Helpful information when visiting the Yas Marina Circuit for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

With exhilarating entertainment from the moment you enter to the moment you leave, prepare for your exciting trip to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with these helpful tips and circuit information.

What makes the Yas Marina Circuit so special?

Located in the centre of Yas Island, a man-made island renowned for its fantastic entertainment and leisure attractions, the Yas Marina Circuit is one of the most technologically advanced tracks on the Formula 1 calendar.

This 5.28km circuit hosts special features such as the pit lane exit passing underneath the circuit via tunnel, and the spectacle of a breathtaking mid-race sunset. The track is dominated by its 1.2km straight between Turns 5 and 6 – which, with slow-speed corners marking its beginning and end, makes it a honeypot for overtaking moves.

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First making its way onto the Formula 1 calendar in 2009, the end of season drama at the Yas Marina Circuit always captures attention, whether its high-stakes championship deciders or fond farewells to legends taking the chequered flag for the final time. It is a truly special venue.

Keep reading for some useful information and friendly advice to help you make the most of your visit.

Helpful tips and advice

Want some help preparing for your trip to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix? Here are some key tips to try and make your experience the best it can be.

Pre-prepare

Before you head to the circuit, have any information that you need saved on your phone, such as tickets and maps. With an event of this size, it's always a good idea to set a meeting point with friends and family too, in case you get separated.

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes

You’ll likely be walking a lot to visit the grandstands, food vendors, F1 Fanzone, and the many exciting off-track entertainment options, not to mention partying into the night while enjoying the After-Race Concerts, so wearing comfortable shoes is essential.

Prepare for the sun… but bring a jacket!

The Grand Prix takes place at the beginning of December, when the temperature in Abu Dhabi can reach up to 26 degrees Celsius during the day, so make sure you've got sun protection. It’s easy to overlook that the nights can cool down rather dramatically, so stay comfortable throughout by wearing light layers and have a jacket to hand. It is always a good idea to check a more accurate forecast closer to the event.

Arrive early

With tens of thousands of fans attending the circuit over the race weekend, we recommend getting to the track early to make your experience as stress-free as possible.

Bin your rubbish

You'll find plenty of clearly marked bins for separating general waste from recyclables, so you don't have to carry your trash around all day!

Tickets

A valid ticket is required for entry into the circuit. Please ensure you have the correct ticket for the specific day you are attending, as tickets are non-transferrable between each day of the event.

Tickets include access to the F1 Fanzone and post-race concerts, as well as a number of other experiences! More information can be found on the dedicated page of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix website.

Children

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is holding Kids Go Free Friday this year, on Friday 6th December. All adult (21+) Friday and four-day ticket holders can bring up to four children aged 12 and under into the circuit for free!

Pre-registration is mandatory. For full details and to sign up, head to the Yas Marina Circuit website.

Circuit opening hours

Opening hours are local time and are subject to change. Please refer to the Entering the Venue page on the Yas Marina Circuit website for the latest information for each area.

More information about specific session timings can be found on our full weekend track schedule, including details of all practice and qualifying sessions, support races, and other special events – plus, of course, that crucial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix start time.

Circuit entrances

There are multiple entrances into the Yas Marina Circuit, and information about which access gate is best for you can be found on your ticket.

More information about travelling to and from the circuit can be found on our dedicated Abu Dhabi Grand Prix travel page.

Accessibility

The Yas Marina Circuit is an accessible track for fans with reduced mobility.

There are a number of transport options to enable those with impaired mobility to get around the circuit.

• The West and East Gates provide transport to ensure smooth access to your Grandstand
• All shuttle buses from Yas Mall are fitted with ramps for wheelchair use
• The AskYAS Information Point inside the circuit will be able to help with any questions about the Mobility Impaired Transport Service

Forbidden items

Bag checks will be conducted at all entrances, and we advise packing lightly for a faster clearance through security.

For everyone's safety, there are a number of items not permitted within the circuit, including (but not limited to):

Electronic devices:

• Professional video camera for commercial use/recording and broadcasting
• Camera lenses longer than 30cm
• Remote-controlled devices, including drones or small aircraft
• Laser pointers
• All personal vaporisers (including electronic cigarettes, e-pipes, etc)

Other banned items:

• Any items prohibited by law
• Flares, fireworks, helium balloons or frisbees.
• Pets (except service animals)
• Any form of amplification (e.g. Air horns, whistles, loud hailers, musical instruments)
• Selfie sticks
• Monopods/Tripods
• Chairs/Stools/Seating devices
• Any promotional or commercial materials
• Flags, banners, or signs (with or without poles)
• Prams, strollers, large articles not fitting under a seat
• Umbrellas and large backpacks
• Projectile items which are reasonably considered as being able to cause injury, nuisance or offence to another person (including sporting equipment or similar objects)
• Dangerous items such as firearms, knives or weapons (including imitations)

Food and beverages:

• Any food and beverages from outside the circuit (excluding baby food and medically required items)
• No glassware, flasks, canned drinks, or other beverage containers
• No cooler boxes or picnic hampers

When exiting the circuit:

• Event infrastructure (signage, televisions, telephones, etc.)

A further list of prohibited items is available to view on the Yas Marina Circuit website.

Food and drink inside the circuit

Purchasing food and beverages within the circuit is as straight forward as it is delicious! Around the circuit are a number of Oasis vendors that provide a diverse culinary experience that will satisfy everyone’s taste.

Alcohol is available to purchase in designed areas across the circuit to those 21 years of age or over.

Bringing your own food and drink into the circuit is prohibited, except for baby food and food required for medical purposes.

In and around the circuit

Fans can download the official Abu Dhabi GP App and the Official F1 Race Guide App to access the circuit map for help with way finding around Yas Marina Circuit.

Additionally, there are wayfinding signs at various points around the venue to help you find your way around.

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