In addition to the thrill of the race, a packed schedule on the track and the Yasalam After-Race Concerts, the general atmosphere in Abu Dhabi around the Grand Prix is one of excitement and festivity. Grand Prix-themed events spring up across the city, with hotels, bars, and even shopping malls making the most of the race action.
From brunches to dining experiences and parties happening across the capital to lazy days soaking up the sun, here’s our pick of things to do close to the circuit over Abu Dhabi’s F1 weekend
We will be back to update this guide later in 2026 – most information here still pertains to 2024/2025, but do note the fanciest of Brunch and race weekend packages for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix go on sale as early as APRIL.
- Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix Brunches in 2026
- Great Days & Night’s Out During The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
- Day Time Events Over Grand Prix Weekend
- Restaurants that you might like to try during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026
- Lazy F1 Days in Abu Dhabi
- Cultural Events Over the F1 Abu Dhabi Weekend
- Where to Stay Near the Grand Prix Track
Stay connected during your time in Abu Dhabi – here are the tourist SIMs and eSIMs we recommend for Abu Dhabi and the UAE
Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix Brunches in 2026
What is a brunch?
In the United Arab Emirates, brunch is an all-you-can-eat, all-you-can-drink buffet experience that usually lasts around four hours. It is generally in the afternoon or evening and takes place on weekends and on some special occasions, such as Eid, Christmas, Easter, and the F1 weekend.
Packages are priced according to whether you have soft drinks only, house beverages, or premium drinks. Brunches are a popular way of passing the time at the weekend, and the Formula 1 weekend sees some of the year’s biggest and most extravagant brunches, both at established hotel restaurants and at special pop-up venues just for the race.
Here is just a selection of the brunches available in Abu Dhabi over the big race weekend.
B.I.G Race Weekend Brunch at Garage, W Hotel, Yas Island
Set at the heart of the race track, the W Hotel is the perfect place to take in the race action. Driven by a passion for flavour, Garage (the hotel’s buffet restaurant) will serve many delicious international dishes, from sushi and oysters to roasted meats and exotic salads. There are many desserts and a wide selection of breads and cheeses. B.I.G. really is an understatement!
Indulge in unlimited treats whilst enjoying a fine selection of beverages. With four brunches timed for each race session, Garage is the ideal spot to recharge while listening to the symphony of engines on the racetrack.
All guests will receive access to the Yasalam after-race concert of the night, allowing them to enjoy the much-anticipated performances of A-listers, including Katy Perry in 2025!
- House packages with indoor seating start at AED 700 per person, rising to AED 1,500 per person for outdoor terrace seating with bubbles on Friday, 5 December, from 1.00 pm until 4.00 pm
- The Saturday afternoon session runs from 12:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. and starts with house indoor packages at AED 1000 and outdoor sparkling packages at AED 1700.
- For the second Saturday evening brunch session from 4.30 pm until 7.30 pm on the 6th, prices rise to AED 3,300 for terrace seating with bubbles (indoors house packages AED 900).
- On Sunday, 7th December, prices will start at 1,600 AED per person for the house package with indoor seating and rise to 6,100 AED for bubbly packages in the terrace seating. The brunch will start at 4:00 pm and end at 7:00 pm, which is in line with the main event.
NB at the time of writing there are still limited rooms available at W available on race weekend, enquire at www.wrevup.com
Easy Tiger Pop-Up at The Royal Terrace, W Hotel
Race weekend packages have already sold out for 2025!
Easy Tiger runs The Royal Terrace at W Hotel, a special pop-up event, over the full race weekend.
The price tag has significantly jumped since the initial pop-up brunches last year at Rush. The full weekend pass, which gives you access to The Royal Terrace from 12 pm onwards daily, with complimentary F&B served until 8:00 pm, now costs a whopping AED 10,000 per person.
Your entry also gets you into the after-race concerts, which include DJ entertainment, dancers, and large LED screens to keep you in touch with all the action.
Deck at Two
Offering some of the best trackside views for 2026, combined with an exceptional culinary experience, Deck Two on ‘Flag Hill’ will feature dishes from Michelin-starred Hakkasan, Nobu, and Estroios Milos.
Prices start from AED 4850, which includes premium beverages, free-flowing bubbly, and a DJ—see details and book here.
Garden on Yas by COYA
For those who want to be seen to be seen, COYA’s exclusive ‘Garden on Yas’ brunch is where the race day action is at—bringing Peruvian flair to their trackside venue.
This stylish venue adjacent to W Hotel (views of turns 8, 11 & 12) will be one of this year’s party hot spots, with live DJ and Premium free-flow drinks. All-inclusive packages start from AED 4,500 – see details and book here.
Filini Garden at the Radisson Blu, Yas Plaza (TBC 2026)
Enjoy the sunset with a Michelin-star supper experience designed by Chef Nicola Fossacecaat at Filini Garden at the Radisson Blu, Yas Plaza. The brunch brings you the best of Italy with crisp pizzas, delicious pasta options, and a variety of antipasti and desserts. Guests really shouldn’t miss out on the Cicoria e Cicale di Mare and Ravioli di Ricotta in Brodetto di Crostacei, Mmmmm Bellissima!
As if all of the delicious Italian food wasn’t enough, there will be live saxophone music, a DJ, and dancers daily – as well as a Peroni Nastro Azzurro activation available to guests through the race weekend.
Whilst not a brunch per se, the unlimited drinks for 200 AED from 5.00 to 7.00 pm see this delicious dining experience in our brunch section!
- The Michelin Supper takes place on November 24, from 7.00 until 11.00 pm. Prices start at
- Sunset Breeze Bash from November 23rd to November 26th, 5.00 to 7.00 pm – AED 200, including house beverages.
Stills at The Crowne Plaza, Yas Plaza (TBC 2026)
Enjoy the Al Fresco terrace at the ‘Funch Brunch’ at Stills this F1 weekend. From 12.30 pm on Saturday, the 25th, and Sunday 26th, you can enjoy 4 hours of unlimited food and house beverages for 323 AED or upgrade to the bubbles package for an additional 100 AED.
Featuring live entertainment, real-time F1 coverage, and a dedicated Stella Artois pop-up, Stills is set to bring all the live racing action right to your table.
- Race Weekend Fun Brunch on Saturday, 25th November, from 12:30-4:30 pm. Prices start at 299 AED for the soft drink package.
- You can also avail of the ‘The Party Pack’ package from the 23rd until the 26th of November from 5:00 – 7:00 pm – AED 200
Graphos at The Hilton Hotel, Yas Bay (TBC 2026)
Yas Bay, Abu Dhabi’s swankiest entertainment destination, is around 10-minute walk from the Yas Plaza hotels. The focal point for the development is the Hilton Hotel, with their Saturday brunch being one of the best in Abu Dhabi.
Enjoy everything from paella to sushi in this amazing international buffet. Children are well taken care of with a phenomenal selection of child-friendly food – the highlight being Graphos’ famous chocolate shawarma!
This year, Graphos are offering a special Race Day Champagne Brunch on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th November. Prices start at 750 AED per person (375 AED for children aged 6-12). In addition to the regular Champagne Brunch, the Hilton are also offering the Champagne Brunch with lots of F1 extras!
The price (which starts at 2,800 AED per person) includes a delicious all-you-can-eat champagne brunch, free parking on the day of the brunch and, wait for it, Grand Stand tickets for the entire race weekend!
- The price for brunch on Saturday and the full weekend Grand Stand ticket is 2,800 AED per person.
- The price for brunch on Sunday and the full weekend Grand Stand ticket is 4,450 AED per person.
Mika Riviera Brunch
Taking place from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on all three days of the Grand Prix, the Award-winning Mika in Yas Marina is one of the best off-track party brunches for soaking up race day action. They will have DJ James from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM to keep the party going through until race time.
Prices start from AED 650—learn more here.
Great Days & Night’s Out During The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Loads of events are happening over the F1 weekend, so get ready to party the night away at one of these awesome events.
Ethara at Palm Garden at the W Hotel, Yas Island
As the day shifts to night, the Peruvian vibes of Coya will take over Palm Garden for the 3-day event.
Bagatelle at Skylite, W Hotel, Yas Island
Party all night at Bagatelle, taking over the W Hotel rooftop for 4 nights from Thursday, 5th through Sunday, 8th December – reserve your entry by contacting dubai@bagatelle.com or +971 4 354 5035.
Afterlife
This electronic Music festival will take place on Friday, 6 December 2024.
Yas Gateway Park – details to follow
Skybridge by Velocity
Another venue takeover, the W Hotel Skybridge over the GP track will be home to epic hospitality packages and entertainment from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm (AED 1700 Friday | AED 3200 Satuday | AED 6900 Sunday).
Come night, the Skybridge by Velocity will become one of hottest nightlife venues
- Friday 6th – D4 Dance 10:00 pm to 4:00am
- Saturday 7th – La Fiesta 10:00 pm to 4:00 am
- Sunday 8th – Abode 10:00 pm to 4:00 am
Learn more events@thevelcotylifestyle.com
Terrace By Velocity
With a stunning waterfront location offering breathtaking views of the Yas Marina and Turn 9, Enjoy 9 days of Premium beverages and champage with special activations inclugin race simualtors and Live Dj’s throughout the 3 days from 12:00 pm to 8:00pm. (AED 1990 Friday | AED 3290 Satuday | AED 7300 Sunday)
Your ticket here also gets you a discount for the Ministry of Sound after party, occuring from 8:00 pm to 4:00 am from 6 to 8 December 2024.
Learn more events@thevelcotylifestyle.com
La Festa Mika – After Race Celebrations
If you didn’t manage brunch at Mika, try their exciting evening celebration, which kicks off at 7:00 PM with a curated a la carte menu and DJ Luca keeping the hits coming all evening.
Learn more and book your seats here
Day Time Events Over Grand Prix Weekend
If the late-night scene isn’t your thing, or you want the kids to get involved, also keep an eye out for these Grand Prix-related events:
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Air Show With Al Fursan
On Friday, 6 December 2024, look to the skies above Yas Island and the surrounding area. The Al Fursan acrobatics team will be putting on their spectacular airshow to wow Grand Prix fans. Flying 7 Aermacchi MB-339NAT aircraft, they are a local hit sensation.
Visible also from the surrounding Yas Island and Raha beach communities (you can find paid public parking at Al Muneera and Al Bandar), this is a fabulous way for non-ticket holders living nearby to appreciate and experience some of the action.
Exact timing we are expecting 4 to 4:20 pm on the Friday
You will also catch a singular flyover with an Emirates A380 and Al Fursan in support in the few minutes before 5:00 PM local time to mark the start of the main event.
Ferrari World Fan Zone
Running from 5 to 8 December 2024, there will be a host of events for racing fans at Ferrari World, immediately adjacent to the Yas Marian Circuit (F1 tickets or Ferrari World General Admin tickets are required for entry).
Expect a variety of entertaining activities, including a live DJ, break-dancers, themed merchandise, designated chill-out sections with large LED screens and more!
This year, Ferrari World will also be hosting the Grand Final of the Ferrari HP Esports Series on 5 December 2024 at their newly opened Esports Arena.
Restaurants that you might like to try during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026
If 4 hours of all-you-can-eat and drink isn’t really your thing, there are plenty of a-la-carte restaurants close to all of the race track action where you can take in a meal of drinks deal.
A-La-Carte Dining at the W Hotel, Yas Island
In addition to the extravagant brunch options listed above, the W Hotel offers a number of A la Carte dining options. The Italian Amici is open from 12 noon to 12 midnight on all race days. If you sit outdoors, be prepared for noise, as the race cars will literally wizz past as you eat.
Alternatively, head to Angar, a dynamic fusion concept restaurant where you can indulge in some mouth-watering Asian dishes. Remember to book early to avoid disappointment.
- For more information, call +971 2 656 0000
More Restaurants in the Yas Plaza Hotels
If you love Indian food, Rangoli restaurant at the Rotana Hotel is well worth a visit. Immerse yourself in an Indian culinary journey – with a Western twist, this F1 season. Authentic Indian curries, traditional street food, and thoughtfully picked side dishes form part of a special sharing-style menu created by Chef Qureshi.
Also located at the Rotana, Y Bar brings South American and Asian influences to your plate in another sharing concept. The bar will also be hosting a limited-time Hoegaarden experience on its outdoor terrace. If steak and chips are more your thing, the Rotana is also home to the fantastic Blue Grill Steak House. To find out more, call +971 2 656 4000 or click here.
For a great selection of beers and food with a more European twist, the Belgian Cafe at the Radisson Blu might be just what you’re looking for.
Eating out at Yas Bay
The new development at Yas Bay, within comfortable walking distance of Yas Marina Circuit and the Yas Plaza Hotels, offers a wide range of dining and entertainment options to suit every budget in this buzzing waterfront destination.
Central offers good family dining options, while Asia-Asia is an excellent place for a romantic meal. Both are also offering brunch deals over the Grand Prix weekend.
Al Fresco dining at Yas Marina
Yas Marina, encapsulated by the Yas Marina Circuit, is a great place to stay away from those after-race hours. There are a variety of eateries, from Diablito’s Spanish flavours to Stars and Bars‘ burgers and wings.
There really is something to keep everyone happy at Yas Marina. Italian fine dining venue Cipriani is not to be missed with its well-crafted dishes and excellent views across the Marina and race circuit. We also recommend the brand-new Greek restaurant for those looking for a Mediterranean twist.
In addition to Yas Marina’s culinary delights, you’ll be at the heart of the action. There will be live entertainment, including a brass band and laser show, pop-up installations featuring Peroni and Aston Martin, and so much more.
Dining options in the Al Raha Beach Area
Just across the water from Yas Bay is the residential area of Al Raha Beach. There are several good dining options available, from Nando’s in Al Zeina to Emirati restaurant Meylas in Al Muneera.
Another option is the wonderful Desert Lotus Thai restaurant in Al Bandar. The area is accessible by bus and taxi from Yas Island as well as a water taxi from Yas Bay.
Eating at Yas Mall
Head to Yas Mall for various budget-friendly options and some fancier eateries. There’s a large food court with international favourites (KFC, McDonald’s, Burger King, to name a few) as well as a premium burger joint, Shake Shack.
For those that love big portions, check out The Cheesecake Factory, or head to the Cascade dining area, where you will find the Texas Roadhouse, Rainforest Cafe, and many other diverse places to eat.
Lazy F1 Days in Abu Dhabi
Maybe you’re all raced out and fancy a day (or even just a few hours) away from the race track. While sightseeing or shopping at one of Abu Dhabi’s extravagant malls is always an option, here are some more relaxing options closer to the track.
Day Dream at Sun Deck, W Hotel
Open from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm across the F1 weekend, sun deck is the place to be to soak up the sun in the midst of the action. Numerous DJs will be spinning the decks and cocktails, floaties, and slushies to keep you cool. Note that in 2022, there was a minimum spend of 325 AED per person on food and beverages over the race weekend which we think will become a permanent fixture. Reservations must be made in advance.
- For more information, call +971 2 656 0000 or click here.
Cafe Del Mar, Yas Bay
A short distance from the Yas Marina circuit is Yas Bay, a cosmopolitan dining hub centred around the Hilton Hotel. You will also find an Ibiza-style beach club, Cafe Del Mar. Soak in the sun and enjoy finely crafted cocktails or cool off in the natural infinity pool with views over Yas Bay, whilst listening to chilled-out beats.
- There will be daily brunch packages available, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday (AED 399), 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Saturday (AED 499) and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Sunday (AED 450) – or attend all 3 for AED 1,200.
- For more details about Cafe Del Mar click here.
Over 21s only.
Yas Beach
Yas Beach offers a more economical beach club option. Its large expanse of white coral sand is dotted with sunbeds and cabanas, and guests can enjoy views over the water towards the mangroves.
There are bars and restaurants, as well as sunbed service. Most guests staying at the Yas Plaza hotels should receive complimentary passes for Yas Beach. Otherwise, the weekend fee is AED 120 for adults.
Cultural Events Over the F1 Abu Dhabi Weekend
Besides racing and dining, many other things are happening in the Capital over the F1 weekend.
- For more information about cultural events, festivals, and performances taking place in Abu Dhabi this December, click here.
- The Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial has opened, bringing many new public artwork trails to the city – learn more here.
- There’s much more to Abu Dhabi than all of the glitz and glamour that comes with the big race weekend. These are our top “mustn’t miss” cultural attractions in Abu Dhabi to get on your bucket list.
- To find out more, take a look at our homepage, where you will find links to what you really shouldn’t miss on your trip to Abu Dhabi.
- The city will be awash with festive celebrations and tree-lighting ceremonies. Starting from just after Eid Al-Etihad you’ll find the city buzzing with Christmas spirit – learn more in our Abu Dhabi Christmas Events Guide
Where to Stay Near the Grand Prix Track
Are you still planning to attend the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2024?
There’s no denying last-minute bookings close to Yas Marina Circuit aren’t going to come cheap, but have a long around here for availability on the dates of your visit to Abu Dhabi:
Some options to consider staying nearby include private rental apartments in either the Waters Edge development on Yas Island or the neighbouring Raha Beach area, which has multiple new apartment complexes and access to the Yas Bay Water Taxi.
Staying anywhere in Abu Dhabi, though, you won’t be far from the action, and there are plentiful taxis and Careem cars to hire.
Alternatively, staying in Dubai and travelling between the two cities is also a viable option, with taxis and private hire car services such as Get Transfer readily on hand to service your needs.
We have a complete guide to transiting between Abu Dhabi and Dubai here if you’re planning to commute between the two cities.
Before you go… Important things to consider planning a trip to Abu Dhabi
- Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack as well as top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
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