Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

The Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix closes the 2026 season at Yas Marina Circuit, on Yas Island just east of Abu Dhabi city. formula1.com lists the weekend as Friday 4 to Sunday 6 December 2026: two practice sessions on Friday, final practice and qualifying on Saturday, and the 58-lap race on Sunday. The promoter's own programme starts a day earlier, on Thursday 3 December, when F1 ticket holders can visit the Fanzone at the Main and West Oasis.

The track has hosted the race since 2009, when it was the season finale for the first time. It is 5.281 km long, and formula1.com describes a lap dominated by the 1.2 km straight between Turns 5 and 6, with the banked Turn 9 added in 2021. Formula 2 and Formula 4 UAE races run on the same weekend.

As a trip, the race is compact. The circuit sits on an island of hotels, theme parks, a marina and Yas Mall, the Yas Marina Circuit FAQ lists several hotels within 2 km, and the promoter runs free circular shuttles around the island on race days. Abu Dhabi's airport is about 10 minutes away by taxi. Race tickets also include after-race concerts, and 3-day and 4-day tickets add a day at a Yas Island theme park and entry to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Watan, which makes a longer stay easy to fill.

Read the FCDO notice at the top of this page before you book: the UK government doesn't advise against travel to the UAE, but it does warn of regional tensions and possible flight disruption. The 2027 race is confirmed for 10–12 December 2027 on the official calendar.

• The season finale: the last of 23 rounds on the 2026 Formula 1 calendar.
• The 1.2 km straight between Turns 5 and 6, which formula1.com calls a honeypot for overtaking, and the banked Turn 9 added in 2021.
• Fanzones and Oasis areas next to the grandstands, with driver Q&As, live music and food, open to all race ticket holders.
• After-race concerts at Etihad Live, included with race tickets on the days they're valid (general admission, first come first served).
• Support races: Formula 2 and Formula 4 UAE run across the weekend.

• Yas Island: the circuit's own island. The Yas Marina Circuit FAQ lists several hotels within 2 km, and on race days the promoter runs free circular shuttles around the island. The most convenient base.
• Central Abu Dhabi: far more choice, from the Corniche to Al Maryah Island. Taxis and ride-hailing apps reach Yas Island, and bus route 190 runs to Yas Island from the Abu Dhabi Bus Station next to Al Wahda Mall.
• Saadiyat Island: beaches and Mamsha Al Saadiyat, close to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, which 3-day and 4-day race tickets include.
• Dubai: possible if you're combining cities. The circuit FAQ gives the bus route from Dubai's Al Ghubaiba Bus Station to Abu Dhabi Bus Station, then route 190 to Yas Island; allow plenty of time.

From the UK: fly to Zayed International Airport (AUH), Abu Dhabi's airport. Etihad says it runs up to four non-stop flights a day from London Heathrow (LHR), and it also sells flights from Manchester (MAN). The Yas Marina Circuit FAQ says Yas Island is only about 10 minutes from the airport by taxi. British citizens get a free visitor visa on arrival, valid for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, according to GOV.UK.

On race days: the promoter runs free circuit circular shuttles around Yas Island; the Wayfinding map in the official Abu Dhabi GP app shows your nearest stop. If you drive, the official FAQ mentions parking at Yas Mall with shuttle buses to the circuit, all fitted with ramps. Taxis and ride-hailing apps (Careem, Uber) also serve the island. From central Abu Dhabi, bus route 190 runs to Yas Island from the Abu Dhabi Bus Station next to Al Wahda Mall. Etihad Live, where the after-race concerts are held, is a walk from the circuit via the North Oasis.

For the country, see our United Arab Emirates guide.

Flight delayed or cancelled on the way? See our Travel Disruption guide for your rights.

Tickets are sold on the official site, abudhabigp.com, through its ticketing partner Ticketmaster UAE, by phone on 800-YAS (927) or +971 2 497 9000, at sales outlets at Yas Mall and Yas Central, and through authorised onsellers listed on the official site. Tickets and upgrades can't be bought on site.

Tickets are digital only and must be shown in the official Abu Dhabi GP app; screenshots and printouts aren't accepted. Children aged 2 and under go free; everyone aged 3 and over needs a ticket. The promoter says resale isn't permitted except by official onsellers, and tickets from unauthorised sources may not be accepted for entry. Refunds are only given if the event is cancelled, but you can transfer tickets to friends or family in the app.

Where you sleep shapes the day: Yas Island hotels are closest to the circuit; central Abu Dhabi has much more choice and is a short taxi ride away.

What you can't bring: the official list includes alcohol, food (except baby food or food needed for medical reasons, with a prescription or doctor's letter), bottles, cans and flasks other than refillable water containers, umbrellas bought outside, chairs and stools, drones, video cameras and GoPro-type devices, cameras with lenses over 30 cm, air horns and loudhailers, and any large item that won't fit under a seat.

Food and drink: sold at all Oasis areas. Alcohol is available in designated areas to over-21s with photo ID.

Dress: the circuit asks visitors to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that cover the shoulders, arms and legs.

Noise and weather: F1 cars are loud, so ear protection is sensible, especially for children. December is outside Abu Dhabi's summer heat, but days can still be warm: bring sun protection and drink water.

Your phone is your ticket: install the latest Abu Dhabi GP app, log in with the email you bought with, and keep your phone charged.

The promoter says all Oasis areas and most grandstands are wheelchair accessible, with the most suitable options at the Main and North Grandstands; book wheelchair tickets on 800-YAS (927), +971 2 497 9000 or WhatsApp +971 800 927. One companion ticket is free when booked in suitable areas of those two grandstands; elsewhere a companion needs their own ticket.

Several areas are reached by stairs only, including Abu Dhabi Hill and the West, Straight, Marina, South and North Straight grandstands; check each product's accessibility details before you buy. The West and East Gates provide transport to the grandstands for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility, the Yas Mall shuttle buses have ramps, and AskYAS information points inside the circuit can arrange the Mobility Impaired Transport Service. The circuit doesn't lend wheelchairs, so bring your own.

The FCDO doesn't advise against travel to the UAE, but it warns that the situation in the Middle East is unpredictable, with a high risk of sudden escalation, and that British nationals should be prepared for flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruption. It advises following local authorities' advice, signing up for FCDO travel advice email alerts and keeping your plans under review.

• Before you go, read the UK government's FCDO travel advice for the United Arab Emirates (entry requirements, safety and local laws).
• Flight delayed or cancelled on the way? See our Travel Disruption guide for your rights and live alerts.