2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Abu Dhabi for this year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix? Make sure you read our handy travel guide for what to do, where to go, and how to get around.

ARRIVING IN ABU DHABI

If you’re arriving in Abu Dhabi from the United Kingdom, you do not need a VISA prior to flying. Instead, you’ll be eligible to pick one up at immigration on your arrival in the United Arab Emirates.

Abu Dhabi International Airport, situated around 8km from the Yas Marina Circuit, is the closest international airport to any circuit on the current Formula 1 calendar. You can quickly get to downtown Abu Dhabi from the airport via taxi or shuttle bus, and there are options to hire a car at the airport too.

HOW TO GET AROUND ABU DHABI

Once in Abu Dhabi, it’s relatively easy to get around. Public transport is inexpensive, and there are buses every half an hour from the main station that can take you to Yas Island.

Taxis and ridesharing services such as Uber are common in Abu Dhabi and can be a cost-effective way to get to and from the circuit each day if travelling in a group. The Circuit Circular Shuttle stops at several convenient locations around Yas Island, such as Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld, so ask your driver to stop there if you’re unsure how to gain access to the circuit.

If you’re hiring a car, be warned the traffic can be pretty bad on race weekends. If you’re staying in Abu Dhabi City, you’ll be around 35km from the circuit so make sure to allow plenty of time for your journey.

WHERE TO STAY NEAR YAS MARINA

Depending on your budget, your decision on where to stay will come down to a choice between the centre of Abu Dhabi or one of the luxury hotels situated on Yas Island.

Abu Dhabi can be one of the pricier races to attend when it comes to accommodation, but it’s the only circuit on the F1 calendar that offers you the chance to book a room directly overlooking the race track.

There are some phenomenal hotels on Yas Island, and most are just a short walk away from the circuit itself, but the most well known is the Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi (formerly known as the Yas Viceroy). This iconic hotel features two 12-storey towers linked together by a bridge that crosses directly above the Formula 1 circuit.

Other options on Yas Island include the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island (located on the waterfront), the Park Inn Radisson (close to the marina), and the Crowne Plaza Yas Island (just a few minutes from the airport).

Booking an F1 Experiences package for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix? Why not add a 3- or 4-Night stay and take advantage of daily transfers to and from the Yas Marina circuit.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO AWAY FROM THE TRACK IN ABU DHABI

Aside from the racing action, there’s plenty to see and do in Abu Dhabi, and it’s well worth extending your stay by a day or two if your budget allows for it.

For most other grands prix on the F1 calendar, the pick of activities are to be found away from the track, but in Abu Dhabi, that couldn’t be more different. Located within Yas Island itself and all within walking distance of the racetrack, you’ll find no fewer than three theme parks - Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld, and the iconic Ferrari World - as well as a beach, marina, luxury shopping mall, a golf course and live music arena.

There are even more landmarks to see and explore if you’re staying in Abu Dhabi City, including the UAE’s largest mosque (featuring the world’s longest hand-knotted carpet), the Emirates Palace, Emirates Park Zoo, and the Louvre Abu Dhabi. You’re so spoilt for choice, you might even forget the grand prix is taking place!

It’s also worth considering your proximity to Dubai when travelling to Abu Dhabi for the grand prix. As one of the leading tourism destinations in the world, you’ll fine world-class restaurants, designer shopping malls, and some of the world’s most iconic architecture in Dubai.

At 130km from the centre of Abu Dhabi, you can easily travel between the two by bus (around two hours) or by taxi (around one hour), and while you’re there, why not check out the Dubai Expo 2020? Rearrange from last year, the event starts in October and runs through to April 2022.

The main site will be conveniently located between the cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, close to Dubai's southern border with Abu Dhabi.

BEST PLACES TO GET FOOD AND DRINK IN ABU DHABI

Abu Dhabi is home to some truly world-class cuisine, with many celebrity chefs operating restaurants there. Emirati cuisine tends to be a fusion of Middle Eastern flavours, with staples likely to include rice and meat such as fish, lamb or goat.

It’s worth remembering that Abu Dhabi is a predominantly Muslim state. Non-Muslims are permitted to consume alcohol, but only in places such as restaurants and hotel bars. You’re unlikely to find a ‘bar scene’ as you might in some European and American destinations, and it’s illegal to drink in the street, so stick to the designated areas as punishments can be severe!

TRAVEL TIPS FOR YAS MARINA AND THE ABU DHABI GP

Language: Arabic is the first language of Abu Dhabi, however, English has been widely spoken for many years and is commonplace in most hotels and restaurants.

Time zone: Abu Dhabi operates on GST (Gulf Standard Time) all year round, which is four hours ahead of the United Kingdom at the time of the race.

Currency: The only currency widely accepted in Abu Dhabi is Dirham, but you can exchange your money on arrival at the airport. Should you come unprepared, it’s relatively easy to withdraw cash at an ATM throughout the city, and most accept foreign bank cards. It’s worth noting, though, that most Taxis will only take cash so come prepared.

Weather: During December, Abu Dhabi is technically entering winter, although you’ll still find it warm and dry with average temperatures ranging between 17-26°. There’s little chance of rain at that time of year, and you should get around 10 hours of sunshine each day.

Power sockets: The most common socket in Abu Dhabi is Type G, the same as the United Kingdom. Should you need to, you can pick up an adaptor for most other countries at the airport.

ATTEND THE 2021 ABU DHABI GP WITH GRAND PRIX EVENTS

Following an enforced break in 2020, Yas Marina makes a welcome return to the F1 calendar this season as host of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Book now and secure your seat for F1’s return to Abu Dhabi.