With an influx of thrill-seekers and a consequent increase in visits to other attractions in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, the 15th Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend puts the Emirate and its touristic attractions in a global spotlight.

In a press statement prior to the show, the race organisers had said that tickets were “selling fast” as they prepared to welcome more than a hundred thousand motorsports fans across the four-day event, adding to that an estimated global TV audience of more than 100 million, as per event promoter Ethara. Exclusive and all-new fan experiences and vantage points were introduced for the 2023 edition.

In 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the seventh most expensive race to attend in the world

Hundreds of officials of the 10 teams, along with 5 A-list musical artists, VIP guests, celebrities, international media and, of course, the world’s best drivers were all in attendance, says Ethara.  Further, the event also hosted an auction featuring over 30 of the most desirable collector cars in the world, including F1 racing cars and next-generation supercars. Ethara estimates that the “On the Grid: The Abu Dhabi Auction” garnered over USD 20 million.

The statement adds that marking their presence at the event were Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, including other important Emirati as well as global elites. The organiers add that with noted Hollywood actors like Chris Hemsworth, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Orlando Bloom in attendance and Canadian singer Shania Twain making her performance debut in the Middle East, it was safe to say that Abu Dhabi’s investment in the Formula 1 had brought positive returns. 

According to reports, with the distinction of hosting the last Formula 1 event for the second year in a row, whereas the position is meant to rotate among host cities, the Emirate has leapt forward with its Vision 2030. 

Based on the average price of 3-day tickets, Abu Dhabi was the most expensive race to attend during the 2019 season, ahead of Mexico and Monaco, says a press statement by Formula 1. The cheapest 3-day tickets were almost USD 150 more expensive than any other race, aside from Monaco. In 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the seventh most expensive race to attend with an average spend of around USD 1,800 on a trip to the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, including 3-day seats, a 3-night stay in a local hotel, plus daily spending money, F1 adds. 

Elena Sorlini

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, a theme park in the Emirate’s entertainment destination, Yas Island, says it saw a “significant increase” in visitors over the F1 weekend, according to the general manager, Mike Oswald. Further, Abu Dhabi Airports anticipates that its traveller numbers could hit 22 million by the end of this year. Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and interim Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, revealed the projected traffic numbers during the inaugural of its new Terminal A building at Abu Dhabi International Airport. 

Winter is forecast to see significant demand from travellers, coinciding with major events like COP28 climate conference taking place in neighbouring Dubai. Around 2.29 million travellers are expected to arrive in the UAE in December alone. The passenger numbers have witnessed a 49 pc growth since the beginning of October compared to the same period last year, says Sorlini.

She adds that the current and upcoming winter seasons are expected to witness approximately 410 daily flights, compared to around 340 daily flights during last summer, representing an increase of over 20 per cent between the two seasons.