Things to do in race week
Updated 5 November 2026 · Checked against official sources
Race days start in the afternoon, so mornings are free, and the days before and after the race are great for exploring. Some of it may already be included with your race ticket.
Included with your race ticket
2026 Grand Prix ticket packages include free access to major Abu Dhabi attractions, valued at around AED 2,200. The perks cover Yas Island's theme parks and cultural sites including Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena, Qasr Al Watan, Zayed National Museum and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi. Which tickets qualify, and on which dates, is set out in the official app, so check the terms before you plan.
Yas Island theme parks
- Ferrari World Yas Island, home to one of the world's fastest roller coasters, and the obvious pick for F1 fans.
- Yas Waterworld, with record-breaking slides and a wave pool. The warm December weather is ideal.
- Warner Bros. World Yas Island, an indoor park that's good for families.
- SeaWorld Yas Island, an ocean-themed park with marine life encounters.
All four are a short trip from the circuit, so a park morning before an afternoon session works well.
Culture in the city
- Louvre Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum, both in the Saadiyat Cultural District.
- Qasr Al Watan, the presidential palace, open to visitors.
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, open Saturday to Thursday 9am–8:30pm, and on Friday 9–11:30am and 2:30–8:30pm. Since September 2026 there is a small entry fee for visitors (AED 10 for tourists, AED 5 for UAE residents, free for over-60s and worshippers). Women need ankle-length loose clothing and a headscarf. Men need long trousers and sleeves. Abayas are no longer lent out, but you can buy one at Souq Al Jami next door.
How to fit it in
- Wednesday 2 December: arrive, explore the city, and catch Andrea Bocelli at Etihad Arena if you have tickets.
- Friday and Saturday mornings: a theme park or a museum before the track sessions.
- Monday 7 December: the Grand Mosque or the Louvre before your flight.
The Ultimate Guide has full day-by-day itineraries that fit all of this around the race and concerts.
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- GDN: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix expands 2026 ticket offerings
- Yas Island: theme parks
- The National: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque visitor entry fee (Sept 2026)
- Abu Dhabi GP official FAQ
Abu Dhabi Race Guide is independent and not affiliated with Formula 1, the FIA, Yas Marina Circuit or the event organisers. Details can change, so always confirm with official sources before you book or travel.
More free guides: Abu Dhabi GP 2026 schedule · Yas Marina grandstand guide · Getting to Yas Marina Circuit · Abu Dhabi GP 2026 concerts · What to bring & bag policy · Hotels near Yas Marina Circuit · Abu Dhabi weather in December