Parents looking beyond traditional sports and extracurricular activities now have a new option to consider. The new GEMS Motorsport Academy at GEMS School of Research & Innovation (SRI) offers students the opportunity to explore motorsport while developing practical STEM knowledge, leadership skills and career awareness from an early age.
Launching in September 2026, the Academy will welcome students from Year 4 to Year 9. More importantly, it introduces young people to an industry that stretches far beyond the race track, opening doors to engineering, technology, data analysis, media and business.
Why the GEMS Motorsport Academy Matters For Students
Motorsport has become one of the world’s most advanced industries, combining engineering, artificial intelligence, simulation technology, sustainability and elite human performance. As a result, careers within the sector continue to expand well beyond professional driving.
Meanwhile, the UAE has strengthened its reputation as a regional motorsport hub through international events, world-class racing venues and growing grassroots participation. This makes the introduction of the GEMS Motorsport Academy particularly timely for students interested in STEM and future careers.
Rather than focusing solely on racing, the programme has been designed to help students develop confidence, teamwork, resilience and problem-solving skills while connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences.
Dino Varkey, GEMS Group Chief Executive Officer said,
“At GEMS, we believe education should help young people discover their passions and connect learning to the opportunities of the future. Motorsport brings together engineering, technology, teamwork, leadership and performance in a uniquely powerful way, and the GEMS SRI Motorsport Academy gives students the opportunity to explore all of these disciplines through authentic, real-world experiences.”
A Broad Learning Experience Beyond Race Driving
The Academy is built around seven specialist areas that reflect the diverse opportunities within modern motorsport,
- Race Driving
- Engineering & Technology
- Health & Fitness
- Team Management & Teamwork
- Sponsorship & Marketing
- Media Skills
- E-Sports & Simulators
Students will begin with a structured foundation programme that combines classroom learning with practical experiences. For example, participants will receive professional coaching, enjoy rental kart sessions at Dubai Kartdrome, develop simulator driving skills and learn engineering fundamentals alongside physical fitness and wellbeing.
Furthermore, students will study motorsport theory while building an understanding of teamwork, discipline and responsibility.
As the programme develops, students will have opportunities to progress into more advanced training. This includes race kart performance, simulator analysis, vehicle dynamics and physical preparation. Future plans also include opportunities to represent Team SRI in competitive karting events while exploring wider motorsport pathways in engineering, media and performance.
Joshua Levenson, Director of Futures at GEMS SRI said,
“This is about much more than developing racing drivers. It is about inspiring curiosity, building confidence and helping students discover pathways that could shape their futures. We want to create a holistic learning experience that develops technical skills alongside communication, leadership, resilience and problem-solving. This launch strengthens the school’s reputation for innovation and excellence.”
Professional Mentors Bring Real Industry Experience
A key strength of the GEMS Motorsport Academy is the involvement of experienced professionals who will mentor students throughout the programme.
The Academy’s ambassadors include GT racing driver Ollie Millroy and former Formula One driver Robert Doornbos. Together, they will support students through guest masterclasses, performance education and guidance on careers within motorsport.
Ollie Millroy, professional GT racing driver and Programme Ambassador for the GEMS SRI Motorsport Academy said,
“Motorsport teaches far more than driving. It teaches responsibility, preparation, discipline, teamwork and the ability to perform under pressure. It is one of the few environments where young people can explore such a wide range of opportunities, from engineering and technology to media, business and leadership. Our ambition is to inspire students to discover their passions early and show them that there is a place for everyone within this incredible industry.”
Former Formula One driver and Programme Ambassador Robert Doornbos added,
“Modern motorsport is built on teamwork, innovation and continuous learning. The GEMS SRI Motorsport Academy creates a unique opportunity for young people to experience this environment while developing skills that will benefit them throughout their lives and careers.”
Industry Partnerships Strengthen Career Pathways
In addition, the Academy has been developed with leading motorsport organisations including Xcel Motorsport and Build4Performance.
These partnerships will give students access to specialist coaching, industry mentorship and professional simulation technology. Consequently, learners will gain valuable insight into careers that span engineering, automotive technology, media, performance science and entrepreneurship.
For parents, the Academy represents another example of how schools are broadening opportunities beyond traditional academic pathways. As industries evolve, programmes such as the GEMS Motorsport Academy help students connect their interests with emerging careers while developing transferable skills that will benefit them in education and beyond.
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Further Reading
- GEMS Founders School Dubai South Appoints New UK Education Leader to Strengthen School Growth
- GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi Appoints Alan Grant as Head of Secondary