UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed a delegation from Ethara at a formal audience in Abu Dhabi on February 14, 2026. The group, which included key executives from the company responsible for organising the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, briefed the President on the event’s achievements. According to the Emirates News Agency, the meeting focused on the promoter’s success in combining elite racing with large-scale entertainment to strengthen the emirate’s global appeal.
Ethara earned the F1 Promoter of the Year title at the annual awards held in London on January 28, 2026, an honour determined by a vote of Formula 1 management for the best overall event of the prior season. The recognition celebrated the promoter’s embodiment of the sport’s aim to create the ultimate live spectacle for fans worldwide. A statement from Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali described 2025 as an exceptional year driven by the work of all promoters while urging further innovation ahead of regulatory changes in 2026.
The 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix set new benchmarks with 339,000 total attendees across four days, including 203,000 race-day spectators at Yas Marina Circuit, according to figures released by Ethara. An additional 136,000 fans attended the associated Emirates NBD After-Race Concerts and Yasalam parties, which featured eight international headline acts. Organisers introduced expanded fan access through public pitlane walks, FAB Track Walks and a trackside podium party that allowed spectators to celebrate with drivers immediately after the race.
Saif Rashid Al Noaimi, CEO of Ethara, said, “We are proud to be recognised as Promoter of the Year in such a competitive field of promoters. This award is a testament to the strength of the Ethara team who are delivering our vision to become a regional powerhouse in live entertainment. We will continue raising the bar and pioneering unforgettable experiences for fans from around the world.” The executive’s comments formed part of the official announcement that detailed the event’s record metrics and creative additions.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has operated under Ethara’s promotion since the inaugural race in 2009, when it introduced Formula 1’s first twilight format at Yas Marina Circuit. The event has decided the drivers’ championship on several occasions, most recently in 2025 when Lando Norris claimed his first title after a three-way battle. Historical data from Formula 1 shows the race has consistently drawn international visitors and boosted the emirate’s reputation as a premier host of major sporting spectacles.
This latest accolade follows the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix’s win for Best Event Spectacle in 2024, illustrating sustained excellence in off-track programming that complements the on-track action. Ethara continues to develop the event, with announcements indicating an F1 Sprint will feature for the first time at the 2027 edition while the 2026 finale remains set for December. Such advancements align with broader efforts to enhance economic returns and position Abu Dhabi as a year-round entertainment destination.
