As the operations manager and national liaison officer for Dubai’s truly excellent Autodrome racing circuit, Abdulla Lanjawi always has to think on his feet – essential when it comes to a literal life in the fast lane where delays can make or break an event.
“My primary role is to make sure everything goes smoothly for our customers. I have an overview of all departments to make sure everything goes OK, and I build relationships with the government of Dubai, get approval for events, make sure all the paperwork is present and correct – which is vitally important when it comes to motor sport,” he says.
Lanjawi, 35, was born in Dubai and has never left, living on the edge of the beach in Jumeirah. “I’m one of 18 siblings but I’m the only one in my family who wanted to work in sports,” he says. “My heart was always in motor racing – like it is for a lot of young Emirati men – and I’m glad I was able to combine that interest in going fast with a career.”
Going fast, though, is becoming more and more recognised as a social ill and Lanjawi is very aware of this. “I’m the chairman for health and safety at the Autodrome and I’ve started working with Dubai Police and the RTA to launch a campaign that aims to remove speed from our roads and put it on the racetrack instead. We need to reach into the minds of the young and I’ve involved universities with it too – the campaign should launch in April 2015.”
He’s just approaching the busiest time of the year, he says, in the lead- up to the famed 24-hour endurance race, which takes place in January. “We started in 2004,” recalls Lanjawi, “with 45 cars on the grid. Now we have 90 individual teams from 40 countries taking part – you can probably imagine the logistics involved in that. There will be 3,000 team members and 300 journalists here so, yes, it does pay to have the right connections sometimes.”
Do you go to the cinema?
I use Apple TV a lot but every two to three weeks I’ll go to the cinema — I’ve come to get used to all the talking in there.
Favourite music?
I have crazy taste in music but I can’t say I have a preference. I listen to all sorts and it’s always a mix of Arabic and English sounds.
What was the last place you visited on holiday?
Davos in Switzerland, for the skiing. I have tried it many times at Ski Dubai but I find that the slope is too short for me.
Can you recommend a restaurant?
For local cuisine, there’s a really good one in Dubai’s Town Centre called Mama Tani, but I’d say my favourite is the Lounge in the Armani Hotel.
Last book you read?
Something like How to be a Manager in 30 Seconds [laughs] — normally I read books related to my field of work and recently I have studied for diplomas in London, with a major in sports management.
Best piece of advice anyone ever gave you?
My father tells me every day, “No one will make your destiny, you have to make it for yourself.” This wisdom has helped me achieve my personal goals and it’s a constant help.
What do you do to unwind?
I go scuba diving, which I tend to do in Fujairah. I’ve been doing it two years at a professional level and the last dive I did was in the Dubai Aquarium with the sharks. I thought they said there were 16 of them in there, but it turned out to be 60.
Whom do you most admire?
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, which is obvious, but I also admire Sheikh Hamdan, the Crown Prince — he patronises international events at the Autodrome and always helps us a great deal.
Favourite place in the UAE?
It’s always Dubai to hang out – I go with my friends and every single day we manage to find somewhere we haven’t been to before.
What car do you drive?
A new Range Rover. I’ve been an owner since 2006 and I’m very loyal to the brand – I’ve had four of them now. I like to go off-road in it, too, and, since I basically live right on the beach, it’s an ideal car.
