Brief

Ethara CEO confirms 2026 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will go ahead as planned

The race weekend in December will feature a larger Paddock Club, upgraded 16/360 experiences and possible Etihad Rail links, the CEO said.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 15 Oct 2026 23:18:46 GMT

Ethara CEO Mohamed Al Noaimi told Gulf News on 15 October that the 2026 Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix is confirmed and that organisers are exploring a partnership with Etihad Rail to improve access to the Yas Marina Circuit.

What happened

Al Noaimi said the organisers are looking at a shuttle service that could bring spectators from Dubai or Fujairah to a rail station and then directly to the racetrack. He added that the challenge is not only attracting visitors but also ensuring they can enjoy the weekend without excessive travel or parking hassles.

What the reports add

The interview highlighted several new hospitality initiatives. The Paddock Club has grown to over 12,000 seats, making it the largest on the F1 calendar, and demand for its sales remains high. The 16/360 hospitality experience, launched last year, will be expanded with more entertainment options. New dining partners include Nammos at Deck at Nine, marking the first time the brand will serve at the Grand Prix.

What was said

"We are looking at partnering with Etihad Rail and finding solutions where someone coming from Dubai or from Fujairah can arrive on the station and take a shuttle directly to the racetrack," Al Noaimi told Gulf News.

"We've surpassed 12,000, which is the biggest Paddock Club on the calendar right now, and we have huge, huge demand for Paddock Club sales," he added.

"We launched [16/360] last year for the first time. We are expanding that, and we're enhancing it, and we're including more entertainment offering in that product," Al Noaimi said.

"We announced Nammos at Deck at Nine, which is the first time for them to participate at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix," he noted.

How it came about

Earlier this month Felo News reported on the entertainment lineup for the December race, including performances by Black Coffee, CamelPhat and Shimza. The city’s broader livability agenda, outlined in September’s Felo coverage of Abu Dhabi’s vision, underpins the push for better transport links and inclusive hospitality options for families and diverse audiences.

Key facts

Ethara CEO Mohamed Al Noaimi confirmed the 2026 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is proceeding as planned. (gulfnews.com)
Organisers are exploring a partnership with Etihad Rail for shuttle services from Dubai and Fujairah. (gulfnews.com)
The Paddock Club now exceeds 12,000 seats, the largest on the F1 calendar. (gulfnews.com)
The 16/360 hospitality experience will be expanded with more entertainment. (gulfnews.com)
Nammos at Deck at Nine will debut as a food‑and‑beverage partner at the Grand Prix. (gulfnews.com)