Lights out, wallets out!
Engines on, hesitation off. Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 tickets are officially on sale, and if past years are anything to go by, this is not the moment to sit back and ‘think about it’. With new regulations in play, Formula 1 is stepping into a bold new era full of unpredictability, which means, similar to the past two years, the battle for the championship could come down to the very last race on the calendar.
So, if you’re serious about nabbing a seat, switch to high gear and go, go, go…!
Grandstand and ticket details
We are spoilt for choice here in Abu Dhabi with several grandstands located at various spots on the track offering different views of the roaring, nail-biting action.
If you took our previous advice and took the time to research and plan, all you have to do now is see if the options fit within your budget and ‘add to cart’. Remember, you need to be quick, because tickets for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix do sell out. It is the final race of the season after all, where titles can be won or lost under the lights.
A couple of reminders: This year, tickets go on sale on Ticketmaster, so you most likely will have to join a queue to purchase tickets, and we can expect dynamic pricing based on demand.
Yas Marina Circuit map and Grandstand locations

North Straight
Ticket cost (four days): From Dhs2,400
It’s not on the map, but the North Straight is located just after the North Grandstands, past Turn 5. The stand is temporary – built only for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to bring fans just a little closer to the overtaking zone. It offers some cool views of the cars as they come into view from Turn 4 and enter the hairpin before they zoom off on the long straight towards Turn 6 and 7.
Marina Grandstand
Ticket cost (four days): From Dhs2,395
The Marina Grandstand offers one of the most stunning views of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Sit here, and besides soaking in the action, you will get cool views of the marina plus a vibrant atmosphere.
For those seeking action, you can spot cars as they exit “Turn 8”. Bonus: If you’re high enough, you can spot the cars as they make their way through Turns 11 to 14.
West Straight
Ticket cost (four days): From Dhs2,395
Located before Turn 6 next to the West Grandstand, it offers breathtaking views as cars rocket past 300 kmph, slamming the brakes late into the high-stakes Turns 6 and 7 showdown. If the West Grandstand is a little too much for your wallet, this is the next best option.
Abu Dhabi Hill
Ticket cost (four days): From Dhs2,495
On a budget, the Abu Dhabi Hill is the general admission area for the race. The Abu Dhabi Hill is the grassy area in the middle of the Yas Marina Circuit layout. Due to its low cost, it can also get quite busy, so if you want a good spot, you’ll have to go early (but this also means a bit of baking in the sun). If you got a good spot, you would face towards Turns 2, 3 and 4, and would be pretty close to the track, giving you a great sense of F1 speed.
South Grandstand
Ticket cost (four days): From Dhs2,495
Want to see the cars in all their glory? This is the stand for you. Cars brake from close to 300kmph to just 125kmph – a hard-braking overtaking spot following a long DRS straight. Go higher up for a better vantage point as you can see cars as they go through turns 10 and 11.
North Grandstand
Ticket cost (four days): From Dhs2,595
Located at the hairpin of the circuit, here you can catch the heavy braking action and maybe even catch a few overtakes. If you’re located at the start of the hairpin, you’ll get cool photographs of orange skies over sunset and cars zooming out on the track.
West Grandstand
Ticket cost (four days): From Dhs4,500
This is one of Yas Marina’s most popular stands, perched above Turn 6 and 7 – one of the most technically engaging sections of the circuit to watch. After drivers zoom down the long 2km straight, reaching speeds of up to 315kmph, Turn 6 demands speed control before entering Turn 7, forcing drivers to engage in a balance of throttle, grip, and momentum. If they get it wrong, expect to see wide exits and sporadic corrections.
Oh, and if you splurge a little more, you can even get an amazing view down the pit straight.
Main Grandstand
Ticket cost (four days): From Dhs5,500
Located opposite the Main Pit, the Main Straight puts you right in the thick of the action, from the pre-race build-up to the celebrations as the cars cross the finish line. If you’re willing to splash out, you could even find yourself facing the podium celebrations, but prime views like these come with a seriously hefty price tag.
Marina Grandstand
Ticket cost (four days): Dhs2,395
The Marina Grandstand offers one of the most stunning views of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Sit here, and besides soaking in the action, you will get cool views of the marina plus a vibrant atmosphere.
For those seeking action, you can spot cars as they exit “Turn 8”. Bonus: If you’re high enough, you can spot the cars as they make their way through Turns 11 to 14.
Beyond the Grandstands
Of course, if you want to add a bit of luxury to your race weekend, you can spend your money on the premium grandstands and lounges around the track. And there are plenty to choose from, each offering different views, catering options, exclusive access, and comfort levels.
South Club (four days): From Dhs3,095
West Club (four days): From Dhs5,400
North Yas Suite (four days): From Dhs5,600
West Yas Suite (four days): From Dhs6,900
Sunset Lounge (four days): From Dhs9,795
Shams Suite (four days): From Dhs11,295
Club 58 (four days): From Dhs12,495
Deck at Nine (four days): From Dhs13,595
Deck at Two (four days): From Dhs13,995
Luna Lounge (four days): From Dhs16,995
Find all the details here.
And remember, with your Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 ticket, you can also attend…
The Yasalam After-Race Concerts 2026
Fans attending the four-day Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 get an extra bonus: access to the Yasalam After-Race Concerts featuring top international artists.
Two of the artists have already been confirmed: Zara Larsson and Lewis Capaldi. They will both be performing on Thursday, December 3, 2026. Yes, the very first night, and yes, we’re already excited.
For the rest of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026, the concert announcements will be made in the upcoming months. Stay tuned!
Read more here.
Where does the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix take place?
Above: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix takes place at the Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island. It is one of the most technologically advanced tracks in the world.
When the drivers take their positions, they race around the circuit for a total of 58 laps around the 5.281-kilometre circuit, providing motorsport fans with close to two hours of action.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 Race dates and timing
Friday, December 4, 2026
- Practice 1 | 1.30pm to 2.30pm
- Practice 2 | 5pm to 6pm
Saturday, December 5, 2026
- Practice 3 | 2.30pm to 3.30pm
- Qualifying | 6pm to 7pm
Sunday, December 6, 2026
A short view back to the past’ (IYKYK)
Above: Lando Norris Mclaren wins the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025
Although Max Verstappen from Red Bull Racing picked up the win in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025, it was Lando Norris from McLaren who walked home with the Formula One World Drivers’ Championship title.
And while McLaren had the fastest car on the grid last year, everything can change this 2026 season.
With new regulations coming in, Formula 1 is entering a fresh era where anything can happen. Teams have reworked aerodynamics, power units have evolved, and technical rules are shaking up the grid – promising plenty of drama on track. And over the Barcelona Shakedown, it was Lewis Hamilton from Ferrari (is it finally Ferrari’s year?) who snapped up the quickest time over the whole week, followed by George Russell from Mercedes and Lando Norris from McLaren.
If this is anything to go by, Formula 1 fans are in for a high-octane season ahead. We can’t wait!
Here’s what you missed at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025
Stay tuned to whatson.ae for all the thrilling Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 announcements.
Images: Supplied
