The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 is the season finale of the 2026 Formula 1 season. It takes place at Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island from Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 December 2026, with the race itself on Sunday 6 December at 17:00 UAE time, starting in daylight and finishing under the floodlights. On-track action runs Friday 4 to Sunday 6 December, and four nights of Yasalam After-Race Concerts follow at Etihad Live. This guide covers the dates, the full schedule, ticket prices, grandstands, concerts, transport and where to stay — with the key facts re-checked against official sources on 6 November 2026. Check abudhabigp.com and formula1.com for official updates before you travel.
| Quick facts | Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 |
|---|---|
| Event | Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 — season finale, round 23 |
| Dates | Thursday 3 – Sunday 6 December 2026 |
| On-track sessions | Friday 4 – Sunday 6 December 2026 |
| Race | Sunday 6 December, 17:00 UAE time (13:00 GMT) |
| Venue | Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi |
| Circuit | 5.281 km, 16 corners, anti-clockwise; 58 laps, 306.188 km |
| Tickets from | AED 745 (1-day General Admission, Abu Dhabi Hill) |
| Concerts | Yasalam After-Race Concerts, 3–6 December, Etihad Live |
| Official sites | abudhabigp.com · formula1.com · yasmarinacircuit.com |
Is Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 Confirmed?
Yes. The race is confirmed and going ahead as the 2026 season finale. Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed on 3 October 2026 that, based on the information available, everything was confirmed for Qatar and Abu Dhabi, and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem confirmed the race on 20 October. The official Formula 1 calendar lists Abu Dhabi for 4–6 December 2026. There was uncertainty earlier in the season because the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were cancelled or postponed in 2026 amid regional conflict, and Imola was reported as a standby venue — but it was never announced as a replacement, and the Abu Dhabi race was never cancelled. That said, the October confirmations were based on information available at the time, so check abudhabigp.com and formula1.com for official updates before you travel.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 Dates: When Is Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026?
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 runs from Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 December 2026. Thursday 3 December is “Super Thursday”: the Fanzone opens, there is a pit lane walk and the first Yasalam concert, but no cars run on track. The Formula 1 sessions — practice, qualifying and the race — run Friday 4 to Sunday 6 December. The wider Yasalam entertainment programme runs 2–6 December, starting with Andrea Bocelli on Wednesday 2 December. If you are planning around the other big UAE weekends in the same month, see our guides to the Dubai Sevens 2026, the Dubai Shopping Festival 2026 and New Year’s Eve in Dubai 2027.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 Schedule
All times below are UAE local time (GMT+4), as published by Formula 1. The race starts at 17:00, so the cars begin in daylight and finish under the floodlights — the twilight format Yas Marina is known for. There is no sprint race in 2026: Abu Dhabi uses the standard format of three practice sessions, qualifying and the Grand Prix.
| Day | Session | UAE time | UK time (GMT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu 3 Dec | Super Thursday — Fanzone, pit lane walk, concert (no track action) | All day | All day |
| Fri 4 Dec | Practice 1 (FP1) | 13:30–14:30 | 09:30–10:30 |
| Fri 4 Dec | Practice 2 (FP2) | 17:00–18:00 | 13:00–14:00 |
| Sat 5 Dec | Practice 3 (FP3) | 14:30–15:30 | 10:30–11:30 |
| Sat 5 Dec | Qualifying | 18:00–19:00 | 14:00–15:00 |
| Sun 6 Dec | Race — 58 laps | 17:00 | 13:00 |
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 Race Time and Start Time
What time does Abu Dhabi Grand Prix start? The race starts at 17:00 UAE time on Sunday 6 December 2026 (13:00 GMT / 08:00 US Eastern). Arrive well before the start: gates and the Fanzone open hours earlier, and the driver’s parade usually takes place about two hours before the race — the exact time is confirmed closer to the weekend.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Qualifying Time and Practice Times
Qualifying is on Saturday 5 December at 18:00–19:00 UAE time, and it sets the grid for Sunday’s race. Practice times are Friday 4 December at 13:30 (FP1) and 17:00 (FP2), then Saturday 5 December at 14:30 (FP3). Friday evening practice under the lights is a good session to attend if you only have a one-day ticket, because it runs in conditions closest to the race.
How Many Laps Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: 58 Laps, 306.188 km
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is 58 laps of the 5.281 km Yas Marina Circuit, a race distance of 306.188 km. At typical race pace the Grand Prix lasts around 1 hour 30 minutes, plus any safety-car or red-flag interruptions. The circuit has 16 corners and runs anti-clockwise; its first Grand Prix was in 2009, and the track was re-profiled ahead of the 2021 race, which shortened the lap to 5.28 km.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 Tickets and Ticket Prices
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 tickets are sold through the official site abudhabigp.com, tickets.formula1.com and Ticketmaster.ae. Prices below are the official starting prices as listed on abudhabigp.com on 6 November 2026. Availability changes fast this close to the race — by early October, 99% of tickets were reported sold — so check the official site before planning around any category. Do not buy from unofficial resellers: tickets work only in the official Abu Dhabi GP app, and screenshots and printouts are not accepted.
| Ticket | From (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Admission, Abu Dhabi Hill — 1 day | 745 | Cheapest way in; roaming access, no reserved seat |
| General Admission, Abu Dhabi Hill — 2 days | 899 | Roaming access |
| General Admission, Abu Dhabi Hill — 3 days | 1,250 | Roaming access |
| General Admission, Abu Dhabi Hill — 4 days | 1,645 | Roaming access |
| Marina Grandstand — 4 days | 2,395 | Beside the marina, Turns 8–9 |
| North Straight Grandstand — 4 days | 2,400 | Long straight, after the Turn 5 hairpin |
| South Grandstand — 4 days | 2,495 | Braking into Turn 9, marina views |
| North Grandstand — 4 days | 2,595 | Listed as currently unavailable |
| Main Grandstand — 3 days | 2,500 standard / 2,945 premium | 4-day Main listed as sold out |
| West Grandstand — 4 days | Sold out | Turn 6 overtaking views |
| Premium hospitality | From 7,995 | Terraces and suites; Paddock Club from about AED 14,000 |
Some guides list 3-day grandstand prices instead — for example, North Straight from AED 1,895 for three days — which is why you will see different figures quoted. The table above uses 4-day prices unless stated, so compare like with like. Every race ticket includes one free day at a Yas Island theme park (Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, SeaWorld or Yas Waterworld) or teamLab Phenomena, plus Fanzone and Oasis access.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix General Admission and Abu Dhabi Hill Tickets
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix general admission means Abu Dhabi Hill, the grassy hill in the infield with views towards Turns 2–6. It is the cheapest ticket — from AED 745 for one day — and it is the best option if you want the atmosphere, the Fanzone and the concerts on a budget. The trade-off is the view: there is no reserved seat, you watch from the hill or from screens in the Oasis areas, and you need to arrive early for a good spot. Abu Dhabi Hill general admission is a roaming ticket, so you can move between the Oasis areas during the day.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 1 Day, 2 Day, 3 Day and 4 Day Pass Tickets
A one-day ticket suits a single session — most buyers pick Sunday for the race or Friday for practice plus the Jennifer Lopez concert. A two-day ticket (from AED 899 for General Admission) covers the best two days, usually Saturday and Sunday. A three-day ticket (from AED 1,250) covers all on-track days, Friday to Sunday. The four-day pass (from about AED 1,645) adds Super Thursday, the Fanzone, the pit lane walk and the opening-night concert. Grandstand tickets are sold mainly as four-day passes, with some three-day options in the Main Grandstand.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Ticket Upgrades
Ticket upgrades start from AED 395 and add extras such as the Golden Circle upgrade for closer-to-stage concert access, with fast-track entry and dedicated beverage points. Upgrades are bought on abudhabigp.com alongside your ticket or added later while stock lasts. If your grandstand is sold out, an upgrade will not create a seat — check the official site for the categories still available before you pay for an add-on.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Grandstands and Seating Plan
The Yas Marina Circuit grandstands are Main, Marina, North, North Straight, South and West, plus Abu Dhabi Hill general admission. Your ticket is for a specific grandstand and a reserved seat, except General Admission. The official seating plan and seating map are on abudhabigp.com — check the map before you buy, because the view changes a lot between grandstands. A full grandstand-by-grandstand comparison, with photos and views from each seat, is coming in our separate guide.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Best Grandstand: Which Seat to Book
There is no single best grandstand — it depends on what you want to see. For overtaking, the West Grandstand at Turn 6 is the classic pick, but it is sold out for 2026. For the start, the pit lane and the podium ceremony, the Main Grandstand is the pick. For the marina and the yachts, choose Marina or South. For a budget reserved seat, North Straight is usually the cheapest grandstand. Sit high up in any grandstand to stay out of the sun and to see more of the circuit.
Main Grandstand Abu Dhabi
The Main Grandstand overlooks the start-finish straight, the pit lane and the podium, with the post-race fireworks right in front of you. Standard three-day seats start from AED 2,500 and premium seats from AED 2,945; the four-day Main Grandstand is listed as sold out. This is the grandstand to book if the ceremony and the start matter more to you than overtaking.
Marina Grandstand Abu Dhabi
The Marina Grandstand sits beside the marina between Turns 8 and 9, with views of the yachts and the cars braking into the harbour section. Four-day tickets start from AED 2,395, making it one of the cheaper grandstands. It is a good all-round seat: you see a technical section of the lap, and you are close to the marina walkway and the Fanzone.
North Grandstand Abu Dhabi and North Straight Grandstand Abu Dhabi
The North Grandstand overlooks the hairpin and the run towards the back straight, while the North Straight Grandstand sits on the outside of the long straight just after the Turn 5 hairpin. North Straight four-day tickets start from AED 2,400 (three-day seats have been listed from AED 1,895). The North Grandstand four-day ticket starts from AED 2,595 but is currently listed as unavailable — check the official site for restocks.
South Grandstand Abu Dhabi
The South Grandstand overlooks the braking zone into Turn 9, with views over the marina, and it is one of the best places to watch overtakes into the final sector. Four-day tickets start from AED 2,495. It is popular with repeat visitors because it combines a good racing view with easy access to the Yas Marina walkway.
West Grandstand Abu Dhabi
The West Grandstand is the classic overtaking seat at Yas Marina, looking down the long straight into the Turn 6 braking zone, and Formula 1’s own circuit guide recommends it as the best place to watch. It is sold out for 2026 on the official site. If you want this view, check the official site for returns, or look at the North Straight Grandstand, which covers the same straight from the other side.
Yas Marina Circuit Grandstands: Seating Map
The Yas Marina Circuit seating map shows all six grandstands around the 5.281 km lap, plus Abu Dhabi Hill in the infield. Use the official map on abudhabigp.com when you book: it marks each grandstand’s turns, the Fanzone, the Oasis areas and the concert venue at Etihad Live, so you can see how far your seat is from the gates and the food areas.
How to Buy Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Tickets
Buying is straightforward if you use the official channels. Follow these steps:
- Go to abudhabigp.com and open the tickets page for 2026. Check which categories are still available — Main and West grandstands are sold out, and the North Grandstand is listed as unavailable.
- Pick General Admission (Abu Dhabi Hill) or a grandstand, then choose 1, 2, 3 or 4 days. Compare the 4-day prices in the table above before you decide.
- Add any upgrades, such as the Golden Circle concert upgrade, at checkout.
- Pay on the official site or through Ticketmaster.ae. Keep your order confirmation — tickets are delivered to the official Abu Dhabi GP app, not as screenshots or printouts.
- Download the Abu Dhabi GP app before race week and load your tickets, so entry is smooth on the day.
Where to Buy Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Tickets (Ticketmaster and Official Channels)
Buy only from abudhabigp.com, tickets.formula1.com or Ticketmaster.ae. These are the official channels, and they are the only places where the ticket is guaranteed to work in the official app. Third-party resale sites may list tickets at higher prices, and a resold ticket can be cancelled by the organiser. If a category is sold out officially, check the official site again later for returns rather than paying a premium elsewhere.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Concerts 2026: Yasalam 2026 Lineup
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix concerts 2026 are the Yasalam After-Race Concerts at Etihad Live (formerly Etihad Park) on Yas Island. There are four nights of concerts, Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 December, with 12 artists across the programme. Entry is included with a valid Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket for that day, on a first-come, first-served basis; the Golden Circle upgrade buys closer-to-stage access. A full night-by-night guide is coming in our separate Yasalam article.
A note on the dates: the abudhabigp.com FAQ page previously listed the concerts shifted one day later than the dates below. We go with the majority dates — Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 December — because they match the official Thursday Golden Circle ticket page on abudhabigp.com (Kings of Leon and Lewis Capaldi on Thursday), the Formula 1 announcement and the Ethara announcement of 28 October 2026. Confirm the night on your ticket before you go.
Who Is Performing at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026?
The headline acts are Kings of Leon, Lewis Capaldi, Jennifer Lopez, Alex Warren, Imagine Dragons, The Chainsmokers and The Script, plus Andrea Bocelli on the Wednesday before the race weekend. The wider Yasalam programme also includes Anyma, Black Coffee, CamelPhat and Shimza at venues across Yas Island. The full lineup by night is below.
Thursday 3 December: Kings of Leon and Lewis Capaldi in Abu Dhabi
Kings of Leon headline the opening night at Etihad Live on Thursday 3 December, alongside Lewis Capaldi. The band replaced Zara Larsson, who was originally billed for the night but is no longer able to perform. This is the Super Thursday concert, so it is included with Thursday tickets and four-day passes.
Friday 4 December: Jennifer Lopez and Alex Warren in Abu Dhabi
Jennifer Lopez headlines Friday 4 December at Etihad Live, sharing the bill with Alex Warren. Friday is also the night of the Official After-Party, Anyma presents ÆDEN at Yas Gateway Park, which is a separate event from the After-Race Concert.
Saturday 5 December: Imagine Dragons in Abu Dhabi
Imagine Dragons headline Saturday 5 December, straight after qualifying. Saturday is usually the biggest concert night of the weekend, so arrive at Etihad Live early — general admission concert access is first-come, first-served, and the Golden Circle sells out.
Sunday 6 December: The Chainsmokers and The Script in Abu Dhabi
The Chainsmokers and The Script close the After-Race Concerts on Sunday 6 December, after the race. Expect the biggest crowds of the weekend as race fans move from the circuit to Etihad Live; allow extra time to leave Yas Island afterwards.
Andrea Bocelli Abu Dhabi 2026: Yasalam Classics, Wednesday 2 December
Andrea Bocelli performs at the inaugural Yasalam Classics at Etihad Arena on Wednesday 2 December. This is separately ticketed and is not included with a Grand Prix ticket — you need a separate Bocelli ticket to attend.
Abu Dhabi GP After Race Concerts: How Entry Works
Entry to the Abu Dhabi GP After Race Concerts is included with your race ticket for that day, at Etihad Live. General admission is first-come, first-served, so the front fills up early. The Golden Circle upgrade gives closest-to-stage access, fast-track entry and dedicated beverage points, and it is sold per night. Concert tickets cannot be bought on their own — you need a valid Grand Prix ticket for the same day.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Fan Zone, Pit Lane Walk and Golden Circle
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Fan Zone is free for ticket holders and runs all weekend, with driver appearances, simulators, merchandise and food. The pit lane walk takes place on Super Thursday, 3 December — your chance to see the garages and the cars up close before the sessions start. The Golden Circle is the paid concert upgrade described above: it is the only way to guarantee a spot near the stage.
How to Get to Yas Marina Circuit: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Transport
There is no metro on Yas Island, so plan your transport in advance. Race weekend traffic is heavy, especially after the race and the concerts, when leaving Yas Island can take over an hour. Our full transport guide covers every option in detail; the summary below covers the main routes.
Dubai to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix by Car and Bus
Driving from Dubai to Yas Marina Circuit takes about 50–60 minutes in normal traffic on the E11, and 90–120 minutes on race days. By bus, take the RTA E100 or E101 from Dubai to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, then a taxi or local bus to Yas Island. A taxi from Dubai to Abu Dhabi costs about AED 250–300. If you are coming from Dubai for the day, our Abu Dhabi day trip from Dubai guide and our day trips from Dubai guide cover the same route outside race week. If you are staying for the whole weekend, consider a hotel on Yas Island instead — see below.
How Long Does It Take from Dubai to Yas Marina Circuit?
Allow 90–120 minutes from Dubai to Yas Marina Circuit on race days, and the same again to get back. In normal traffic the drive is 50–60 minutes, but the E11 and the Yas Island exits queue badly before the race and after the concerts. Leave Dubai at least three hours before your session starts, and do not plan a tight return: the post-race and post-concert exits are the slowest part of the day.
Etihad Rail Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Etihad Rail now runs passenger trains between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which is the easiest new way to reach the Grand Prix from Dubai. Trains run from Al Yalayis station in Dubai (Jumeirah Golf Estates, linked to the metro) to Mohamed bin Zayed City station in Abu Dhabi, in about 64 minutes, with Comfort fares from AED 39 and Premium from AED 109, and about 10 journeys a day each way. From the Abu Dhabi station, the free Yas Express ER1 shuttle runs to Yas Mall in about 30 minutes — show your valid Etihad Rail ticket for the travel date. Miral and Etihad Rail announced a partnership on 21 October 2026 to link the station directly with the Yas Island theme parks, but no start date has been announced for the new park shuttles, so confirm the shuttle times on the day. Book train and shuttle tickets in advance: seats are sold in the app and on the website, not at the station.
Yas Marina Circuit Parking and Yas Mall Parking F1
Yas Mall is the main parking hub for the Grand Prix, with free circuit shuttles running from the mall to Yas Marina Circuit about every 15 minutes until around 1am. Park at Yas Mall, not at the circuit — circuit parking is limited and reserved. Arrive early: the mall car parks fill up on race day, and the shuttle queues grow after the concerts. Taxis and ride-hailing drop off at signed points near the circuit, but expect long waits for a pick-up after the race.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Shuttle
Free shuttles run from Yas Mall to the circuit throughout race weekend, and the Yas Express network runs free shuttles around Yas Island and from Dubai pick-up points — confirm the 2026 Dubai pick-up points on abudhabigp.com before you travel, as routes change each year. From Abu Dhabi city, the E10 and E12 buses reach Yas Island in about 25–30 minutes. Zayed International Airport is only 10–20 minutes from the circuit by taxi, which makes flying into Abu Dhabi the simplest option if you are coming from outside the UAE.
Yas Island Hotels, Theme Parks and Things to Do
Yas Island is a full entertainment destination, not just a race track, and most of it is walkable from the circuit. If you are spending the weekend there, our separate Yas Island guide covers hotels, parks and restaurants in detail. If you are combining the race with the capital’s sights, see our Abu Dhabi day trip from Dubai guide. The ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon 2026 also takes place in the capital a week later, on 12 December.
Where to Stay: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 Hotels and Hotels Near Yas Marina Circuit
Yas Island hotels sell out early for race weekend, so book as soon as you have tickets. The closest options are W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, which straddles the track, the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island and The WB Abu Dhabi, all within minutes of the circuit. Saadiyat Island (about 20 minutes away) and downtown Abu Dhabi on the Corniche are the next best choices. Staying in Dubai is the fallback, but the drive is 90–120 minutes on race days, so it only works if you leave very early. Expect race-weekend hotel prices well above normal rates.
Yas Island Theme Parks and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Ticket
Every race ticket includes one free day at a Yas Island theme park — Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, SeaWorld or Yas Waterworld — or teamLab Phenomena. The Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket is therefore not a separate purchase: your race ticket is your park ticket for one day, usually used on the Thursday or the Monday after the race, when the parks are quieter. Book your park day in advance through the official link that comes with your ticket, because the free days are capacity-limited.
Things to Do Yas Island
Things to do on Yas Island during Grand Prix week include the theme parks above, Yas Mall, Yas Beach, Yas Marina and the Yas Links golf course. The Fanzone and the Oasis areas inside the circuit are free for ticket holders and run all weekend. If you want a break from the crowds, the mangrove kayaking tours and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi city are both under 30 minutes away.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Dress Code, What to Wear and Weather in December
There is no dress code at the circuit for general admission and grandstand ticket holders — wear what is comfortable. Smart casual is expected in hospitality areas and the Paddock Club. Early December in Abu Dhabi is warm and dry: about 26–28°C during the day and 18–20°C in the evening. Wear comfortable shoes (you will walk a lot), bring sunscreen and a hat for the afternoon, and pack a light jacket for the evening concerts, which finish late and feel cool after the sun sets. A small bag is fine, but check the official prohibited-items list before you pack.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Packages, Hospitality and Paddock Club Price
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix packages combine tickets with a hotel, transfers and extras, and they are sold by the official site and authorised travel partners. Hospitality starts from AED 7,995 for terrace packages such as the Terrace at West (from AED 3,495), the Horizon Terrace (AED 3,995) and the 16/360 Terrace Collection (AED 5,995), up to Marina Views at AED 7,995. The Formula 1 Paddock Club price starts from about AED 14,000 (around USD 3,995), and includes pit lane access, premium hospitality and the best views over the start-finish straight. If you are booking a package, check exactly what is included — some packages cover only the ticket, not the hotel or the park day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 go ahead?
Is Abu Dhabi Grand Prix sold out?
Can children attend Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?
Can I bring food to Yas Marina Circuit?
Where to watch Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026?
How long is the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?
How many laps is the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?
What is the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix track length?
Is there an Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 sprint race?
Yas Marina Circuit nearest metro: is there one?
When do Abu Dhabi Grand Prix tickets go on sale?
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 results
Who won Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025?
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2027 dates
Last updated: 6 November 2026