Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
As far as curtain-raisers go, it doesn’t get better than this.
Italian music maestro Andrea Bocelli has been announced as the first artist for Yasalam Classics, a new concert series within the Yasalam presented by e& entertainment programme during the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 race week.
The world-renowned tenor will take to the stage at Etihad Arena on Yas Island on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, in the lead-up to the region’s most anticipated week of sport and entertainment.
Bocelli will be accompanied by the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, celebrated for its bright sound and expressive performances.
Yasalam Classics, produced by Ethara in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, adds to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix’s entertainment programme, alongside After-Race Concerts and Official After-Parties.
This year’s lineup already features Lewis Capaldi, Zara Larsson and Imagine Dragons, with more artists to be announced.
The new series brings classical music to the programme for the first time, broadening a race week entertainment offering that spans genres and generations.
Bocelli, 67, has captivated audiences worldwide for over three decades. Known for beloved classical crossover works including “Con te partirò” (Time to Say Goodbye), “Canto della Terra” and “Ave Maria”, he has sold more than 90 million records worldwide and performed at landmark events, including the Olympic Games and the World Cup.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Romanza, the album that established Bocelli as a global phenomenon. Released in 1997, it produced some of his most celebrated works and achieved platinum and diamond certifications in more than 20 countries. It is both the best-selling Italian-language album and the best-selling predominantly non-English language album of all time.
The Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour celebrates that legacy across major cities worldwide, with his performance at Etihad Arena bringing the tour to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race week.
David Powell, Chief Portfolio and Strategy Officer at Ethara, said: “Yasalam Classics is a significant addition to the star-studded Abu Dhabi Grand Prix entertainment programme, and Andrea Bocelli is the perfect artist to launch it. His performance will bring a different dimension to race week and reflects our ambition to stage the biggest and most exciting entertainment event of the year.”
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders have an exclusive 24-hour pre-sale access before tickets go on general sale on Wednesday, June 17, at 1pm, available at ticketmaster.ae and etihadarena.ae
