Formula One has confirmed the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as the concluding event of the 2026 season at Yas Marina Circuit from December 3 to 6 according to the official calendar. The announcement on August 23 emphasised that the schedule remains unchanged despite regional developments with free practice sessions scheduled for December 4 and qualifying the following day before the 58-lap race on December 6. Yas Marina Circuit officials noted that the event will incorporate support races fan zones and entertainment across Yas Island as part of the traditional season finale.
Formula One President and CEO Stefano Domenicali stated that preparations for the December 3-6 weekend are progressing well with some tickets remaining on sale. “The calendar is confirmed. There are still a few tickets to be sold in Abu Dhabi… and we stay focused on delivering the calendar we promised at the beginning of the year” Domenicali said. He added that the strong sales reflect the sport’s enduring appeal amid global challenges.
The emirate has hosted Formula One since 2009 a period during which the race has driven significant growth in tourism hospitality and events according to Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. Al Hosani highlighted how the annual grand prix has created lasting opportunities across multiple sectors while elevating Abu Dhabi’s international profile as a premier destination. Department of Culture and Tourism figures show the event consistently attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world each year.
Event promoters reported that the 2026 programme will feature headline concerts alongside the on-track action with Zara Larsson and Lewis Capaldi performing on December 3 and Imagine Dragons set for December 5. General admission tickets start from Dh2,495 while premium hospitality packages reach higher price points organisers said in their latest update. Fans have been advised to book promptly through official channels as availability for the four-day weekend has become limited.
Yas Marina Circuit a 5.281-kilometre permanent track with 16 turns will stage its 18th Formula One grand prix in December according to series records. The race distance totals 306.183 kilometres under floodlights a format that has defined the Abu Dhabi event since its debut. Circuit data places the lap record at 1:25.637 minutes set in recent seasons.
The confirmation aligns with the full 2026 calendar that includes 23 rounds following adjustments for other regional events Formula One documentation shows. Organisers at Yas Marina Circuit said coordination with authorities continues to ensure a safe and successful finale for teams and spectators alike. Additional entertainment and hospitality activations will be rolled out across the island to complement the racing programme.
