The Abu Dhabi GP is one of the most glamorous and exciting events on the Formula 1 calendar. It is the final round of the season, held at the Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island, a man-made island that features hotels, resorts, theme parks, golf courses, and a marina.
The race is a spectacular day-night event that starts in the late afternoon and finishes under the floodlights. The race also often decides the outcome of the championship, as it did in 2021 when Max Verstappen claimed his maiden title after a dramatic last lap pass on Lewis Hamilton.
The Yas Marina Circuit is one of the most modern and advanced circuits in the world, featuring a unique pit lane exit that passes under the track, a hotel that spans over the track, and a marina that surrounds the track. The circuit has a length of 5.281 km and consists of 16 corners, with nine right-handers and seven left-handers. Yas Marina has a mix of slow-speed corners, high-speed straights, and technical sections that challenge the drivers and the cars. The circuit also has three DRS zones to aid overtaking.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is not only a thrilling race, but also a fantastic destination for fans to enjoy. There are plenty of attractions and activities to explore on Yas Island. There are also various events and parties that take place during the race weekend, such as concerts, DJs, and yacht parties.
Index To Article on the Abu Dhabi GP 2023
- When Is the Abu Dhabi GP?
- The History of the Abu Dhabi GP
- Which F1 Teams Will be in The Abu Dhabi GP?
- Abu Dhabi GP – Yas Marina Circuit Layout
- Where To Watch the Abu Dhabi GP
- Abu Dhabi GP Entrance Tickets
- Abu Dhabi GP
- Accommodation Options
- Other Activities to Enjoy
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023 Dates – When is the Abu Dhabi GP?
The 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is being run between the 24th and 26th of November 2023.
26th November |
Race |
15:00 |
25th November |
Qualifying |
16:00 – 17:00 |
25th November |
Practice 3 |
12:30 – 13:30 |
24th November |
Practice 2 |
15:00 – 16:00 |
24th November |
Practice 1 |
11:30 – 12:30 |
The History of the Abu Dhabi GP
The Abu Dhabi GP is one of the newest and most glamorous races on the F1 calendar. It is held at the Yas Marina Circuit, a state-of-the-art facility that features a unique layout, a stunning backdrop, and a spectacular day-night transition.
The race has been part of the F1 schedule since 2009 and has hosted several thrilling and decisive battles for the championship. In this chapter, we will explore the history of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, from its origins to its present.
Origins and Development of the Yas Marina Circuit
The idea of hosting a Formula One race in Abu Dhabi, the capital and largest city of the United Arab Emirates, emerged in the early 2000s. It formed part of the emirate’s vision to diversify its economy and promote its tourism and culture. In 2007.
Abu Dhabi signed a deal with Formula One Management to host a Grand Prix from 2009 until 2016.
The race was planned to take place at the Yas Marina Circuit, a new track that was being built on Yas Island. This is a man-made island that also features hotels, resorts, theme parks, golf courses, and a marina.
The circuit was designed by renowned architect Hermann Tilke, who had previously designed several other F1 tracks around the world.
The circuit cost an estimated $1.3 billion to construct, and was completed in October 2009.
The Yas Marina Circuit has a length of 5.554 km (3.451 miles) and consists of 21 turns. It features several distinctive characteristics, such as:
- A long straight between turns 7 and 8, where cars can reach speeds of over 320 km/h (200 mph).
- A tunnel under the Yas Viceroy Hotel, which spans over the track between turns 18 and 19.
- A pit lane exit that runs underneath the track between turns 1 and 2.
- A waterfront section that offers views of the marina and the city skyline.
- A twilight setting, with the race starting in daylight and ending in darkness under floodlights.
The circuit also has several overtaking opportunities, especially at turns 5, 8, 9, and 11. The track has been praised for its aesthetics, safety, and facilities, but also criticized for its lack of character and challenge.
The First Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: 2009
The first Abu Dhabi Grand Prix took place on November 1st, 2009, as the final round of the season. It was also the first F1 race to be held in the Middle East outside Bahrain.
The first F1 race to be held as a day-night event. The race attracted over 50,000 spectators and millions of viewers worldwide.
The race was won by Sebastian Vettel for Red Bull Racing, who started from pole position and led every lap except one. Mark Webber finished second to complete a Red Bull one-two.
Jenson Button finished third for Brawn GP. Button had already secured his first and only World Drivers’ Championship at the previous round in Brazil. Brawn GP had clinched their first and only World Constructors’ Championship at the same event.
The race also marked the final appearances of BMW Sauber and Toyota as F1 constructors.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in the 2010s: A Decade of Drama
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix continued to be part of the F1 calendar in the 2010s. It witnessed several dramatic and memorable moments that shaped the history of the sport. Some of these moments include:
The 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The final round of one of the closest title fights in F1 history. Four drivers entered the race with a chance to win the championship
- Fernando Alonso for Ferrari (246 points)
- Mark Webber for Red Bull (238 points)
- Sebastian Vettel for Red Bull (231 points)
- Lewis Hamilton for McLaren (222 points).
Vettel started from pole position and won the race to claim his first World Drivers’ Championship by four points.
He beat Alonso, who finished seventh after being stuck behind Vitaly Petrov for most of the race.
Webber finished eighth and Hamilton finished second. Red Bull also won their first World Constructors’ Championship.
The 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
A race full of incidents and surprises.
- Kimi Räikkönen won the race for Lotus, his first F1 victory since his comeback in 2012 and his first since the 2009 Belgian Grand Prix.
- Fernando Alonso finished second for Ferrari
- Sebastian Vettel finished third for Red Bull after starting from the pit lane due to a fuel infringement in qualifying
- Lewis Hamilton, who started from pole position and led the first 19 laps, retired on lap 20 due to a fuel pump failure.
- The race also featured two safety car periods, several collisions, and penalties. rivers who were penalized included Sergio Pérez, Romain Grosjean, Pastor Maldonado, Nico Rosberg, and Paul di Resta.
The 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The final round of the season and the first F1 race to award double points (50 points for the winner instead of 25).
Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg entered the race as the only title contenders, with Hamilton leading Rosberg by 17 points (334 to 317). Hamilton started from second place behind Rosberg but overtook him at the start.
He led every lap except one to win the race and his second World Drivers’ Championship. Rosberg suffered from several technical issues during the race and finished 14th.
William’s drivers Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas finished second and third respectively.
Mercedes also won their first World Constructors’ Championship.
The 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The final round of the season and the final race for Nico Rosberg and Jenson Button.
Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg entered the race as the only title contenders, with Rosberg leading Hamilton by 12 points (367 to 355).
Hamilton started from pole position ahead of Rosberg, but in a very unsporting act deliberately slowed down during the race to back Rosberg into the chasing pack.
Rosberg managed to hold off their attacks and finished second behind Hamilton. He won his first and only World Drivers’ Championship by five points. Mercedes also won their third consecutive World Constructors’ Championship.
Rosberg announced his retirement from F1 five days after the race. Button, who started from 12th place, retired on lap 13 due to a suspension failure in what was his final F1 race.
The 2018 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The final round of the season and the final race for Fernando Alonso.
Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel entered the race as the top two drivers in the championship. Hamilton had already secured his fifth World Drivers’ Championship at the previous round in Mexico.
Hamilton started from pole position and won the race ahead of Vettel and Max Verstappen. Mercedes also won their fifth consecutive World Constructors’ Championship.
Alonso, who started from 15th place, finished 11th in his final F1 race before taking a sabbatical from the sport. He also performed donuts on the track with Hamilton and Vettel after the race as a tribute to his career.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in the 2020s: A New Era
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix continued to be part of the F1 calendar in the 2020s, and underwent some changes to adapt to a new era of the sport. Some of these changes include:
The 2020 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The final round of a shortened season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas entered the race as the top two drivers in the championship.
Hamilton had already secured his seventh World Drivers’ Championship at the previous round in Turkey. Bottas started from pole position ahead of Max Verstappen and Hamilton. Verstappen overtook him at the start and led every lap to win the race ahead of Bottas and Hamilton.
Mercedes also won their seventh consecutive World Constructors’ Championship.
The Yas Marina Circuit redevelopment
In July 2021, it was announced that the Yas Marina Circuit would undergo a major redevelopment that would shorten the track length from 5.554 km (3.451
miles) to 5.281 km (3.281 miles) and increase the top speeds and overtaking opportunities. The changes included:
- Removing the chicane after turn 4 and widening the turn 5 hairpin.
- Replacing the four-corner sequence of turns 11–14 with one banked turn 9.
- Removing the chicane before turn 17 and widening the turn 18 hairpin.
- Removing the chicane after turn 19 and widening the turn 20 hairpin.
The redevelopment was completed in October 2021, and the new layout was used for the first time at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The final round was one of the most controversial and dramatic title fights in F1 history.
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen entered the race as the only title contenders, with both having 369.5 points.
Hamilton started from second place behind Verstappen but overtook him at the start. He led most of the race.
However, Verstappen was able to pit for fresh tires under a late safety car period, while Hamilton stayed out on old tires. The race was restarted on the final lap and Verstappen overtook Hamilton on the back straight. He won the race and his first World Drivers’ Championship by eight points.
The race was marred by controversy over the race director’s decision to allow only some of the lapped cars to overtake the safety car before the restart. This gave Verstappen an unfair advantage over Hamilton.
Mercedes protested the result, but their appeals were rejected by the FIA. The FIA later conducted an inquiry into the race.
It concluded that the race officials had misapplied the regulations due to human error but confirmed the result. The FIA also announced a restructuring of race control, including the replacement of Michael Masi as race director.
The safety car rules were also amended.
Which F1 Teams Will be in The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?
All ten of the F1 teams will be present in Japanese GP. Everyone expects Max Verstappen to continue his dominance during the event at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Most teams have already waved the white flag at Red Bull and now are concentrating on the race that really matters to them. That means they are concentrating on their pier teams that have similar results.
This means that the newly fired up Mercedes F1 team is focusing on competing with Aston Martin, Ferrari and McLaren (who’s upgrades seem to be adding new life to the car.)
Although after a series of own goals in 2023 Ferrari is beginning to look like it belongs at the middle of the pack.
Behind them we are seeing a fantastic battle developing between Alpine and Alpha Tauri (possible Alfa Romeo as well).
Alex Albon and the Williams Team seem to be becoming more competitive. (time will tell.)
And then there is Haas who is the weakest team so far this year.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit Layout
Read our comprehensive description of the Yas Marina Circuit Layout – link.
Where To Watch the Abu Dhabi GP
The circuit features six grandstands that offer different views and experiences for the spectators. In this chapter, we will describe each grandstand and include the pros and cons of each one.
At the end, we will make a recommendation as to which is the best choice to watch the 2023 Abu Dhabi GP.
Abu Dhabi GP – Main Grandstand
The Main Grandstand is located on the start-finish straight, opposite the team garages and the pit lane. It offers views of the start and finish of the race, the pit stops, the podium ceremony, and the fireworks display.
The Main Grandstand also provides access to the F1 Fanzone, where spectators can enjoy various entertainment activities, such as concerts, simulators, autograph sessions, and more.
The Pros of the Abu Dhabi GP – Main Grandstand
- Close to the action and the atmosphere of the race
- Great views of the start and finish line, team garages, pit lane, podium ceremony, and fireworks display
- Access to the F1 Fanzone and other entertainment options
The Cons of the Abu Dhabi GP – Main Grandstand
- Expensive tickets compared to other grandstands
- Limited views of other parts of the track
- Can be crowded and noisy
The Abu Dhabi GP – West Grandstand
The West Grandstand is located at the end of the longest straight on the track, where cars can reach speeds of over 320 km/h (200 mph). It offers views of the heavy braking zone into turn 5, where overtaking is possible, as well as turns 6 and 7.
The West Grandstand also provides access to the West Oasis area, which includes food, beverage, and merchandise outlets, as well as a variety of entertainment.
The Pros of the Abu Dhabi GP – West Grandstand
- Thrilling views of high-speed action and overtaking opportunities
- Access to the West Oasis area and other entertainment options
- Reasonable ticket prices compared to other grandstands
The Cons of the Abu Dhabi GP – West Grandstand
- Far from the start-finish line and the podium ceremony
- Limited views of other parts of the track
- Can be hot and sunny during the day
The Abu Dhabi GP – North Grandstand
The North Grandstand is located at turns 16 and 17, where cars exit the marina section and enter the hotel section. It offers views of two overtaking opportunities, as well as turns 18 and 19.
The North Grandstand also provides access to the North Oasis area, which includes food, beverage, and merchandise outlets, as well as a variety of entertainment.
The Pros of the Abu Dhabi GP – North Grandstand
- Exciting views of overtaking opportunities and challenging corners
- Access to the North Oasis area and other entertainment options
- Reasonable ticket prices compared to other grandstands
The Cons of the Abu Dhabi GP – North Grandstand
- Far from the start-finish line and the podium ceremony
- Limited views of other parts of the track
- Can be hot and sunny during the day
The Abu Dhabi GP – South Grandstand
The South Grandstand is located at turns 11 and 12, where cars enter the marina section after a long straight. It offers views of a heavy braking zone into turn 11, where overtaking is possible, as well as turns 13 and 14.
The South Grandstand also provides access to the South Oasis area, which includes food, beverage, and merchandise outlets, as well as a variety of entertainment.
The Pros of the Abu Dhabi GP – South Grandstand
- Spectacular views of overtaking opportunities and challenging corners.
- Access to the South Oasis area and other entertainment options.
- Reasonable ticket prices compared to other grandstands.
The Cons of the Abu Dhabi GP – South Grandstand
- Far from the start-finish line and the podium ceremony.
- Limited views of other parts of the track.
- Can be hot and sunny during the day.
The Abu Dhabi GP – Marina Grandstand
The Marina Grandstand is located above the support race pits, overlooking the marina and the hotel section. It offers stunning views of turns 15 to 20, where cars pass under a bridge and exit through a tunnel.
The Marina Grandstand also provides access to several hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, and attractions on Yas Island.
The Pros of the Abu Dhabi GP – Marina Grandstand
- Beautiful views of marina and hotel section
- Access to several amenities on Yas Island
- Reasonable ticket prices compared to other grandstands
The Pros of the Abu Dhabi GP – Marina Grandstand
- Far from the start-finish line and the podium ceremony
- Limited views of other parts of the track
- Can be crowded and noisy
The Abu Dhabi GP – Abu Dhabi Hill
The Abu Dhabi Hill is not a grandstand but a general admission area that offers grassy slopes for spectators to sit on. It is located between turns 2 and 3, overlooking turns 4 to 7.
It offers panoramic views of most parts of the track, as well as a giant screen to follow the action. The Abu Dhabi Hill also provides access to the F1 Fanzone, where spectators can enjoy various entertainment activities.
The Pros of the Abu Dhabi GP – Abu Dhabi Hill
- Wide views of most parts of the track
- Access to the F1 Fanzone and other entertainment options
- Cheap ticket prices compared to other grandstands
The Cons of the Abu Dhabi GP – Abu Dhabi Hill
- No reserved seats or shade
- Far from the start-finish line and the podium ceremony
- Can be crowded and noisy
Recommendation
Based on the pros and cons of each grandstand, we recommend the West Grandstand as the best choice to watch the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The West Grandstand offers thrilling views of high-speed action and overtaking opportunities, as well as access to the West Oasis area and other entertainment options.
The ticket prices are also reasonable compared to other grandstands. The West Grandstand is a great option for F1 fans who want to enjoy the race and the atmosphere at the Yas Marina Circuit.
Abu Dhabi GP Entrance Tickets
Are you interested in buying tickets for the Abu Dhabi GP?
If so, you have several options to choose from, depending on your budget and preference.
You can buy tickets online from the official F1.Com website or from other authorized retailers. You can also buy tickets from resellers or other fans but be careful of scams and frauds.
There are different types of tickets available for the Abu Dhabi GP, such as
- General Admission
- Grandstand Seats
- Hospitality Packages
- Camping Passes
The prices vary depending on the type of ticket, the location of the seat and the day of the event.
The tickets usually go on sale several months before the Grand Prix. They tend to sell out fast, especially for popular grandstands and days. Therefore, it is advisable to book your tickets early and compare prices.
Some of the benefits of buying tickets for the Abu Dhabi GP are:
- You can enjoy the thrill and excitement of watching live motorsport. It is one of the most iconic and historic circuits in the world.
- You can witness some of the best drivers and teams in F1 compete for glory.
- You can explore the circuit and its facilities. These include the fan zone, the merchandise stalls, the food and drink outlets and the entertainment shows. Interlagos organizes these during the Grand Prix weekend, such as pit walks, autograph sessions, concerts and parties.
For the Yas Marina Circuit of the Abu Dhabi GP, you can use this advertisement query to find some options:
“Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Tickets”, “Abu Dhabi GP 2023 Tickets” or “Yas Marina 2023 F1 tickets“
Don’t miss this chance to book your tickets now!
How To Get to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023
If you are planning to attend the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which is scheduled for November 24-26, you will need to know how to get to the circuit and the city. In this chapter, we will provide you with some tips and advice on how to get to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023 by air, road, or public transportation.
By Air
The easiest and most convenient way to get to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023 is by air. There are two major airports that serve the circuit and the city:
- Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
- Dubai International Airport (DXB).
Both airports are major international hubs that offer flights from a range of airlines and destinations.
From Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) is located around 30km from the city center and just 10km from Yas Marina Circuit. It is the logical place to fly into for the Grand Prix, as it offers the shortest travel time and distance to the circuit and the city.
It is also home to Etihad Airways, the flag carrier of the UAE and the title sponsor of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. In total, more than 40 airlines offer flights to Abu Dhabi from more than 90 destinations as far afield as North America and Australia.
From Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), you can get to Yas Marina Circuit or the city by taxi, bus, or car rental.
Taxi From Abu Dhabi International Airport
The journey from AUH to Yas Marina Circuit takes about 15 minutes and costs around 30-40 AED (approx. $8-11). The journey from AUH to the city center takes about 40 minutes and costs around 70-80 AED (approx. $19-22).
Al Ghazal taxis (Tel: +971 2 600535353) is Abu Dhabi’s most reputable taxi service.
Metered taxis are also available at AUH and should cost the same as an Al Ghazal taxi. You can find the taxi rank by turning left out of the arrivals area and following a long passageway to a covered platform next to the taxi stand.
Bus From Abu Dhabi International Airport
Bus A1 runs from AUH to the city center every 30 minutes, all day and all night, for a bargain 4 AED ($1). It departs from outside Terminal 1 and stops at various locations in the city, including
- Al Wahda Mall
- Al Khalidiyah Mall
- Al Bateen Street
- Al Mina Street,
- Abu Dhabi Mall.
The journey takes about an hour. Bus A2 runs from AUH to Yas Island every hour, all day and all night, for a bargain 4 AED ($1 USD). It departs from outside Terminal 2 and stops at various locations on Yas Island.
Car Rental from Abu Dhabi International Airport
There are several car rental companies available at AUH, including Avis, Budget, Dollar, Europcar, Hertz, Payless, Sixt, Thrifty, Fast Rent A Car.
You can find their desks in the Skypark Plaza opposite Terminal 3. You will need a valid international driving license, a credit card, and a passport to rent a car.
Driving in Abu Dhabi is on the right-hand side of the road, and the speed limits are 120 km/h (75 mph) on highways and 60 km/h (37 mph) in urban areas. Parking is free at Yas Marina Circuit, but you will need to book a parking pass in advance.
From Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is located around 120km from the city center of Abu Dhabi and 95km from Yas Marina Circuit.
It is another option to fly into for the Grand Prix, as it offers more flights and destinations than AUH. It is also home to Emirates. This is fast-growing international airline with a great reputation. It has a huge fleet (and the largest fleet of the Airbus A380 in the world) of modern aircraft serving destinations all around the world.
DXB is the world’s fourth largest airport by passenger numbers and has three terminals that are connected by a free shuttle bus service.
From DXB, you can get to Yas Marina Circuit or the city by taxi, bus, or car rental.
Taxi from Dubai International Airport
The journey from DXB to Yas Marina Circuit takes about an hour and costs around 250-300 AED (approx. $68-82). The journey from DXB to the city center takes about an hour and a half and costs around 300-350 AED (approx. $82-95).
Dubai Taxi Corporation (tel: +971 4 2080808) is Dubai’s most reputable taxi service. Metered taxis are also available at DXB, and should cost the same as a Dubai Taxi. You can find the taxi rank outside each terminal.
Bus from Dubai International Airport
Bus E100 runs from DXB to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station every 30 minutes, from 6am to 10pm, for a bargain 25 AED ($7).
It departs from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station in Bur Dubai, which can be reached by metro from DXB Terminal 1 or Terminal 3. The journey takes about two hours.
From Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station, you can take bus A2 to Yas Island as described above.
Alternatively, you can take bus E101 from DXB to Ibn Battuta Metro Station every 30 minutes, from 6am to 10pm, for a bargain 10 AED ($3 USD). It departs from DXB Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. The journey takes about an hour.
Car Rental from Dubai International Airport
There are several car rental companies available at DXB, including Avis, Budget, Dollar, Europcar, Hertz, Payless, Sixt, Thrifty, Fast Rent A Car,
and others. You can find their desks in the arrivals hall of each terminal. You will need a valid international driving license, a credit card, and a passport to rent a car. Driving in Dubai is on the right-hand side of the road, and the speed limits are 120 km/h (75 mph) on highways and 60 km/h (37 mph) in urban areas. Parking is free at Yas Marina Circuit, but you will need to book a parking pass in advance.
By Road from Dubai International Airport
If you are already in the UAE or a neighboring country, you can also get to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023 by road. The UAE has a modern and well-maintained network of highways that connect the major cities and attractions. You can drive your own car or rent one from various locations. You can also take a bus or a taxi from other cities or countries.
Driving In The UAE
Driving in the UAE is on the right-hand side of the road, and the speed limits are 120 km/h (75 mph) on highways and 60 km/h (37 mph) in urban areas. You will need a valid international driving license, a credit card, and a passport to drive or rent a car.
Road users need to pay tolls on some highways, such as the Sheikh Zayed Road that connects Dubai and Abu Dhabi. You can pay by cash or by using a prepaid Salik tag that can be purchased at petrol stations or online. The tolls are 4 AED ($ USD) per gate.
Dubai to Yas Marina Circuit
The journey from Dubai to Yas Marina Circuit takes about an hour and a half, depending on traffic. You can follow these directions:
- Take Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) towards Abu Dhabi
- Take exit 55 for Sheikh Khalifa Highway (E12) towards Yas Island
- Take exit 29 for Yas Leisure Drive
- Follow signs for Yas Marina Circuit
Sharjah to Yas Marina Circuit
The journey from Sharjah to Yas Marina Circuit takes about two hours, depending on traffic. You can follow these directions:
- Take Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) towards Abu Dhabi
- Take exit 55 for Sheikh Khalifa Highway (E12) towards Yas Island
- Take exit 29 for Yas Leisure Drive
- Follow signs for Yas Marina Circuit
Al Ain to Yas Marina Circuit
The journey from Al Ain to Yas Marina Circuit takes about two hours, depending on traffic. You can follow these directions:
- Take Al Ain Road (E66) towards Abu Dhabi
- Take exit 22 for Sweihan Road (E20) towards Abu Dhabi
- Take exit 44 for Sheikh Khalifa Highway (E12) towards Yas Island
- Take exit 29 for Yas Leisure Drive
- Follow signs for Yas Marina Circuit
Muscat, Oman to Yas Marina Circuit
The journey from Muscat, Oman to Yas Marina Circuit takes about five hours, depending on traffic and border formalities. You will need a valid passport and visa to cross the border. You can follow these directions:
- Take Sultan Qaboos Street (Route 1) towards Nizwa
- Take exit 32 for Nizwa Road (Route 15) towards Ibri
- Take exit 54 for Al Ain Road (Route 21) towards Al Ain
- Cross the border at Mezyad-Hafeet Border Crossing
- Take Al Ain Road (E66) towards Abu Dhabi
- Take exit 22 for Sweihan Road (E20) towards Abu Dhabi
- Take exit 44 for Sheikh Khalifa Highway (E12) towards Yas Island
- Take exit 29 for Yas Leisure Drive
- Follow signs for Yas Marina Circuit
Bus To Yas Island
There are several bus services that connect Abu Dhabi and Yas Island with other cities and countries in the region. You can find more information and book tickets online or at bus stations.
Etihad Express
This is a complimentary shuttle service for Etihad Airways passengers travelling between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The buses depart from various locations in both cities, including airports, hotels, malls, and metro stations.
The journey takes about two hours.
You will need to show your Etihad boarding pass or e-ticket to board the bus. You can book your seat online or by calling +971 2 5990000.
Emirates Express
This is a shuttle service for Emirates passengers travelling between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The buses depart from various locations in both cities, including airports, hotels, malls, and metro stations.
The journey takes about two hours. You will need to show your Emirates boarding pass or e-ticket to board the bus. You can book your seat online or by calling +971 4 2144444.
Intercity Bus
This is a public bus service that operates between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Sharjah, Al Ain, and other cities in the UAE. The buses depart from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station and stop at various locations along the way.
The fares range from 10 to 25 AED ($3 to $7 USD) depending on the destination.
Oman National Transport Company (Mwasalat)
This is a public bus service that operates between Muscat, Oman and Abu Dhabi, UAE.
The buses depart from Ruwi Bus Station in Muscat and stop at Al Ain Bus Station and Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station along the way. The fare is 55 OMR ($143 for a round trip or 30 OMR ($78) for a one-way trip.
The journey takes about six hours, depending on traffic and border formalities. You will need a valid passport and visa to cross the border. You can book your seat online or by calling +968 24121500.
Accommodation Options for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
There are various accommodation options available, depending on your budget, preferences, and location. You can choose to stay on Yas Island, in Abu Dhabi city centre, or in Dubai. Each option has its pros and cons, such as:
Staying on Yas Island
This option offers the closest proximity to the circuit and the atmosphere of the race weekend. You can enjoy stunning views of the track, the marina, and the hotel section, as well as easy access to various attractions on Yas Island.
However, this option can be expensive and noisy, and you will need to book well in advance to secure a room.
Staying in Abu Dhabi City Centre
This option offers a more diverse and cultural experience of Abu Dhabi. You can enjoy a range of hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions in the city centre.
These include the Corniche beachside boulevard, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and more. However, this option requires a longer travel time and distance to the circuit, and you will need to pay for transportation or parking.
Staying in Dubai
This option offers a cheaper and larger range of accommodation options than Abu Dhabi. You can enjoy a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that offers many attractions, such as the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, the Palm Jumeirah, and more.
However, this option requires a longer travel time and distance to the circuit, and you will need to pay for transportation or parking.
You can find more information and book your accommodation online or through various travel agencies. You can also use reputable taxi services or public transportation to get to the circuit and the city.
Please also be aware of the taxes and fees that are charged by hotels and transportation providers in the UAE.
Book your accommodation well in advance for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as it is a popular and sold-out event. Check the visa requirements and travel restrictions that may apply to your country of origin.
Conclusion
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is one of the most prestigious and exciting races on the Formula One calendar. It is held at the Yas Marina Circuit, a modern and spectacular facility that features a unique layout, a stunning backdrop, and a spectacular day-night transition.
The race has been part of the F1 schedule since 2009 and has witnessed several thrilling and decisive battles for the championship. The race has also undergone some changes to adapt to a new era of the sport, such as a circuit redevelopment and a double points system.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is a race that showcases the best of F1 racing in a glamorous and exotic setting.