Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on track with record ticket sales, organisers say

This year's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will go ahead as planned on December 6 at Yas Marina Circuit, with organisers reporting record ticket sales.

Speaking to Dubai Eye 103.8's Business Breakfast show, Saif Rashid Al Noaimi, CEO of race promoter Ethara, confirmed the season finale is on schedule.

With 50 days to go, Ethara’s Chief Portfolio and Strategy Officer, David Powell, said more tickets had been sold than ever before, beating last year’s record.

He said the split between UAE and international fans had shifted, with local demand, particularly from Dubai, now accounting for around half of sales. In previous years, around 70 per cent of tickets went to fans from outside the UAE.

The Paddock Club, which set a global Formula 1 record last year, will add another 3,000 places, although Powell said the waiting list is already very long.

For the first time, fans will be able to travel to Yas Island from Dubai by train. Tickets include access to Yas Island’s theme parks and after-race concerts, with 11 artists performing across three venues.

Powell said the Grand Prix generates an economic impact of AED 1.3 billion for the UAE, working with more than 200 local suppliers and accrediting over 40,000 staff.

Asked about insurance and logistics, he said most freight arrives by air rather than sea, and that organisers were emphasising that Abu Dhabi remains a safe and welcoming destination.