UAE motocross star Mohammed Al Balooshi has been named the new Middle East brand ambassador for GMC.

The partnership will see him promote the American motor company across the region.

Al Balooshi is fast becoming one of the UAE’s most successful athletes, and he won the Best Athlete award at the recent Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Awards.

“I am very proud that such a strong international brand as GMC has selected me as a brand ambassador,” he said.

“Deeply rooted in Emirati motoring culture as well as across the wider region, GMC has been my personal vehicle brand of choice for so many years.”

GMC has sold vehicles in the Middle East for nearly a century, and Molly Peck, the brand’s chief marketing officer in the region, said: “Mohammed and GMC have a natural affinity – both are incredibly passionate about pushing the boundaries in our respective fields.”

Al Balooshi’s rising profile has also seen him take on coaching responsibilities at the MX Academy in Dubai.

In January the 39 year old was the only Arab to reach the finish line of the Dakar Rally in South America, one of the sports most challenging races.

This followed his win at the FIM Cross-Country Bajas World Cup, the first off-road world title won by an Arab.

“Mohammed’s courage, resilience and capacity to power through any obstacles in his way are all values we share,” Peck continued.

“There is no better partner than GMC to assist him on his mission to promote the sport of motocross across the region.”