Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 Guide

As the sun sets over Yas Marina Circuit and the floodlights illuminate the track, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix brings the Formula One season to a spectacular close.

Beyond the racing, this is a weekend defined by superyachts, headline performances and the energy of a city celebrating long into the night.

Having attended the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and hosted clients here for many years, the most memorable weekends are shaped by far more than where you watch the race. From exceptional hospitality and prime vantage points to a carefully selected hotel and privileged access to the city's most exclusive experiences, we know the finest details elevate your time in Abu Dhabi.

Whether you’re here for the thrill of the final race, the glamour surrounding it or simply the opportunity to experience Abu Dhabi at its most exhilarating, we can arrange a weekend that goes well beyond the circuit.

This is our guide to making the most of Formula One’s season finale.

When is the 2026 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?

The 2026 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix takes place from 4 to 6 December at the Yas Marina Circuit, with the season finale getting underway at 17:00 on Sunday 6 December.

Full schedule

The Best Tickets and Hospitality

There are several exceptional ways to experience the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, from the atmosphere of the grandstands to the more exclusive setting of premium hospitality.

Whichever you choose, we'll tailor the finer details, including luxury accommodation, bespoke desert experiences, private transfers, race tickets and golden circle access to the weekend's headline concerts.

Premium Hospitality

For discerning travellers looking to make the most of race weekend, premium hospitality combines the circuit's most magnificent views with a level of service only found in the UAE, with endless gourmet cuisine and premium drinks served throughout the day.

A few of our favourites are The Deck at 2, The Deck at 9 and Marina Views, but everyone has different preferences, so we'll use our firsthand knowledge to secure the choice most suited to you

The North Grandstand

For a more traditional race-day experience, we recommend the North Grandstand to experience one of our favourite grandstand vantage points. Its elevated position offers panoramic views along the back straight, as well as the sequence of Turns 3 to 5, where Max Verstappen made his decisive move on Lewis Hamilton during the dramatic 2021 finale.

Its location also makes it particularly appealing beyond the racing. Positioned opposite Etihad Park, home to the post-race concerts, it puts you within easy reach of the evening's entertainment once the chequered flag falls.

Abu Dhabi After-Race Concerts

When the racing ends, the evening is only just beginning. Access to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after-race concerts is always included with ITC so you can move from on-track action to on-stage entertainment effortlessly at Etihad Park.

Located just a short walk from Yas Marina Circuit, Etihad Park has hosted some of the world's biggest names since the first Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2009, from Beyoncé and Paul McCartney to Jay-Z and Kings of Leon. Four headline performances take place across the Grand Prix weekend, with the line-up spanning genres and generations.

It has become one of the defining features of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, adding another dimension to the experience beyond the track. After a day of racing, settle in for an evening of live entertainment before returning to Yas Island's restaurants, bars and nightlife.

For the full line-up and more information including golden circle upgrades, read our Abu Dhabi Grand Prix concerts Guide.

Where to Stay in Abu Dhabi for the Grand Prix

Choosing the right hotel can transform your Abu Dhabi Grand Prix experience off the circuit, whether you'd prefer to be close to the city or retreat to the beach between days at the Yas Marina.

We'll help choose the perfect choice for you, but here are a couple of our favourites for the race weekend.

Beach Rotana

30 minutes from Yas Marina, 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 water sports, or lounge by the pool. Major attractions are also close by.

Saadiyat Rotana

For a more tranquil escape, Saadiyat Rotana sits on the shores of one of Abu Dhabi’s most beautiful beaches, just 20 minutes from the circuit. Its spacious rooms, extensive leisure facilities, Zen Spa and choice of excellent restaurants make it a particularly appealing retreat after a race session.

Things to do in Abu Dhabi on Grand Prix Weekend

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix provides the perfect excuse to spend a little longer in the emirate. Beyond Yas Marina Circuit, you can balance the excitement of race weekend with time on the water, in the desert or simply enjoying Abu Dhabi's exceptional restaurants, beaches and hotels.

For more high-energy action, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi has record-breaking rides including Formula Rossa to behind-the-scenes Ferrari experiences. Alternatively, step away from Yas Island and into the desert for a private safari, with dune drives, camel rides and dinner beneath the stars.

The sparkling Arabian Gulf around Abu Dhabi is not to be missed and offers a fresh new perspective on the city. A private yacht charter or sunset cruise is a leisurely way to spend an afternoon, while a private helicopter flight reveals the emirate from above, from the coastline and islands to the city skyline.

And when you simply want to slow down, our experts can secure privileged access to exclusive beach clubs, exceptional restaurants and private luxury shopping appointments to fill the hours between the racing and the evening's celebrations.

Getting to the Yas Marina Circuit

With Yas Marina Circuit located on Yas Island, getting to the heart of the Grand Prix is refreshingly straightforward. The circuit is just around 10 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, while the city's hotels and attractions are also within easy reach.

On race weekend, however, the roads around Yas Island can become considerably busier, particularly around the main race and after the evening concerts. That's where having your transport arranged in advance makes all the difference.

With transfers included as standard in our Abu Dhabi Grand Prix holidays, you can travel between your hotel and the circuit without having to navigate race-day traffic, parking or queues. After the chequered flag, your driver will be ready to take you back to your hotel or onwards to your evening plans, allowing you to enjoy the celebrations without worrying about the journey home.

How we can tailor your Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Holiday

A Formula One holiday can involve a lot of moving parts, but your experience shouldn't feel that way.

From choosing the right hospitality experience and luxury hotel to arranging transfers, concert access upgrades and tailored excursions to explore Abu Dhabi, we take care of every detail around the main event and tailor it precisely to you.

With our extensive first-hand knowledge of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the destination itself, we'll arrange a seamless experience from arrival to departure, leaving you free to enjoy the season finale at its very best.

And if you'd like to extend your experience with more time in Abu Dhabi, a few days in Dubai or a relaxing break in the Maldives or elsewhere, we have access to some of the world's finest hotels, resorts and elevated experiences.

"The world’s greatest spectacles and adventures deserve to be experiences without compromise, so we’re on hand with 24/7 support and our highly attentive concierge service while you travel." Jimmy Rowan, Head of Sports