The Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is one of the most exciting events of the UAE calendar, marking the end of the Formula 1 motorsport season and captivating fans worldwide with its blend of speed and excitement. Held at Abu Dhabi‘s Yas Marina Circuit, this year’s event takes over the circuit from 23 to 26 November, with the main race held on Sunday 26 November.
Beyond the on-track action, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is renowned for its off-track allure. The event attracts A-list celebrities, high-rollers, and motorsport enthusiasts, creating an atmosphere of glamour and exclusivity. The Yas Island, where the circuit is located, is a hub of entertainment, with world-class hotels, restaurants, and theme parks, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy.
What to do at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023
W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
As the yearly host for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and centre of the action, there’s nowhere better to head than the W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island. Here, exhilaration and luxury await you both on and off the track, and visitors can experience the best of international DJs, live performances, culinary delights, and signature drinks, where unforgettable moments are guaranteed. Stay at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island during this thrilling weekend, and enjoy unparalleled entertainment. Located in the heart of the action, W Abu Dhabi offers the perfect spot to witness all the adrenaline-fueled race action from November 24 to 26. As excitement builds for the high-speed race weekend at the Yas Marina Circuit, W Abu Dhabi Yas Island welcomes motorsport fans and luxury lovers to celebrate the perfect fusion of thrill and indulgence with their exclusive Trackside Brunch at Garage.
Race Weekend B.I.G. Trackside Brunch at Garage
Located within the hotel – the epicentre of the race – Garage presents a medley of delectable treats, inspired by a passion for flavour and fueled by diversity. The restaurant is throwing a series of lavish brunches this weekend to celebrate the event, with an unlimited menu of signature beverages and dishes. In partnership with CÎROC, Garage will showcase the creative and playful spirit of the brand, through new, surprising and delightful combinations. With four brunches tailored to each race session, Garage is the perfect spot to recharge while listening to the roar of engines on the racetrack. Throughout the brunch, guests will enjoy magnum bottles of bubbles, crafted cocktails, a roaming oyster trolley, fine caviar, a lavish dessert art table, a carving station, and a sushi bar embellished with an array of seafood on ice. Not to mention that all guests will receive access to the Yasalam after-race concert of the night, allowing them to witness the AAA list performances right after the exhilarating action of the track.
Garage, W Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, from Dhs700, wrevup.com
Amici
As W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island’s vibrant Italian restaurant, Amici is throwing a host of culinary events to celebrate the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Experience the authentic flavours of Italy with a modern twist at Amici during the race weekend with a tempting menu featuring antipasti, fresh pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and desserts showcasing the essence of Italian culinary artistry. A carefully curated selection of Italian wines and artisanal cocktails will be on hand to perfectly enhance the gastronomic journey. Whether you are a passionate racing fan or a connoisseur of fine dining, Amici guarantees an extraordinary experience during this exhilarating event.
Amici, W Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, November 24-26, wrevup.com
Aioka, Palm Gardens
Located on the breathtaking Palm Garden, surrounded by the circuit on one side and a palm tree-covered garden on the other, Aioka promises to deliver yet another memorable experience for motorsport enthusiasts and luxury seekers alike. For many years, Aioka Race Weekend has been impressing its audiences with stunning views, five-star international service, and A-List celebrity guests. Guests can enjoy an entire weekend of F1 entertainment in a luxury location unmatched around the circuit. Racegoers can buy passes and VIP packages for the venue. The venue also offers discounted tickets for ladies from AED300 for a Friday day pass – offering a great option for a day out with friends.
Aioka, W Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, November 24-26, day passes from AED750, weekend passes AED3,250; VIP day passes from AED1,000, weekend for AED6,000; aioka.com
Bagatelle At Wet Deck
The iconic Bagatelle, renowned for its hedonistic, fun-filled and unforgettable dining experiences across the world, is poised to elevate Abu Dhabi’s race weekend to new heights. This celebrated French restaurant brand immerses guests in the vibrant spirit and festive ambience of the Côte d’Azur, and this year it’s bringing this vibe to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. To honour the occasion, Bagatelle has taken over W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island’s Wet Deck pool terrace and hangout, with a special menu of Mediterranean flavours and signature Bagatelle vibes. With an emphasis on communal dining, guests can enjoy generous portions of authentic dishes, each designed to foster convivial gatherings amidst a celebratory atmosphere. Guests dining on Friday will be treated to a performance by Moojoo, Alex Monopoly on the Saturday and world-famous Martin Solveig on race day.
Bagatelle, W Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, November 24-26; bagatelle.com
On The Grid: Abu Dhabi Auction
Formula 1 Paddock Club and fine art auctioneers Bonhams Cars will host the most prestigious auction of racing and sports cars during this year’s Grand Prix weekend. On the evening of Saturday 25th, car enthusiasts and collectors can head down to The On the Grid: The Abu Dhabi Auction, where more than thirty collector cars, including Formula One cars and unique supercars on the Yas Marina circuit’s starting grid, will be available to bid on.
On the Grid: The Abu Dhabi Auction, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, November 25, bonhamcars.com
Cipriani Yas Island
Also located on Yas Island, Cipriani is one of the capital’s glitziest Italian restaurants, and this race weekend will throw one of the biggest parties in town. With full views over the Grand Prix Race Circuit, guests can enjoy the brand’s signature Italian classics with beats from Ibiza courtesy of DJ Franco Moiraghi, creating a decadent and hedonistic atmosphere. The restaurants will be open for both lunch and dinner from Thursday through Sunday, but it’s important to book ahead.
Cipriani, Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, November 23-26, ciprianiyasisland.com, @ciprianiyasisland
Café del Mar Beach Club
Café del Mar Beach Club, one of Yas Bay’s most glamorous waterfront venues, is set to host electrifying F1 brunches throughout the race weekend, immersing guests in an exhilarating blend of culinary delights, Balearic rhythms and vibrant entertainment. This weekend, visitors can enjoy the vibes of Ibiza with the thrill of Yas Marina Circuit, as Café del Mar Beach Club transforms into a haven of pulsating beats and Mediterranean cuisine. The beach club is hosting a series of poolside barbecues with free-flowing house beverages and live entertainment from dancers and a beachwear fashion show, plus, there will be live screening of the F1, ensuring no one misses out on the action nearby.
Café del Mar Beach Club, Yas Bay, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, AED499 (house beverages); Fri Nov 24 3pm-6pm; Sat Nov 25 2pm-5pm; Sun Nov 26 1pm-4pm; cafedelmarabudhabi.com
Ya Salam After-Race Concerts
At the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the party doesn’t finish when the races end, in fact, it only just begins. Get ready for the top live performances at this year’s race as part of the Yasalaam after-race concert series presented by e&, with big-name artists from across the world. These include:
Ava Max, the pop sensation, will kick off the first concert of this year’s Yasalaam F1 After-Race concert series, with her hit song Sweet but Psycho and many more. With her enormous influence and power-packed stage presence, she will start your musical adventure on a high note on Thursday evening.
Tiesto, the EDM legend, will take over the stage on Thursday night to play a pulsating post-race show of the weekend, and electronica lovers can look forward to brilliant beats from his deck. With a superb collection of chart-toppers, he will have you on your feet, feeling the energy from start to finish.
Chris Brown, the R’n’B icon, who has made audiences dance time and time again with hits like Turn up the Music, With You and Gimme That, will land in Abu Dhabi to wow audiences on Friday, November 24 as the second artist to grace the Yasalaam after-race concert stage. Get ready to throw your hands in the air, bob your heads, tap your feet, and sing along, as one of the biggest makers of party hits in the last twenty years is about to arrive in the capital.
Shania Twain is the latest addition to the Yasalaam after-race concerts. One of Canada’s global country pop stars and the music industry’s most popular trailblazers who churned out winning hits such as Party for Two and I’m Gonna Getcha Good! during her time at the top of the charts, the top-selling female country pop artist of all time brings thirty years of hits to the after-race concert.
Foo Fighter, the Seattle grunge legends, will cap off the 15th anniversary of the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with an after-race performance on the final and most-anticipated day of a packed race weekend. Look out for stunning hits such as Best of You, Pretender, and My Hero, in what will be a performance that capital residents and visitors have been waiting long to witness.
Tickets are priced at Dhs750 for the Friday-only pass. For all three days, tickets will cost Dhs1,650, and can be purchased here.
