If you’re attending (or planning to attend) the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026, you’re in the right place. From ticket prices to the after-race concerts and top tips on what to carry with you, this is your handy guide to navigating the race weekend
With so much happening in Abu Dhabi and around the UAE, it may be hard to keep up with what’s going on down at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 this December. But lucky for you, we have a huge fan in Team What’s On who will keep true F1 fans up to speed.
As we draw closer to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, we’re going to get a lot of updates, but don’t worry about missing anything – you’ll find it all right here, so bookmark this page, as it will receive continuous updates.
Basic information:
When is the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026?
Thursday, December 3 to 6, 2026
What are the timings for the races at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026?
Friday, December 4
Practice 1: 1.30pm
Practice 2: 5pm
Saturday, December 5
Practice 3: 2.30pm
Qualifying: 6pm
Sunday, December 6
Race: 5pm
*Do note, the Driver’s Parade usually takes place two hours before the race on Sunday. But stay tuned, as we will confirm this as and when we know.
*F1 announces Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2027 dates with the addition of a sprint race*
How much are tickets to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026?
Now, if you don’t have your tickets to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 yet, don’t worry; not judging (well, maybe a little…) you still have time to nab your spots.
There are thankfully tickets left for a number of categories and there’s something to suit all budgets. Let’s break it down, and remember, the closer we get to seeing the red lights go out on the Yas Marina circuit, the faster the last of the tickets will sell out. Consider this your yellow flag.
Ticket categories and prices
Currently these are the prices listed on the official Abu Dhabi Grand Prix website.
GENERAL ADMISSION
There are plenty of options for general admission starting from Dhs745, but race fans, do note, pick this ticket and you’ll be watching the race on screens located at the Oasis Areas (see below).
It will give you access to the after-race concerts if that’s what you’re really chasing. Read on to remind yourself of who is performing on what day.
If you prefer to watch the racing action right in front of your eyes, here’s what’s available.
GRANDSTANDS
Marina Grandstand four-day ticket: From Dhs2,395
North Straight Grandstand four-day ticket: From Dhs2,400
South Grandstand four-day ticket: From Dhs2,495
PREMIUM
Terrace At West four-day ticket: From Dhs3,495
Horizon Terrace four-day ticket: From Dhs3,995
16/360 – The Terrace Collection four-day ticket: Dhs5,995
PREMIUM HOSPITALITY
Marina Views four-day ticket: From Dhs7,995
Horizon Terrace Premium four-day ticket: From Dhs7,995
Circle at 16/360 featuring Shimza, CamelPhat and Black Coffee four-day ticket: From Dhs8,495
Sunset Lounge Premium four-day ticket: From Dhs11,995
Deck at Two four-day tickets: From Dhs13,995
You can buy your tickets here.
*Anyma to perform at Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix Friday after-party*
Where and what are the Oasis Areas?
The Oasis Areas are essentially the fan zones, and there are five of them surrounding the Yas Marina Circuit.
Expect it to be packed with food vendors, souvenir stores, spots to sit back and relax, art, and stages hosting DJs, singers and local talent.
The five areas are:
-
- Main Oasis: Beside the Main Grandstand
- Abu Dhabi Hill Oasis: Within the Abu Dhabi Hill general admission area
- North Oasis: Near the North Grandstand
- West Oasis: Beside the West Grandstand
- South & Marina Oasis: Near the South Grandstand and Marina sections
How to get to the Yas Marina Circuit?
There are several ways to get to the Yas Marina Circuit, but the best way would be using public transportation, as… as you can imagine, there will be queues. But remember, this is the same as with any huge festival, sporting event, and concert. So, patience is key.
If you do decide to drive over, it would be worth it to travel along with your mates. This will help reduce the number of cars out on the road, thus reducing traffic. The same applies to taking a taxi. Meet up with your friends prior to the event, and come together. It will also save you plenty of dirhams.
If you are bringing your car, keep your eyes peeled for signs directing you to various parking zones.
*How to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi without a car*
If you’re coming from Dubai, make use of the intercity bus from Al Ghubaiba or Ibn Battuta Bus Station. You will get dropped off at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, after which you can take the local bus to Yas Island.
If you’re already in Abu Dhabi, check out the bus schedule in advance and plan your route.
What should you carry to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026?
Here’s a quick list:
- Your Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 ticket (have it ready on your phone)
- Your phone (fully charged)
- Emirates ID
- Credit card and some cash – though in the past, all vendors accepted tap payment
- Battery pack and wire (fully charged)
- Hat
- Sunscreen (or/and a UV protective jacket)
- Lip balm
- Sunglasses
- Small sanitiser bottle
- Empty water bottle – to be confirmed* (Water filling stations have been available at the track in the past)
- Small towel/tissues
- Earplugs – great for the little ones in case the cars are too loud
- Medication for the day
Items prohibited, and this list could be updated closer to race day, include outside food and drink, firearms and weapons, flags and banners, umbrellas, musical instruments, seating devices (chairs, stools, etc), bicycles (yes, including scooters), drones, fireworks, laser pointers, etc. The whole list can be found here.
Also, it’s very important to note that all your items must be able to fit in a small bag, small enough to fit under the seat at the grandstands.
Who is performing at the Yasalam After-Race Concerts at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026?
Andrea Bocelli (Yasalam Classics) – Wednesday, December 2
Okay, so Andrea Bocelli isn’t technically part of the Yasalam After-Race Concerts, per say. But he is the first to kick off the inaugural Yasalam Classics, which takes place right before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Italian tenor will perform at the Etihad Arena and will be accompanied by the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra.
Your Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket won’t gain you access to see the world-renowned tenor, so you will need to purchase a separate ticket. Seats are slowly selling out, but you can nab them here for a starting price of Dhs295.
Andrea Bocelli’s concert will take place at the Etihad Arena.
As for the Yasalam After-Race Concerts, here’s the line-up.
Zara Larsson and Lewis Capaldi – Thursday, December 3
Kicking off the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 weekend are Zara Larsson and Lewis Capaldi. The female pop powerhouse will join the stage with everyone’s favourite emotional ballad king Lewis Capaldi for the very first night.
Alex Warren – Friday, December 4
Singer-songwriter Alex Warren joined the lineup for the 2026 Yasalam After-Race Concerts for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix just last month. He is the voice behind the very popular hit Ordinary. Learn the lyrics now so you’re prepped for when he, and most likely the whole arena, belts it out.
One more artist is yet to be announced for December 4, so stay tuned for an update.
Imagine Dragons – Saturday, December 5
Hugely popular American pop rock band Imagine Dragons will headline the Yasalam After-Race Concerts on December 5. The GRAMMY Award-winning band are behind the hit singles Radioactive, Demons, Believer, and Thunder. Their performances have filled arenas and stadiums – so, no matter how tired you are, don’t skip the concert.
The Script and The Chainsmokers – Sunday, December 6
Closing what we’re sure will be a phenomenal 2026 season, The Chainsmokers and The Script will deliver the closing performances of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026. American DJ duo, The Chainsmokers will make their Abu Dhabi debut and we can expect hits such as Closer ft. Halsey and Something Just Like This ft. Coldplay.
The Script will also perform on the same night. They are known for anthems such as Hall of Fame ft. will.i.am and The Man Who Can’t Be Moved. This will also be the very first time the Irish pop-rock band performs in the capital.
Where are the Yasalam After-Race Concerts held?
All concerts (besides Bocelli) take place at Etihad Live.
Can I purchase tickets just for the Yasalam After-Race Concerts?
The short answer, no.
For non-F1 fans, if you just want to see these performers in Abu Dhabi, unfortunately, you will need a ticket to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Besides Andrea Bocelli, you can absolutely purchase tickets to see him.
What’s currently going on in the current season of Formula 1?
If you’re up to date with what’s happening in the ongoing season, the below are basic facts.
Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS is currently leading the Drivers’ Championship this year, and he could become the youngest World Champion in Formula 1 history if he clinches the title this season.
As of October 21, if all goes his way, Antonelli could clinch the title at the United States GP on October 25). However, a more plausible window could be the Mexican GP (November 2) or the Brazilian GP (November 8).
Mathematically, five drivers besides Antonelli are still in contention for the championship – George Russell (Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS and Antonelli’s team mate, who sadly has been having a spot of bad luck), Lewis Hamilton (Scuderia Ferrari), Max Verstappen (Oracle Red Bull Racing), Charles Leclerc (Scuderia Ferrari) and Lando Norris (McLaren Mastercard F1 Team).
As for the Constructors’ Championship, Mercedes currently has a strong lead, which means this too could be decided at the United States GP.
But, as we all know, anything can happen in Formula 1, which means we just have to sit on the edge of our seats… and wait.
So… why should you still attend the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?
Even if the likelihood of the World Championship and Constructors Championship being decided in Abu Dhabi is slim, there’s still plenty of reasons why you should attend.
We can still get plenty of drama out on the track. Remember, drivers could still be chasing personal goals, can still grab points both, personally and for the team, and battle each other for the final podium in the capital.
For F1 fans, it’s also the last chance to see drivers race before they go on a long break. They will only return to the track for the new season in March 2027 for the Bahrain GP.
Besides the race, there’s the Yasalam After-Race Concerts, and of course during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, you will be treated to an electric atmosphere from the fanzones packed with plenty of activities; food and drink stalls; and shops.
If you found this guide helpful, bookmark it. We will be updating it as and when more announcements are made.
See you at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix! Follow us on social media on @whatsondubai and @whatsonabudhabi as we will be posting updates throughout the weekend.
Images: Getty Images