• GT racing driver Ollie Melroy and former Formula 1 driver Robert Doornbos bring their experience and passion to the program as academy ambassadors.
• Among the academy's key partners are Xcel Motorsport and Build4Performance.
• Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 academic year for students from grades 4 to 9.

Dubai, UAE: GEMS Research and Innovation School has announced the launch of its Motorsport Academy, which aims to develop future champions both on and off the track. The academy is the first of its kind in the region to offer a comprehensive motorsport program within a school environment. It employs a multidisciplinary approach that integrates motorsport, education, technology, health, and wellbeing, providing a clear pathway from the first experience behind the wheel, through professional competition, to the world’s most innovative industries.

The academy is scheduled to launch in September 2026, and will welcome students from grades 4 to 9 who wish to explore the diverse opportunities offered by modern motorsport, from racing and engineering to data analysis, media, simulation, car design, sports science, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

The launch of the academy comes at a time when motorsport is increasingly recognized as more than just a popular sport; it has become one of the world’s most advanced high-performance industries, combining engineering, artificial intelligence, simulation, sustainability, and human performance, while simultaneously providing new opportunities for the next generation of innovators. The UAE has also established itself as a regional motorsport hub, thanks to its world-class facilities, hosting of major international championships, and growing community engagement, making this an ideal time to launch a program that bridges classroom learning with future career paths.

Commenting on the launch of the academy, Dino Varkey, CEO of GEMS Education Group, said: “At GEMS, we believe that education should help students discover their passion and connect what they learn today with the opportunities of the future. Motorsport is a unique model that combines engineering, technology, teamwork, leadership and performance, and the Motorsport Academy at the GEMS School of Research and Innovation gives students the opportunity to explore all of these areas through authentic, real-world experiences.”

The academy is based on seven interconnected pillars, including:

• Driving race cars
• Engineering and Technology
• Health and Fitness
• Team management and teamwork
• Care and Marketing
• Media skills
• Esports and simulation

Joshua Levinson, Director of the Futures Department at GEMS Research and Innovation School, said: “The academy’s goal is not just to prepare professional racing drivers, but to cultivate curiosity, build confidence, and help students discover educational paths that may shape their future. We strive to provide a holistic learning experience that develops technical skills alongside communication, leadership, resilience, and problem-solving skills, thereby enhancing the school’s position as a leading institution in innovation and excellence.”

The foundation program begins by introducing students to motorsports in a safe, fun, and structured environment, aiming to boost their self-confidence and cultivate their passion for the sport. This is achieved through professional training, karting experiences at the Dubai Kartdrome , and an in-school curriculum that includes simulator training, engineering fundamentals, fitness and health, theory lessons, and the values of motorsports.

The academy also offers students opportunities to progress to more advanced training levels, including developing performance on race karts, analyzing performance using simulators, studying vehicle dynamics, and physical conditioning. Future phases of the academy are expected to include opportunities to represent the GEMS Research and Innovation School (SRI) team in competitive karting championships and to participate in a broader ecosystem encompassing engineering, media, sports performance, and other areas related to motorsport.

The Academy's ambassador team includes GT racing driver Olly Melroy and former Formula 1 driver Robert Doornbos, who bring extensive experience and a proven track record of success, along with a passion for developing the next generation of motorsport stars. They will provide mentorship, career guidance, and support for performance development programs, as well as organize specialized training sessions.

Commenting on this, Ollie Melroy, professional GT racing driver and ambassador for the Motorsport Academy program at GEMS Research and Innovation School, said: “Motorsport teaches so much more than driving skills; it instills responsibility, preparedness, discipline, teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure. It is also one of the few fields that allows young people to explore a wide range of opportunities, from engineering and technology to media, business, and leadership. Our ambition is to inspire students to discover their passion early on and show that there is a place for everyone within this extraordinary industry.”

Robert Dornbos, former Formula 1 driver and ambassador for the program, added: "Modern motorsport is based on teamwork, innovation and continuous learning. The GEMS Research and Innovation School's Motorsport Academy provides a unique opportunity for young people to experience this exceptional environment, while acquiring skills that will accompany them throughout their lives and careers."

The academy was developed in partnership with several leading industry organizations, including Xcel Motorsport, one of the UAE’s premier karting and motorsport providers, and Build4Performance, a specialist in professional simulation and driver development technologies. These partnerships will provide students with access to specialized training, professional mentorship, and practical experiences designed to inspire the next generation of drivers, engineers, and innovators.

About James Education:

GEMS Education is one of the world’s leading providers of private education from kindergarten to Year 12, educating over 200,000 students from more than 176 nationalities across its global network of owned and operated schools. With nearly half a million alumni, GEMS has built an impactful legacy spanning generations and continents . Founded in Dubai in 1959, GEMS remains a family-run business, led by its visionary founder and chairman, Sunny Varkey, and his sons, Dino Varkey (Group CEO) and Jay Varkey (Group Deputy CEO) . GEMS offers a wide range of curricula and learning pathways, focusing on providing high-quality education to students from all walks of life. Every year, GEMS students graduate from top universities around the world, including all eight Ivy League universities and all Russell Group universities in the UK, and go on to become leaders, innovators, and changemakers across all sectors . Through its growing network of schools and philanthropic initiatives, GEMS is committed to its mission: to provide high-quality education accessible to every learner, everywhere .

To learn more, please visit the website: www.gemseducation.com

For media communication

Ambika Jadeja ajadeja@webershandwick.com

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