Muscat – The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has named Omani motorsport professional Sanad Al Rawahi as the first recipient of its newly launched scholarship for the Master’s in International Sports Management programme.

Delivered in partnership with the European Sport Business School (ESBS) in Spain, the scholarship is designed to equip aspiring motorsport professionals with the skills, knowledge and industry connections needed to pursue careers in the global sports sector.

Offered through the FIA University Scholarship Programme, the initiative aims to create new pathways into motorsport for talented individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Al Rawahi, Motorsport Manager at the Oman Automobile Association, brings more than a decade of experience in race facility management, driver coaching and the organisation of national and international motorsport events.

Having started his career as a marshal and racing coach, he has played a key role in advancing motorsport development in Oman. He is also a graduate of the FIA Immersion Programme in 2024 and the FIA Advanced Leadership Programme in 2025.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of FIA, said the scholarship reflects the organisation’s commitment to developing future leaders in motorsport. “This new scholarship opens doors to management careers in motorsport, ensuring that future leaders are defined by their potential and ambition,” he said.

“As part of our FIA University Scholarship Programme, this addition reflects our commitment to supporting the next generation by expanding opportunities around the world. Congratulations to Al Rawahi as the first scholar to begin this exciting journey. I wish him all the success.”

Expressing his appreciation, Al Rawahi said the award marks an important milestone in his professional journey. “Winning the FIA Scholarship is a real honour and a milestone in my motorsport journey. It gives me the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the industry, and I hope to bring that knowledge back to Oman to help develop local talent and contribute to the growth of motorsport across the region,” he said.

The Master’s in International Sports Management programme prepares students for leadership positions across the sports industry through a practical and industry-focused curriculum.

The programme is regarded as one of Europe’s leading sports management degrees and has been ranked the top programme of its kind in Spain since 2017. The FIA scholarship covers full tuition fees and includes support for travel and living expenses during studies in Spain.