Everything to do at Yas Marina Circuit (it’s more than just an F1 racetrack)

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.

But F1 is not the only reason to visit Yas Marina Circuit.

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.

Yas Island is arguably the most tourist-friendly area of Abu Dhabi, with some of the coolest hotels for visitors.

The island is packed with incredible activities from riding the world’s fastest rollercoaster to staying in the world’s first WB Hotel.

Everything to do at Yas Marina Circuit

Driving experiences at Yas Marina Circuit

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 Aston Martin GT4 is a semi-automatic car that has a sizzling acceleration.

For Dhs1,840 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 visualised 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 Alfa Romeo Guilia Quadrifoglio driving experience, where you’ll reach speeds of 307 kilometres per hour. Other options include the Caterham Seven, Chevrolet Camaro SS drag racing and the Polaris drift sprint.

Yas Track Day is another option, if you’d rather drive your own car or motorbike around the track. Keep your eyes out for the next track day announced.

If you’re more of a passenger princess but still have a need for speed, there are multiple experiences available that involve you being swung round the track in a variety of cars, prices start at Dhs110.

Go Karting at Yas Marina Circuit

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, while it’s Dhs80 for junior and kids, 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? TrainYAS is held 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 2024 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.