“Preparations on Track for 2026 Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix Finale,” Says Ethara CEO.
Abu Dhabi: With just 50 days remaining until Formula 1 concludes its 2026 season on Yas Island, Ethara CEO Saif Rashid Al Noaimi has confirmed that preparations for the season finale are firmly on track, with this year’s Grand Prix expected to surpass the record-breaking success of the previous edition.
“In terms of readiness, we’ve never been more ready,” Al Noaimi said. “We are in a strong position from a delivery point of view. We are on track, as we have been every year, and this year is no exception.”
Speaking at a press briefing at Yas Marina Circuit, Al Noaimi was joined by Ethara’s Chief Portfolio and Strategy Officer David Powell and Yas Marina Circuit General Manager Ali Al Beshr.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will take place from December 3 to 6, with race week festivities kicking off on December 2.
Among the key developments announced was Ethara’s collaboration with Etihad Rail to explore a direct transport link for Formula 1 fans travelling from Dubai and Fujairah, potentially making the event more accessible to spectators across the UAE.
A season finale after an eventful year
Abu Dhabi is set to host the Formula 1 season finale following a turbulent year that saw the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix cancelled amid regional tensions.
Despite the disruptions earlier in the season, Formula 1 has reaffirmed that the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will go ahead as scheduled from December 3 to 6, bringing the 2026 championship to a close at Yas Marina Circuit.
Al Noaimi said Formula 1’s president and CEO had publicly confirmed on multiple occasions that the season would conclude in Abu Dhabi, putting to rest any lingering uncertainty surrounding the event.
“I hope we stop getting those questions about whether the Grand Prix is happening or not,” Al Noaimi said.
Strong ticket demand despite challenges
Ticket sales for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix are running ahead of expectations at the 50-day mark, Al Noaimi revealed, despite what he described as challenging circumstances.
He noted that international ticket sales have gained momentum over the past couple of weeks, supported by an increase in inbound tourism to Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE.
The encouraging demand signals continued strong interest in the season-ending race, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a major destination on the Formula 1 calendar.
“2026 is potentially going to be bigger than 2025. Based on the current demand, based on the trajectory of sales, based on the build, we are expanding. We are growing,” Al Noaimi said.
Preparations gather pace at Yas Marina Circuit
Preparations for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix are a year-round undertaking, with the event requiring 14 months of planning, construction and delivery, according to Powell.
He said both Ethara and Yas Marina Circuit have teams of more than 100 people working on the event, highlighting the scale of operations involved in staging the Formula 1 season finale.
With less than two months until race weekend, preparations are already taking shape at Yas Marina Circuit. New hospitality facilities are being developed, while additional temporary grandstands are being installed to accommodate more spectators.
Beyond the circuit, Ethara is coordinating closely with Formula 1 and the organisers of the Qatar Grand Prix to ensure the smooth movement of team equipment, cargo and personnel during the demanding back-to-back race schedule covering Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
“It’s a real year-round operation,” Powell said. “Momentum just carries itself through, especially in the months ahead of us.”
