Ethara CEO says Abu Dhabi F1 finale is on track, 50 days out, with ticket sales ahead of last year

Centre · 2Saif Rashid Al Noaimi, chief executive of race organiser Ethara, said on 15 October that preparations for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix are on track, 50 days before the Formula 1 season finale at Yas Marina Circuit. 1 2 Centre · 2The Grand Prix runs from 3 to 6 December, with race week starting on 2 December. 1 2 Centre · 1Al Noaimi told a press briefing at the circuit, "In terms of readiness, we've never been more ready", and told Gulf News "It's happening. It's been planned. Nothing has changed." 1 3

Centre · 1In an interview with The National, he said planning had "never stopped for one day" and that Ethara was "100 per cent ready", with no changes needed to planning or execution. 2 Centre · 2Questions about whether the race would go ahead arose because the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were cancelled earlier in the year; The National attributes this to the Iran war, while Gulf News cites regional tensions. 2 1 Centre · 2Al Noaimi said F1's president and chief executive has publicly confirmed more than once that the season will end in Abu Dhabi, and added, "I hope we stop getting those questions". The National notes F1 president Stefano Domenicali has said everything is confirmed for Qatar and Abu Dhabi. 1 2

Centre · 2Al Noaimi said ticket sales are ahead of the same point last year, with a recent rise in international sales and inbound tourism; he said 2026 could be bigger than 2025. He described demand to The National as "unprecedented" and told Gulf News sales were ahead despite what he called challenging circumstances. 2 1 Centre · 2Capacity is being expanded: he said the Paddock Club will grow to surpass 12,000 and a new Paddock Club offering is being built on the west side, while Gulf News reports new hospitality inventory and temporary grandstands going up. A partnership with Nammos at Turn 9 was also mentioned. 2 1 Centre · 1Announcements included a direct Etihad Rail link for fans from Dubai and Fujairah, the return of Kids Go Free Friday with a new family pass for two adults and two children, and a new Yasalam Classics series with Andrea Bocelli at Etihad Arena on the Wednesday before race weekend. 1

Centre · 2The National reports eleven artists are booked for the after-race concerts, including Andrea Bocelli, Lewis Capaldi and The Script, with the final headline act to be announced next week; Al Noaimi told Gulf News there are "a few more surprises" to come. 2 1 Centre · 1David Powell, Ethara's Chief Portfolio & Strategy Officer, said the Grand Prix takes 14 months to prepare, and that Ethara is coordinating with F1 and the Qatar promoters on the back-to-back Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi races. 1 Centre · 1On the title race, Al Noaimi told The National that Kimi Antonelli is in a leading position but the championship cannot yet be written off, noting Max Verstappen has won the last two races and six different drivers have won in 2026. He also praised Emirati drivers Rashid Al Dhaheri and Keanu Al Azhari, both in FIA Formula 3 and through the Yas Heat Academy. 2