Completed in 2004, the Dubai Autodrome was the UAE’s first fully-integrated multipurpose motorsport and entertainment facility. At the heart of the Union Properties MotorCity development, it includes an FIA sanctioned 5.4km circuit with six different configurations, a race school, indoor and outdoor karting tracks, the Grandstand Retail Plaza, the Motorsport Business Park, a VIP Paddock Hospitality area and entertainment facilities ideal for events and corporate entertainment.

This project was a US$100 million investment which required the provision of detailed design and specification of various project elements. These included the design of the circuit topography in three dimensions; the coordination of consultation with drivers, riders, governing bodies, engineering consultants, architects and local authorities; the specification of all safety criteria; the definition of the pit and paddock complex; detailed input into the spectator facilities, VIP facilities, commercial facilities and a major contribution towards the project master plan.

Since its construction the Dubai Autodrome has attracted over US$3 billion in property investment in the area adjacent to the circuit, including the development of the Green Community Motor City currently housing 4500 people. The circuit hosts a number of international events, including the now-famous Dubai 24 Hours in January each year.

In 2022, the Dubai Autodrome reached a deal with SirajPower for the development of a 2.8MWp solar array that in September was installed on the pit building and as part of solar shaded car parking area. The investment in solar by the Dubai Autodrome has resulted in the following outcomes as reported by ConstuctionWeek.com:

• The solar panels will have a positive impact on the environment and the venue, with the solar panels generating 4,751,470.4 Kilowatt-Hour of power per year, some of which is put back into the grid, while 2,055 metric tons of CO2 emissions will be eliminated per year.

• The energy savings are equivalent to almost 250,031,475 fully charged smartphones and 443 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles driven for one year, underlining the importance of how significant solar panels are in mitigating climate change.

• The eco-friendly project, which generates power for the whole venue, is also helping reduce the track’s energy bills.

These recent developments at the Dubai Autodrome has put it at the leading edge of environmentaly and operational sustainability for motorsport venues.

For more information please take a look at the ContructionWeek.com article here