Abu Dhabi gears up for record-breaking F1 weekend

Record crowds are expected for the 2025 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with organisers Ethara projecting the largest attendance in the UAE event’s 17-year history. Taking place from 4 to 7 December at Yas Marina Circuit, the race follows last year’s edition, which drew a record 192,000 spectators across four days. 

The season finale will host 10 F1 teams featuring 20 drivers, alongside eight headline acts, with a three-way title fight set to conclude Formula 1’s 75th season at its 24th and final race. 

As one of Abu Dhabi’s biggest tourism weekends, visitors from more than 100 countries are expected to travel to the UAE capital, with flight bookings for the Grand Prix weekend up 5.4% as of September.

A series of new initiatives and upgraded offerings are helping drive demand this year. The 2025 event will feature its most extensive entertainment programme yet, with post-race concerts every evening by Katy Perry, Elyanna, Metallica, Post Malone and Benson Boone. Official after-parties will include additional performances by Calvin Harris, Idris Elba and Keinemusik, extending the experience from trackside to late night.

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Flight bookings for Abu Dhabi F1 weekend up 5.4%

Tour operators are also capitalising on demand with dedicated Grand Prix products. Celestyal Cruises will operate a special F1 sailing to Abu Dhabi this December, with guests receiving full race weekend tickets as part of the itinerary. Arabian Adventures will also host an exclusive meet-and-greet and speaker session with motorsport personality Guenther Steiner on 5 December at The Fort – Lisaili in Dubai. 

F1 season ticket holders enjoy complimentary access to top attractions across the emirate during race week, including Ferrari World, Warner Bros, Yas Waterworld and SeaWorld, alongside cultural sites Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Watan.