Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The organisers of the 2026 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix kicked off the 50-day countdown to the season finale on Thursday.
Mercedes GP driver Kimi Antonelli is in pole position to lift the trophy when the caravan zooms into the Yas Marina Circuit.
Taking place on December 3-6, Yas Island will be swarming with motorsport lovers and a multi-day Yasalam festival with global music stars performing across multiple venues for the general public.
Saif Al Noaimi, CEO of Ethara, an entertainment, events and venue management company based in Abu Dhabi, said: “As we prepare for the 2026 edition, which begins during the UAE’s National Day celebrations, there is a particular sense of pride in what we achieve together with our partners, suppliers and government agencies, united by a shared ambition to showcase Abu Dhabi at its best.”
The 2026 event will see 11 F1 teams on the grid in Abu Dhabi for the first time, up from 10 last year, while the Formula 2 Championship will also conclude in the UAE capital. The new Yas Marina Circuit-owned championship, AZM GT, will debut as a support race with a non-championship Trophy Round.
With tickets selling at a similar pace to 2025, the Main Grandstand, North Grandstand and several other ticket categories are already fully booked. Organisers Ethara Live say that demand is growing for the remaining tickets, and the event is expected to sell out.
The 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix generated Dh1.3 billion in visitor spending. Approximately 40,000 people were involved in event delivery, with UAE-based professionals accounting for 90% of accredited staff, while 230 local SMEs were contracted as event suppliers, bringing tangible opportunities to the community.
This year’s event programme coincides again with Eid Al Etihad, marking a highlight in the country’s sporting and cultural calendar.
