Abu Dhabi Grand Prix FAQs

How Do I Get To The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?

Fortunately for F1 fans the UAE and Abu Dhabi are very easy to get to. Etihad and British Airways fly directly to Abu Dhabi from London with 147 flights per week. Flight time is approximately 7 hours, but be warned – you’ll be paying a premium to fly during the week of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

There are alternatives, however. There are indirect flights available, with stopovers in Bahrain and Amsterdam popular, as well as the other option of flying to Dubai instead. Dubai is approximately a 90 minute drive from Abu Dhabi, but far more accessible, with direct flights from London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and Newcastle. If you are moving onto Abu Dhabi then a taxi or Uber from DBX is very easy and reasonably priced - or of course there is the option of staying in Dubai and making the trip into Yas Island for the race.

What Is The Best Accommodation Available For The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?

Grand Prix accommodation is of course always subject to cost, but there are plenty of hotels available in Abu Dhabi to suit every budget. By far the most convenient place to stay is on Yas Island itself, with several hotels available, including The W Abu Dhabi, Yas Island Rotana & The Radisson Blu all popular choices.

There are a number of alternative hotels situated downtown, which is approximately a 30 minute drive from Yas Marina Circuit. Corniche is a popular area to stay and taxis are easy to come by and reasonably priced. For more information on Abu Dhabi Grand Prix accommodation please see a related blog here. 

What Time Does The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix start?

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has the unique feature of being the only twilight Grand Prix on the calendar, with the race starting at 5pm. This makes for an excellent atmosphere and spectacle, with the sun setting over the marina at the start of the race, before the fireworks light up the night sky following the chequered flag. An evening race also means it’s a cooler temperature, and the bonus is it give you some time to work on your tan by the hotel pool during the day!

What Are The Best Hospitality Packages Available For The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?

There are a few hospitality packages available for Abu Dhabi but the one that stands out is our very own Harbour Club. This VIP facility is based at the W Hotel and features an air-conditioned suite with a large adjoining terrace overlooking the track. An open Champagne bar serves complimentary drinks throughout the day and there is a sumptuous choice of cuisine prepared by the 5* hotel’s chefs.

Formula One Paddock Club is also very popular in Abu Dhabi, although it’s at the very high end in terms of cost. Views over the team garages as well as the start / finish straight serve up some high-speed action, and the hospitality itself is typically first class.

Like the Monaco Grand Prix there are several yacht hospitality options, although in our opinion the experience in Abu Dhabi doesn’t compare to Monte-Carlo in terms of quality and views. The water level of the marina is very low, meaning that the track views are limited and the yachts can therefore be overcrowded on the upper decks.

For more information on hospitality packages in Abu Dhabi please see the website or feel free to contact a member of the team.

Can You Drink Alcohol At The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?

The short answer is yes. Like Dubai, Abu Dhabi has a fairly liberal attitude towards alcohol and there is very much a party atmosphere during the Grand Prix. Of course, you still need to be careful – it’s illegal to be drunk in a public place, and the authorities definitely don’t accept any drunk and disorderly behaviour. It’s also worth checking with your hotel before you book, as some of them are alcohol free.

Are After Race Concert Tickets Included In My Abu Dhabi GP Hospitality Package?

Yes, all ticket holders receive wrist bands to the concerts on that specific day. Kendrick Lamar is the headline act for the Saturday night, with Sunday evening’s act still to be confirmed (Kelli in the office is praying for Westlife!)

The concerts are held at the Etihad Park, formerly known as the Du Arena. The arena is walkable from the circuit – there are free shuttle buses available but to be honest, due to traffic you’re better off walking!

What’s The Weather Like During The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?

The Grand Prix takes place in mid-November meaning that temperatures range between roughly 25 – 30 degrees. For the British fans that means Abu Dhabi provides a very welcome piece of winter sun, without the unbearable heat of a UAE summer. The fact that the race and qualifying take place in the evening also makes for much more of a comfortable experience.

What Else Is There To Do In Abu Dhabi During The Grand Prix?

Despite often being overlooked by tourists who favour Dubai, there is still plenty to do in Abu Dhabi, and your downtime during the Grand Prix is an excellent opportunity to explore its wonders. Our top 4 highlights are:

1. Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This is one of the largest and impressive mosques in the world and is well worth a visit while in Abu Dhabi. The architecture is amazing and entry is free – you just need to take ID and dress appropriately.
2. Visit the Louvre. Even for non art-lovers the Louvre is definitely worth taking the time to see. Entry is only 60 DHS and if the fine art and artefacts from ancient civilisations don’t wow you then the iconic building itself definitely will!
3. Ferrari World. High speed adrenaline junkies will not be disappointed with Ferrari World – hosting the world’s fastest rollercoaster, along with driver experiences and other attractions. Ferrari World is on Yas Island, so is a must for anyone looking for the ultimate Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend experience.
4. Relax at the beach. As previously mentioned the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix takes place in the depth of the British winter. With dark and grim weather back home it’s always a great opportunity to enjoy one of Abu Dhabi’s many beaches in the November sun. Corniche is a good choice – and with 4 miles of pristine sandy beach lined with cafes and restaurants, you can’t go wrong.

What Should I Wear At The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?

This is a question that often comes up with our guests, and is as much to do with the culture of the UAE as it is the weather. Out of respect it is always a good idea to cover your arms, legs and shoulders when in public places such as the mall but it is generally acceptable to wear shorts and short sleeved shirts while at the Grand Prix. Please see here for more information.