Countdown begins to Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Preparations have kicked into top gear with just 50 days to go until F1 cars hit Yas Marina Circuit for the opening session of the 2026 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Taking place from December 3-6, Yas Island will once again host the final round of the Formula One World Championship and multiday Yasalam festival with global music stars performing across multiple venues.

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 anticipation building, we look forward to welcoming fans to Yas Island for another memorable edition of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix," said Saif Al Noaimi, CEO of Ethara.

Speaking to Dubai Eye 103.8's The Score show,  Al Noaimi also empathically relieved fears of any impact of the regional conflict and is "optimistic" of breaking last year's attendance record:

Beyond the racing, Yasalam presented by etisalat will bring a packed programme of music and entertainment to Yas Island, with a record of 11 artists already announced as part of the festival lineup. 

Andrea Bocelli will headline Yasalam Classics at Etihad Arena. Lewis Capaldi, Zara Larsson, Alex Warren, Imagine Dragons, The Chainsmokers and The Script will take to the stage at Etihad Live for the Yasalam After-Race Concerts. Anyma presents ÆDEN will headline an Official After-Party, while Black Coffee, CamelPhat and Shimza will perform at the 16/360 hospitality venue.

“Preparations for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix are progressing well, with the racing schedule now confirmed, 11 music acts announced and work advancing across Yas Island venues," said David Powell, Chief Portfolio & Strategy Officer at Ethara Live. 

“From the action on track to the concerts, after-parties and fan experiences, we are bringing together an exciting programme and are on course to deliver an unforgettable week of world-class entertainment.”

Tickets are fast-selling, with organisers adding that the event is expected to sell out soon. 

“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," Al Noaimi added.

Apart from the upcoming Grand Prix, the organiser also said he is excited to see the growth of 18-year-old Emirati teenagers Keanu Al Azhari and Rashid Al Dhaheri, who are set to make their Formula 3 debuts in 2027:

He also shared his enthusiasm for F1 going "global", stating that the newly added location Rwanda could become the first of many Formula One Grand Prix in Africa: