Al Qudra desert.
• Emirates Desert Championship The UAE's national baja rally championship organized by EMSF with ATCUAE support, featuring cars, buggies, motorcycles, and quad bikes across multiple rounds annually, culminating in a final event in the Lisaili region of Dubai.
• F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Sporting Authority Services) ATCUAE serves as the National Sporting Authority for the Formula 1 Grand Prix held at Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island, recruiting and training hundreds of marshals and volunteers, ensuring FIA compliance, and managing event permits for an event hosting over 50,000 spectators.
• UAE Motorsport Marshals' Club (UAEMMC) A volunteer organization founded by ATCUAE in 2009 to manage and promote a national framework of motorsport officials, supporting the safe and professional running of motorsport events in the UAE. The club has over 1,000 members from 64 different nationalities, all trained and recognized.
• Vehicle Technical Inspection Services Vehicle inspection and certification services operated by ATCUAE at its Vehicle Technical Inspection Center in Al Quoz Industrial Area 3, Dubai, supporting compliance and roadworthiness verification for UAE motorists.
• International Travel Insurance (Add-on) Optional international travel insurance offered as an add-on during the International Driving License application process for UAE residents driving abroad.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 140 motorsport events sanctioned annually in the UAE
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management (ADMM)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 March 2016ATCUAE and Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management (ADMM) signed a three-year agreement to promote and develop the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. ADMM, operator of Yas Marina Circuit, provides resources and expertise to the event. The partnership leverages ADMM's world-class facilities as rally HQ and Media Centre. This builds on the working relationship since 2009 when ATCUAE first took on the role as sporting organiser of the F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
• IRU (International Road Transport Union)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerATCUAE collaborates with IRU (International Road Transport Union) to implement and manage the TIR system in the UAE. As the authorized issuing association, ATCUAE issues TIR Carnets under IRU's global framework. IRU provides the guarantee chain and electronic monitoring systems (SafeTIR) for TIR operations connecting 68 countries. ATCUAE and IRU jointly organize TIR implementation workshops with FCA for UAE stakeholders.
• Federal Customs Authority (FCA) - UAEcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerATCUAE works with the Federal Customs Authority (FCA) to implement the TIR system in the UAE under Federal Law No. 9 of 2011. Both organizations co-organized a two-day TIR implementation workshop in Dubai attended by all UAE local customs departments (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, RAK, Ajman, Fujairah, Um Al Quwain), Dubai Police, Abu Dhabi Police, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Economy, and Federal Transport Authority. FCA and ATCUAE jointly build local TIR capacity.
• EMSO (Emirates Motorsport Organization)flagshipOthersEMSO (formerly ATCUAE) is the related organization headed by Mohammed Ben Sulayem that operates motorsport activities. ATCUAE supports EMSF in organizing events including the Emirates Desert Championship. EMSO and MKI have cooperated with several Latin-American countries delivering FIA standard training for officials. EMSO led delegations at the XXI FIA American Congress in Ecuador.
• Government of DubaicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Government of Dubai supports the Dubai International Baja, providing strategic backing alongside Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, General Authority of Sports, Dubai Customs, Al Ain Water, Emarat petrol, and Dubai Autodrome.
• Yas Marina CircuitcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerATCUAE partners with Yas Marina Circuit for motorsport events including the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. The circuit serves as rally HQ and Media Centre. ATCUAE is responsible for recruiting and training hundreds of Marshals and Volunteers for the F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit.
• Dubai AutodromecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDubai Autodrome is the official home of the Dubai International Baja. Plans are underway for phase two of the Dubai Autodrome Business Park (3,150 sqm) scheduled for completion in November 2019, with a third phase in planning. The venue is developing into the hub of regional motorsport business.
• Nissan and AW RostamaniflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerNissan and AW Rostamani are the title sponsors of the Dubai International Baja. The event is branded as 'Dubai International Baja powered by Nissan and AW Rostamani', highlighting the new direction of rallying in the UAE.
• H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan (Ruler's Representative in Al Garbia)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Ruler's Court and Western Region Municipality provide logistical support for the rally across the desert terrain. Strategic partners also include Abu Dhabi Municipality, UAE Army, Abu Dhabi Police, ADNOC, Abu Dhabi Aviation, Al Ain Water, Abu Dhabi Waste Management, Rotana and Centro Hotels, and Qasr Al Sarab Resort.
• H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Crown Prince of Dubai)flagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Dubai International Baja is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. His support has been instrumental in developing the Baja format for rallying in the UAE.
• FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerATCUAE holds exclusive recognition as the sole representative of FIA in the UAE. FIA President Jean Todt has endorsed ATCUAE's E-Academy project. The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is a round of the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies. ATCUAE President Mohammed Ben Sulayem serves as FIA Vice President Sport.
• FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerATCUAE is the sole representative of FIM in the UAE. The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is a round of the FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship. MKI's training curriculum services members of both FIA and FIM. FIM became a full member of the International Olympic Committee in 2000.
• UAE National Olympic CommitteecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerATCUAE was granted NOC accreditation as an affiliated member by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The accreditation was supported by FIA and FIM, both IOC-recognized bodies.
• Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerATCUAE supported the Future Mobility Conference organized by ESMA in association with Messe Frankfurt Middle East in Dubai — the first such conference in the Middle East. The conference addressed electric and hybrid vehicles, regulations, infrastructure, and market potential.
• Russian Automobile Federation (RAF)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerATCUAE has a long relationship with the Russian Automobile Federation (RAF), having signed an MOU in Moscow in 2012 to train and prepare senior motorsport officials during the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix ahead of the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi. Emirati and UAE-based marshals have assisted at the Russian events.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club): Germany's largest automobile club and FIA member, providing IDLs, motorsport governance, roadside assistance, and travel services. ADAC represents a benchmark for what a national auto club can scale into, far beyond ATCUAE's current scope.
• American Automobile Association (AAA): The largest U.S. national automobile club, providing IDL/PIDL issuance, motorsport sanctioning, and member services. AAA is a relevant peer for the IDL and membership-services components of ATCUAE's business.
• Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA): The global governing body for motorsport and automobile mobility of which ATCUAE is the UAE national representative. FIA sets the regulatory framework, licensing standards, and event calendars that ATCUAE operationalizes at the national level.
• Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM): The global governing body for motorcycle sport. ATCUAE is the sole FIM national federation for the UAE, sanctioning motorcycle rallies including rounds of the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship.
• All Japan Automobile Federation (JAF): Japan's national automobile club and FIA member, offering IDL issuance, motorsport sanctioning, and roadside services. JAF is a comparable national umbrella organization with a broader service portfolio than ATCUAE.

Direct peers

• Motorsport UK: The UK's FIA/FIM National Sporting Authority. Motorsport UK is a comparable national ASN providing licensing, event permitting, marshal training, and member services — the closest functional analog to ATCUAE in a larger market.
• Emirates Motorsports Organization (EMSO): The motorsport-operating successor organization to ATCUAE led by the same President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem. EMSO organizes the Emirates Desert Championship and coordinates Latin-American motorsport training, with substantial operational overlap and shared leadership.
• International Road Transport Union (IRU): The global organization that administers the TIR system connecting 68 countries. ATCUAE operates as the UAE's authorized TIR issuing association under IRU's framework, making IRU the most direct institutional peer in the road-transport documentation domain.
• Alliance Internationale de Tourisme (AIT): The international federation of automobile clubs that administers the Carnet de Passage (CPD) and International Driving Permit framework. ATCUAE issues CPDs and IDLs under AIT/FIA authority, making AIT a direct institutional peer.

Emerging players

• Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management (ADMM): The operator of Yas Marina Circuit and a strategic co-development partner of ATCUAE on the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. ADMM provides venue, resources, and infrastructure that complement ATCUAE's sanctioning and licensing role.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/automobile-and-touring-club-of-the-united-arab-emirates

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Automobile and Touring Club of the United Arab Emirates