Abu Dhabi has, over the past couple of decades, established itself as a global hub for top-class sport. One of those is the fast-paced Formula One; a sport where the stakes are high, the excitement is higher, and the exclusivity is stratospheric.
Each December, Yas Island welcomes race aficionados to Abu Dhabi for the final meeting of the year, where global celebrities and ultra-high-net-worth individuals mix for a weekend of high-octane fun, in some of the most luxurious surroundings on earth
Its status as a season-ender, where dreams can be made – and lost – sees the city thrust into the global spotlight, allowing it to showcase some of its world-class infrastructure to the watching world. So, whether you’re just in town on a flying visit for the race, a guest exploring business opportunities or a UAE resident, this guide will provide everything you need to know about the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: A Brief History
With the emergence of Abu Dhabi as a global city in the mid-2000s, the Emirati government put a plan in place to capitalise on the influx of new residents and tourists to the city, as well as the wider UAE. This included a dedicated drive to bring top-class sport to the country, and in early 2007, at the Abu Dhabi Formula One festival – the largest gathering of Formula One cars and drivers outside of an actual race meeting – it was announced that Abu Dhabi would be added to the race calendar from 2009. The race took pride of place as the final race of the season, a position it has retained ever since
The first contract agreed between Abu Dhabi and the race organisers ran from 2009 to 2016, with Emirates also coming on board as the race’s main sponsor, initially agreeing to a three-year deal. That deal has since been extended, and this year, Etihad will celebrate its 16th year as an official partner of the race.
To say the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has been a success would be something of an understatement. The meeting has gone from strength to strength since its humble origins back in 2009, and now stands as one of Abu Dhabi’s – and the Formula One calendar’s – premier social gatherings, with a string of top musicians performing across the weekend.
Yas Marina Circuit: Where Podium Meets Prestige
As one of the newer tracks on the calendar, Yas Marina Circuit is widely regarded as one of the best tracks in the world. Capable of holding 60,000 spectators, the track features a high-tech design and boasts the largest permanent sports venue lighting system in the world.
With 16 corners and multiple straights – ideal for elevated excitement – the track is one of the most unique in the world, with former driver Nico Rosberg admitting as much after his first practice session on the track in 2009. In what can only be described as a touching tribute to the sport’s heritage, Bruno Senna – nephew of legendary Brazilian champion Ayrton – was the first driver to complete a test lap at the circuit, just weeks before the first official race.
5.2 kilometres in length, the track’s race lap record is held by former McLaren driver Kevin Magnussen, while the most successful driver is England’s Lewis Hamilton, who boasts no fewer than five F1 Grand Prix wins at Yas Marina Circuit. The circuit was also the first to offer day-night races, and continues to do so to this day.
Revving Up Revenue: What the Race Brings to Abu Dhabi
Bringing a Formula One race to a city is no easy task, and the Emirati government did not just decide to bid for the race on a whim. A highly exclusive sport, there are many benefits to hosting the world’s premier motor racing competition for a city.
As well as the prestige associated with hosting not just any race, but the final race meeting of the calendar, Abu Dhabi also enjoys an economic boost, with thousands of added visitors spending big on luxury hotels, restaurants, transport and entertainment.
The city also enjoys a boost in recognition globally, with each passing year solidifying Abu Dhabi as one of the world’s best cities when it comes to top-class sport. The fan experiences on offer are second to none, with a range of hospitality tickets including paddock access and the chance to meet team members, as well as drivers.
Its spectacular setting also makes it one of the most sought-after destinations on the circuit, with fans attracted by its unique layout and waterfront location – conjuring images of arguably the most iconic track in world motor sport, Monaco.
Pit-Stop in Style: Where to Stay During F1 Weekend
The area surrounding Yas Marina Circuit is home to some of Abu Dhabi’s most exclusive hotels, so those in town for the weekend can relax in sophisticated surroundings, safe in the knowledge that their every need will be taken care of.
The W Abu Dhabi is a hotel where convenience and luxury go hand-in-hand. Overlooking the circuit – a section of the track actually goes under the hotel – you cannot get much closer to the action without being in one of the arena’s five grandstands. The hotel also offers supreme exclusivity, with options such as the ‘Fantastic Suite’ presenting unparalleled lodgings.
The Hilton Abu Dhabi, just a short walk from Yas Marina Circuit, also offers its own exemplary suites. An incomparable waterfront retreat, the hotel presents one of the best swimming pools in the city, as well as a lively Irish bar on-site – ideal for international visitors who wish to unwind after a day of high-octane excitement.
The Radisson Blu Hotel also provides discerning guests with a harmonious stay while in town for the race. Located just minutes from the track, the hotel boasts exceptional views of the iconic Yas Links course, as well as elegant suites and access to a range of added attractions – such as Ferrari World Abu Dhabi – to further enhance your stay.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has been a barnstorming success, no matter which metric it is measured against. With the prestigious status that comes with being the final race meeting of the calendar, and the fact that the race usually decides who will be crowned Formula One champion, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is now one of the most anticipated of the season. The weekend also presents visitors with the opportunity to experience a truly global city, one which will hopefully be a fixture of the Formula One schedule for years to come.
