Abu Dhabi F1 Weekend Guide 2026

Heading to Abu Dhabi for F1? From the racing and headline concerts to waterfront dinners and nights out with your mates, there’s plenty to fit into the weekend. We’ve pulled the essentials together to help you plan yours.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend runs from 3 to 6 December 2026, with the main race starting at 5pm on Sunday at Yas Marina Circuit. Whether you’re following every practice session, coming for the music or making a weekend of it with the family, here’s what to know before you head to Yas Island.

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026: the race weekend schedule

Formula 1 track action starts on Friday, followed by Saturday’s qualifying and Sunday’s season finale. Here are the key timings:

All times are UAE local time, GST (UTC+4). Check the official Abu Dhabi GP app for any schedule changes before setting off.

Want to catch more of the racing? Formula 2’s sprint starts at 4.15pm on Saturday, with the feature race at 1.15pm on Sunday. The F1 drivers’ parade follows at 3pm on Sunday, so there’s good reason to get settled before lights out.

Getting Your Abu Dhabi F1 Tickets Sorted

Before you book, decide what you want from your weekend. Grandstand seats, hospitality and roaming passes offer different experiences. Some Roaming Oasis packages show the racing on screens, so check the details if seeing the cars on track is top of your list.

Book through the official Abu Dhabi GP website, Ticketmaster UAE or an authorised seller, checking the days, concert access and age restrictions included.

Your tickets live in the Abu Dhabi GP app, and you’ll need to show them there for entry. Screenshots and printouts won’t work. Get everything set up before you leave and keep a power bank handy. You’ll need your phone well beyond dinner.

Concerts, fan zones and plans after dark

Who’s performing at the Abu Dhabi F1 concerts?

With Kings of Leon, Jennifer Lopez and Imagine Dragons among the headliners, leave room in your plans for the music too. The daily line-up is in the table above.

The Yasalam After-Race Concerts take place at Etihad Live, formerly Etihad Park. Keep that name handy when booking your ride: Etihad Arena at Yas Bay is a different venue.

Eligible GP tickets include concert access for the relevant days, with general admission on a first-come, first-served basis. Golden Circle upgrades offer guaranteed entry and a spot closer to the stage. At the gates, open your concert ticket in the GP app, rather than your race-entry barcode.

Keeping the night going

For electronic music fans, Anyma presents ÆDEN comes to Yas Gateway Park on Friday 4 December, bringing large-scale visuals to the official after-party. Entry is 21+ and needs its own admission, either bought separately or specifically included in your package.

Arriving a day early? Andrea Bocelli performs at Etihad Arena on Wednesday 2 December as part of Yasalam Classics. You’ll need a separate ticket for this one.

Make time for the fan zones

Between sessions, head to the circuit’s Oasis areas for food, merchandise, entertainment and interactive activities. Check the app for driver appearances and the daily programme.

Our tip: grab something to eat at the circuit before the concert, and save the long waterfront dinner for another evening.

Where to eat and drink during Abu Dhabi F1 weekend

A meal by the water, games with the kids or live music with your mates? Yas Bay Waterfront brings all three together, making it a handy place to meet when everyone has different weekend plans.

Just allow time to get there. Yas Bay is separate from Yas Marina and the circuit, and waterfront views don’t mean trackside seats.

The venues below sit outside the official Grand Prix programme. These are their advertised weekly and seasonal offerings; check availability for 3 to 6 December when reserving your table.

For something a little more elevated: Asia Asia Abu Dhabi

Gather your favourite people around the table at Asia Asia Abu Dhabi, where Pan-Asian dining, cocktails and Yas Bay views set the scene for an evening together.

Its regular Friday Night Brunch runs from 8pm to 11pm, with a four-course sharing menu and drinks packages from AED 395. Make this your Friday evening plan if you’re skipping the concert.

Prefer an afternoon catch-up? The weekend lunch offers two courses and sides for AED 165, from 2pm to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Book early if you’re heading to the circuit afterwards, particularly on race day.

For the whole family: Central Abu Dhabi

If the kids have heard enough about lap times, Central Abu Dhabi gives them something else to get competitive about. Think bowling, arcade games, burgers and milkshakes, all in one Yas Bay hangout.

The regular Saturday Family Brunch runs from 1pm to 4pm, with food, drinks and children’s activities. It’s a good shout for family members sitting out final practice.

On Sunday, get everyone together for a proper roast. Central’s Festive Roast is advertised throughout December from noon to 10pm: AED 150 for adults with a house drink, or AED 85 for children with a soft drink and AED 30 gaming credit. A noon table leaves more of your afternoon free for the racing.

For live music and a night with your mates: Lock, Stock & Barrel

Live music, sharing food and a waterfront terrace: Lock, Stock & Barrel Abu Dhabi has the makings of a proper group night out. The venue welcomes guests aged 21 and over.

Its regular Saturday Night Live Brunch starts at 8pm, with food and three hours of unlimited drinks for AED 200. Live music kicks off at 10pm. Choosing a bar night over the concert? Round up your mates, reserve a table and confirm what’s on for race weekend.

One to keep an eye on: Oro Verde

There’s a new name coming to Yas Bay. Oro Verde Abu Dhabi will bring Peruvian flavours and Japanese techniques together through Nikkei dining, with sharing dishes and cocktails by the waterfront. Keep an eye on its opening announcement and confirm December availability before making plans.

First time in Abu Dhabi? Make a weekend of it

There’s plenty worth leaving room for beyond Yas Island. Set aside a morning for Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island, or visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, arranging your visitor pass and checking visiting hours and clothing requirements beforehand.

For a day with the family, Yas Island has Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World and SeaWorld. Give yourselves time to enjoy your chosen park rather than squeezing it between track sessions.

Check your GP ticket before booking extras. Eligible three-day and four-day packages include selected city attractions and a choice of one Yas Island theme park or teamLab Phenomena, subject to the ticket’s redemption conditions and validity dates.

Getting there, getting around and getting home

If most of your plans revolve around the racing and concerts, staying on Yas Island keeps you close to the action. Central Abu Dhabi or Saadiyat can work well for a longer break; just include transfers when comparing your options.

Coming from Dubai? Sort the return journey at the same time as the outward trip. Nobody wants the group chat trying to organise a lift home after the final song.

Yas Express offers complimentary island shuttles. Check the current timetable alongside the GP app’s event transport information, especially for late finishes. If you’re taking a taxi or booking a car, agree on the permitted pickup point before leaving the venue.

Driving? Follow the parking instructions for your ticket and leave room for transfers, security and the walk to your seat. Arriving on Yas Island isn’t quite the same as being ready for lights out.