Celebrating a Century: The Automobile and Touring Club of Egypt Marks 100 Years

Celebrating a Century: The Automobile and Touring Club of Egypt Marks 100 Years with Global Participation and Cutting-Edge Events

The Automobile and Touring Club of Egypt proudly celebrates its centennial anniversary this year, marking a hundred years since its establishment in 1924, with widespread acclaim from various ministries, including the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as numerous international organizations. Highlighting the milestone, the celebration draws over 180 notable guests from 90 countries, in collaboration with the International Automobile Federation (FIA). The club is rolling out a lineup of unique and innovative events to mark this centennial year, details of which were unveiled at a press conference held today at its Cairo headquarters.

Highlighting the story behind the club’s rich history and foundation, Engineer Ali Eissa, CEO of the Automobile and Touring Club of Egypt, stated, “The club’s inception dates back to 1905, serving as a gathering point for Egypt’s car enthusiasts from royalty, nobility, and distinguished foreign merchants. However, the outbreak of World War I halted its activities, and it was reestablished in 1924 as the ‘Royal Automobile Club of Egypt,’ under the patronage of King Fouad I. Initially set in downtown’s El-Madabegh Street, (now known as Sherif Street), it eventually moved to its present location on Qasr El Nile Street, graciously provided by Princess Fatma Ismail, Khedive Ismail’s daughter. Furthermore, Prince Mohammed Ali was its inaugural president.”

Further elaborating, Eissa noted, “Following the July 23 Revolution, the Egyptian Touring Club merged into the Automobile Club, leading to its current designation as ‘The Automobile and Touring Club of Egypt.’ This merger expanded its social, tourism, and motorsports role, greatly enhancing tourism and establishing a notable presence in the motorsports realm in Egypt. The club represents Egypt among all major international motor organizations, including the International Automobile Federation (FIA), the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM), and the International Road Transport Union (IRU).”

Established in 1904 and based in Paris, France, The International Automobile Federation (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile “FIA”) is a global non-profit dedicated to overseeing motorsports and advocating for road safety, security enhancements, and environmental and social stewardship within the automotive domain. Leading the organization is Mr. Mohammed Ben Sulayem of the United Arab Emirates, who, in 2021, broke new ground as the first Arab to be elected to this distinguished role.

Explaining the details of the centennial celebrations, Mr. Mohammed Askar, the Club’s Vice President and Head of the Centennial Committee, proudly announced: “In 2024, the Automobile and Touring Club of Egypt will mark its centennial with a series of year-long events. A highlight of these festivities will be the FIA Region I spring meetings on May 13th, which will bring together over 180 leaders and presidents of car clubs from 90 countries, spanning Europe, the Middle East, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Africa. These sessions will be led by Mr. Jorge Delgado, President of FIA Region I, with significant involvement from FIA President Mr. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, his deputies, and other prominent figures in the global mobility and motorsports community. This unprecedented gathering in Egypt is both a tribute to and a celebration of the Automobile and Touring Club of Egypt’s 100-year legacy.”

Askar further revealed: “Spanning the entire year, our celebration will draw leaders from international motorcycle and road transport federations. Highlights include a nostalgic parade of classic and historic cars in April, aligning with the Sinai Liberation anniversary. August 2024 will rev up with motorcycle rallies and thrilling car competitions in Al Alamein, showcasing an array of races from Drift and Twin Drift to Rally and Drag Race. Moreover, the club is set to organize pivotal road safety workshops, focusing on enhancing awareness about driving safety and precautionary measures on Egypt’s diverse roadways.”