Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Law and the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) co-hosted a panel discussion highlighting legal issues in motorsport. The session was held in advance of the second Qatar Grand Prix, scheduled for October 6-8, 2023.  

Titled “Legal Issues in Motorsport: Preparing for the Qatar Grand Prix,” the event’s panel featured renowned local and international experts including Amro Al-Hamad, Executive Director, QMMF; Fatima Al Qaedi, Communication and Marketing Manager, QMMF; Mark Buckley, Partner, Fladgate; Muhammed Bhaimohmed, Senior Counsel – Head of Legal, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022; and Zachary Calo, Professor of Law, HBKU and Senior Counsel, McNair International. 

Mr. Al-Hamad gave introductory remarks, underlining the importance of Qatar’s hosting of a prominent motorsport event. His comments set the stage for a lively discussion about governance, dispute resolution and intellectual property - all relevant subjects since  motorsport, particularly at the Grand Prix level, is highly rules based.  

An important aspect of the session involved Mr. Bhaimohmed presenting lessons learned from the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which Mr. Al-Hamad and Ms. Al Qaedi discussed in connection with the Qatar Grand Prix.  A second key feature was the examination of the complex regulatory and dispute resolution processes in motorsport, which Professor Calo detailed and Mr. Buckley, who has been involved in numerous cases, discussed from a legal counsel’s perspective. The session also gave students and faculty the chance to network with fellow motorsport enthusiasts.

Susan L Karamanian, Dean, HBKU College of Law, noted that “The second Qatar Grand Prix reflects the exponential growth experienced by the MENA region’s motorsports sector. It will require locally-based legal professionals, well-versed in the law in this field, to continue its development, which falls under our mission to build regional capacity with global relevance.”

Situated at a global crossroad of culture, business, and geopolitics, HBKU’s College of Law is a knowledge hub that works to promote an understanding of the importance of the rule of law in today’s dynamic world. The College addresses today’s legal challenges with a future-oriented view and awareness of rapid developments locally and internationally, working closely with top-tier local and international partners to help build expertise and research capacity in Qatar and beyond.