With 50 days to go until the 2026 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Ethara has confirmed the racing schedule, entertainment lineup and hospitality programme for what is shaping up to be the most expansive edition of the season finale yet.
The race runs from December 3 to 6 at Yas Marina Circuit, coinciding with UAE National Day. It marks the final round of the Formula One World Championship and the return of the Yasalam festival.
“The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the UAE’s flagship event, bringing together thousands of fans and showcasing Abu Dhabi as a leading destination for international sport and entertainment. With anticipation building, we look forward to welcoming fans to Yas Island for another memorable edition of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix,” Saif Al Noaimi, CEO of Ethara said in a statement.
This year brings a notable structural change: 11 F1 teams will compete in Abu Dhabi for the first time, up from 10 in 2025. The Formula 2 Championship will also conclude at the circuit, and AZM GT, a new Yas Marina Circuit-owned championship, will make its debut as a support series with a non-championship Trophy Round.
Tickets are moving fast. The Main Grandstand, North Grandstand and several other categories are already sold out, with organisers saying demand is tracking at a similar pace to 2025.
“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. 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,” David Powell, Chief Portfolio & Strategy Officer at Ethara Live added.
The Yasalam entertainment programme, presented by etisalat, has announced 11 acts. Andrea Bocelli will headline Yasalam Classics at Etihad Arena.
The Etihad Live After-Race Concert lineup includes Lewis Capaldi, Zara Larsson, Alex Warren, Imagine Dragons, The Chainsmokers and The Script. Anyma presents ÆDEN will headline an Official After-Party, with Black Coffee, CamelPhat and Shimza at the 16/360 venue.
On the hospitality side, the Formula 1 Paddock Club is expanding. An extension is being added at Turn 1 to bring capacity to 12,200 guests, up from 11,000 in 2025, making it the largest Paddock Club in Formula 1 history, according to organisers. New dining options include Nammos at Deck at Nine and three Atlantis Dubai restaurants making their Grand Prix debut: Ling Ling, Estiatorio Milos and Nobu Dubai.
The economic case for the event is well-established. The 2025 Grand Prix generated AED 1.3 billion in visitor spending, with 40,000 people involved in event delivery, 90 per cent of accredited staff drawn from UAE-based professionals, and 230 local SMEs contracted as suppliers.
“The success of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is measured by more than ticket sales and attendance. During the event, visitor spending supports local businesses and generates economic activity across the emirate. The long-term benefits go further still, with repeat visits, job creation and new investment opportunities extending the event’s impact well beyond race week. 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.
