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Yas Marina Circuit - Yas Island - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

Did you know?

Yas Marina Circuit is the only Formula 1 track in the world that passes directly underneath a hotel—the W Abu Dhabi, with its striking LED canopy.

All five grandstands at Yas Marina Circuit are fully covered, providing shade and comfort for spectators in the Abu Dhabi sun.

The pit lane exit at Yas Marina Circuit is unique, as it runs through a tunnel beneath the track—an engineering first in Formula 1.

Yas Marina Circuit is a living icon of motorsport, luxury, and adrenaline. Since opening in 2009 on the futuristic Yas Island, it has become the crown jewel of Formula 1’s season finale and a dynamic destination for travelers worldwide.

What makes Yas Marina Circuit special?

Caterham Seven cars driving on Yas Marina Circuit in Dubai.
  • First of its kind: Yas Marina Circuit was the first F1 venue to feature covered grandstands for all spectators, offering protection from the sun and a consistent viewing experience.
  • Built on an island: The circuit is located on Yas Island, a man-made island off the coast of Abu Dhabi. The island is also home to Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.
  • Race under the lights: The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the only race on the calendar that starts in the daylight and finishes under floodlights, with the setting sun creating a stunning visual effect as the race transitions from day to night.
  • Architectural integration: The iconic Yas Hotel, designed by Asymptote Architecture, straddles the circuit, with its unique grid-shell structure featuring over 5,000 pivoting LED panels that create a dynamic light show.
Caterham Seven 360 cars racing on Yas Marina Circuit track.
  • Supercar driving experiences: Take the wheel of high-performance cars like the Mercedes-AMG GT or the Caterham 7. For those who want a real taste of open-wheel racing, the Formula 3000 single-seater experience is as close as it gets to driving an F1 car.
  • Track days: Bring your own car or motorcycle and drive it on the iconic Formula 1 circuit. Sessions are organized for both first-timers and seasoned drivers, so everyone gets a chance to enjoy the track safely.
  • Behind-the-scenes tours: Go beyond the grandstands with a guided tour of the venue. You’ll step into exclusive areas usually reserved for teams and drivers, including the pit lane, race control room, and the winner’s podium.
  • Kartzone: Perfect for families, friends, or solo racers, this dedicated karting track offers fun for all ages. With karts sized for both kids and adults, it’s a safe and exciting way to feel the rush of racing.

Yas Marina Circuit: Design and architecture

Formula 1 cars racing on the Yas Marina Circuit during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Who built Yas Marina Circuit?

  • Designer: Hermann Tilke, German engineer & Formula 1 circuit mastermind
  • Developer: Aldar Properties
  • Main Contractor: Cebarco-WCT WLL
  • Construction Timeline: May 2007 → October 2009
  • Cost: $1.3 billion+
  • Iconic Feature: W Abu Dhabi, Yas Island hotel
    • Designed by Asymptote Architecture (NYC firm led by Hani Rashid & Lise Anne Couture)
    • Built directly over the racetrack, becoming a futuristic landmark
Aerial view of Yas Marina Circuit and Yas Viceroy Hotel in Abu Dhabi, part of the seaplane tour.

Architectural highlights

  • W Abu Dhabi hotel’s steel-and-glass “Grid-Shell” canopy with 5,000+ LED lights. This creates a striking night-time light display visible across Yas Island.
  • The track design mixes long straights for top-speed action with tight corners for thrilling overtakes. Add the roar of engines bouncing off the marina, and the atmosphere is electric.
  • The circuit pushed the envelope with engineering firsts, like a pit exit tunnel that runs under the track, a unique feature in Formula 1.
  • Comfort was a priority: all 45,000 grandstand seats are shaded, making Yas Marina the first F1 circuit to fully protect fans from the desert sun.
  • Built on man-made Yas Island, the track runs right along the marina, so spectators can literally watch the race from a yacht. It has the glam of Monaco, but with an unmistakably Abu Dhabi flair.

Frequently asked questions about Yas Marina Circuit

Can you watch a race at Yas Marina Circuit without attending Formula 1?

Yes. In addition to the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the circuit also hosts events like the Yas Racing Series, drag racing nights, and regional motorsport competitions that are open to spectators.

When is the best time of year to visit Yas Marina Circuit?

The busiest season is between October and March, when Abu Dhabi’s weather is cooler and major racing events are scheduled. The Formula 1 Grand Prix in November is the highlight of the calendar.

Is Yas Marina Circuit family-friendly?

Absolutely. With karting for kids, shaded grandstands, and plenty of nearby attractions on Yas Island like Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World, it’s a popular spot for families.

Does the circuit host non-racing events?

Yes. Yas Marina is also a popular venue for concerts, corporate events, and private functions, particularly during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend when international artists perform.

How do you get to Yas Marina Circuit from Abu Dhabi city center?

The circuit is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Abu Dhabi and around 10 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport. Taxis, ride-hailing apps, and shuttle services during major events are the most common transport options.

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