As the sun sets over Yas Marina Circuit and the floodlights flicker into life, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix delivers one of the most dramatic spectacles in Formula One. The final race of the season, it’s a weekend where championship stories reach their climax against a backdrop of superyachts, headline concerts and late-night celebrations across the city.
Having attended and hosted guests at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for years, we know there’s far more to planning the perfect Formula One holiday than simply choosing your tickets. From deciding between grandstands and world-class hospitality suites to finding the right hotel, fitting in time at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi or securing access to the legendary after-race concerts, there’s plenty to consider before race weekend arrives.
Whether you’re visiting for the racing, the party atmosphere or the wider experience beyond the circuit, here's everything you need to know to make the most of your weekend at Formula One’s season finale.
This year, the main race takes place on Sunday 6th of December, culminating with a world champion passing the chequered flag as fireworks paint the sky.
Full schedule:
| Date | Event | Time (local) |
| 4 December | Practice 1 | 13:30 - 14:30 |
| 4 December | Practice 2 | 17:00 - 18:00 |
| 5 December | Practice 3 | 14:30 - 15:30 |
| 5 December | Qualifying | 18:00 - 19:00 |
| 6 December | Race | 17:00 |
It’s difficult to find a more ideal purpose-built venue for a Grand Prix than Yas Island, on the eastern side of the emirate close to Abu Dhabi International Airport.
The track features a series of challenging turns and a 1.2km straight which offers plenty of options for overtaking manoeuvres. With heart-stopping sharp corners and one of the longest straights on the F1 calendar, you're guaranteed a good view of the action wherever you choose to sit, but some vantage points stand out above the rest.
For grandstand viewing, our favourite is the North Grandstand. It has excellent panoramic views along the back straight, plus exceptional views of turn 3 through to 5 where Verstappen overtook Hamilton on that epic final lap in 2021 – here's hoping for even more drama this year!
But it's not just the viewing spectacle that puts the North Grandstand amongst our favourites, it's its location, too. As you step out of the grandstand, you'll find yourself directly opposite Etihad Park, the stage for the legendary post-race concerts, meaning you'll be in pole position to snag a spot near the front of the crowd.
If you'd prefer to opt for one of our premium hospitality options, you'll have even better views of the track, white-glove service and free-flowing gourmet cuisine and champagne.
There are a multitude of ways to enjoy the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but to take away the stress of planning what could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, we include flights, transfers, luxury accommodation, race tickets and concert access in our Abu Dhabi Grand Prix holiday packages as standard.
Our Platinum Hospitality Suite Package is the pinnacle of hospitality options at the Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi. Privately hosted by our team, you'll have sweeping views from the balcony above the F2 pit lane on one of the main straights as well as limitless premium alcoholic beverages and cuisine across the weekend.
With limited spaces available we always sell out fast, so we always recommend booking early to secure your spot.
One of the best parts of your Spectate package is that entrance to each Abu Dhabi Grand Prix After-Race concert is included.
Ever since the first Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2009, concerts have been held at Etihad Park, formerly Du Arena. Just a ten-minute walk away from Yas Marina Circuit between the North Grandstand and Ferrari World, it's the region’s largest open-air event facility.
The world’s top music stars have performed here, including Paul McCartney, Kings of Leon, Jay-Z and Beyoncé. There are four headliners for each Abu Dhabi Grand Prix After-Race Concert – one every night from Thursday to Sunday. Last year, Ava Max, Tiesto, Shania Twain, Chris Brown and Foo Fighters all took to the stage.
Last year, we had another stellar line-up including Benson Boone, Post Malone, Metallica and Katy Perry as the main headliner on Sunday.
Find out more about the iconic concerts during the grand prix here and check out Muse's 2024 performance below.
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The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is much more than just racing. Outside Yas Marina Circuit, the city has everything from exciting adventures to relaxing evenings by the water, so you can easily turn race weekend into a full luxury getaway.
If you love motorsports, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a must-visit. It features record-breaking rollercoasters like Formula Rossa, interactive Ferrari attractions, the Roof Walk, and a zip line that runs through the center of the park.
Away from Yas Island, you can experience a different side of Abu Dhabi with desert safaris that include dune bashing, camel rides, and private dinners under the stars. Helicopter tours give you wide views of the circuit and city, while dhow cruises along the Arabian Gulf offer a calm way to spend an evening after the races.
You’ll also find beach clubs, yacht charters, top restaurants, and luxury shopping, so there’s a lot to enjoy beyond the racetrack.
Picking the right hotel can really shape your Abu Dhabi Grand Prix experience. You might want a beachfront spot to relax between races or a place closer to the city’s restaurants, shops, and attractions.
Beach Rotana sits on a private beach near downtown Abu Dhabi, offering resort-style relaxation and quick access to the city’s lively scene. When you’re not at the circuit, you can relax at the beach club, try watersports, or lounge by the pool. Major attractions are also close by.
If you want a quieter stay, Saadiyat Rotana is on one of Abu Dhabi’s most beautiful beaches, with views of the turquoise Arabian Gulf. The hotel has spacious rooms, a big outdoor pool, tennis courts, and several great restaurants. After a long day at the circuit, you can recharge here or unwind at Zen the Spa.
Firstly, if you're considering joining us in Abu Dhabi then you absolutely should. The season's grand finale is one of the most unique in the F1 calendar and won the 'Best F1 Event Spectacle' award in 2024. It's a unique celebration to cap off an incredible season of Formula One and one of our favourites to attend.
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Located in the hub of the action on Abu Dhabi's man-made Yas Island, the track has an abundance of unique details. It cost around $1bn USD to construct, making it the most expensive F1 circuit ever.
There's even a five-star hotel in the middle! The iconic W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island is the first hotel built over a Formula 1 circuit. Unsurprisingly it's often in huge demand, especially on Grand Prix weekend, but a stay here guarantees fantastic Yas Marina and circuit views from the moment you wake up on race day.
The grand finale of the Formula One Season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is as scintillating a spectacle as you'd expect. As passionate fans ourselves, we've been attending and hosting guests for years, and each year the race weekend never fails to deliver on every level.
In addition to the incredible race weekend, Abu Dhabi is a destination that suits an extended holiday. The emirate combines culture, adventure, stylish hotels and golden beaches, plus year-round sunshine. Whatever your hobbies, we'll tailor-make your experience to create something truly memorable.
We hope our Abu Dhabi Grand Prix guide has inspired you to have your 'I was there' moment at the 2026 race, explore Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and discover the Grand Prix tickets best suited to you.
If you want more information about this year's event, contact us on 01244 729893 or book your place on one of our premium fully-inclusive packages now.
If you liked this, you might enjoy:
Your Singapore Grand Prix Guide
Lewis Hamilton's Greatest Moments
Or listen to our Product Manager, Simon, talk all things Formula One, from the luxurious super-yachts of the Monaco Grand Prix to the spectacular F1 finale of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, on the Inspiring Travel Podcast below.
