Anyone who knows Abu Dhabi knows that Yas Marina Circuit has hosted the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009, making it one of the buzziest, most exciting places to be come race season.
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But F1 is not the only reason to visit Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. The track has loads of cool things to do, whether you’re there for F1 season or you’re visiting at any other time of the year. We’re talking health and fitness activities, go karting and opportunities for regular drivers to circle the track. Ready to zoom over to Yas Marina Circuit?
Yas Island Abu Dhabi is arguably the most tourist-friendly area of Abu Dhabi, with some of the coolest hotels and activities for visitors. The island is packed with cool activities from riding the world’s fastest rollercoaster to staying in the world’s first WB Hotel.
Looking to explore some more? We’ve got the full guide to Yas Island with all the best things to do as well as a guide to the food scene at Yas Bay Waterfront. Vroom.
Driving experiences
You don’t have to be a Formula 1 driver to get behind the wheel at Yas Marina Circuit. You don’t even need to have your own sports car. The circuit puts on loads of driving experiences for sports enthusiasts to try. All you need is a valid UAE license or a license from your home country.
Wondering what you can drive?
The Porshe Taycan Turbo is an electric car that has a sizzling acceleration. For Dhs1,899 you can speed along the track in this state-of-the-art car, which uses biometric technology to capture your individual performance, reading your heart rate and blood pressure as well as the frequency of brain activity, emotions and nervous impulses. The data is then visualized in a 3D avatar and driver persona. The future is truly here.
You can also whip around the track in a single-seat racing car with the Formula Yas 3000. You’ll feel like a professional driver while you power around the track with F1 style paddle gear shift changes. Finally, there’s the Ferrari 458 GT driving experience, where you’ll reach speeds of 325 kilmetres per hour. Other options include the Alfa Romeo, Caterham Seven and Aston Martin GT4.
Yas Track Day is another option, if you’d rather drive your own car around the track. Keep your eyes out for the next track day announced.
From Dhs950. Yas Marina Circuit, yasmarinacircuit.com
Go Karting
Looking to reach new speeds at Yas Marina Circuit? The one kilometre Yas Kartzone offers the opportunity to do exactly that. Gather the gang and decide who really rules the track with a pedal to the metal experience. Prices for adults start from Dhs120 when you book online, juniors pay from Dhs80 and kids pay from Dhs55. You’ll need close-toed shoes (the kind you could run around in) meaning no sandals or heels. You don’t need a driver’s license, either.
From Dhs120. Yas Marina Circuit, yasmarinacircuit.com
Fitness activities at Yas Marina Circuit
Looking for some serious training? ADNOC TrainYAS is back on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6pm to 10pm. Head to Yas Marina Circuit to jog, cycle or take a leisurely walk at sunset.
Walkers and runners are guided in a clockwise direction while cyclists go anti-clockwise. Abu Dhabi Cycling Club is offering free bikes to use during your training in adult and kids’ sizes. You can bring your own helmet or use a free one, just keep in mind there are limited helmets available. All bikes and helmets are sanitized between uses.
Free. Yas Marina Circuit, yasmarinacircuit.com
Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
One of the greatest sporting events in the world takes place every year in Abu Dhabi. Tickets to the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2022 are now on sale and you can expect the city to come alive with incredible parties, brunches, concerts and of course, brilliant racing to see.
For the first time in eight years, the Yas Marina Circuit capacity is increasing to accommodate more spectators with a brand-new grandstand. Sounds like the perfect reason to hit the track during F1 this year.
From Dhs699 (general admission). Thu Nov 17-Sun Nov 20, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island. yasmarinacircuit.com.
