Where to Stay for the 2026 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

The best places to stay for F1 fans attending the 2026 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit

F1 Tickets / F1 Experiences / Abu Dhabi Hotels / Abu Dhabi Facebook Group

The 2026 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be the final race of the season on December 4-6

Hotel prices in the UAE are normally quoted without 6% city tax. Most hotels also charge an additional 10% service charge, to be paid at the hotel.

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If budget is no barrier, the best places to stay for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix are on Yas Island, within walking distance of the circuit. You can’t get any closer than at the iconic W Hotel Abu Dhabi, which forms part of the track, but there’s a nearby cluster of six hotels that are much cheaper and more convenient. The next best option is to stay at one of the many fine hotels in Abu Dhabi; the best are close to the Corniche beachside boulevard. 

Budget options are limited in Abu Dhabi and accommodation prices are high when compared to most Grands Prix. There are no hostels and the offer from airbnb is not so large, so you will need to go for a hotel (or aparthotel). If you don’t mind staying further afield, Dubai is also worth considering for a much larger range of accommodation at cheaper prices but a commute of 1-2 hours each way needs to be taken into account.

Where to Stay on Yas Island

Yas Island is home to several luxury hotels, including the iconic W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island within the circuit complex. Not surprisingly, this hotel is in high demand on Grand Prix weekend, prices are high and you will need to book almost one year in advance to secure a room. The W Abu Dhabi offers everything you would expect from a world-class 5-star hotel, spread across two distinct buildings bordering the race action itself. Garage is a restaurant offering all kinds of fusion cuisine, while the W Lounge showcases top tunes from the coolest DJs, and the Wet Deck provides the opportunity to take in the sunset at the pool with the perfect musical soundtrack.

One note of caution – the skybridge terrace at the W was home to the Amber Lounge parties on race weekend 2025, the noise and vibration from which prevented many guests from being able to get a good night’s sleep. The all-night yacht parties on race weekend can also impact guests’ sleep at the W. This is not the best place to stay on race weekend, unless you are planning to be joining the all-night parties yourself!

A short walk from the circuit gates, close to the W Abu Dhabi and F1 Paddock is a cluster of six hotels that are popular with the F1 teams on race weekend. It’s hard but not impossible to get a room at one of these hotels on race weekend, and prices are high, but it will be worth it if you can. No worrying about taxis, ride sharing on driving yourself on race weekend, as everything at the circuit and on the island is within walking or a short shuttle ride distance. The cheapest of these hotels is likely to be the Yas Plaza Circuit by IHG (previously called Centro Yas Island-by Rotana). It’s next to a beach, and only a ten-minute walk from the circuit. The hotel offers services you’d expect of a premium purchase, such as babysitting and childcare for an additional charge, free shuttles to take you to nearby attractions, and 24-hour room service. There’s also the reliable Park Inn franchise, whose Park Inn by Radisson Abu Dhabi Yas Island features a large outdoor swimming pool. Some of the well-appointed rooms offer circuit views. The other hotels in this area close to the circuit are the Staybridge Suites Yas Island Abu Dhabi by IHG, Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi Yas Island and Crowne Plaza Yas Island by IHG. A little further away, but still very close to the circuit, is the new and recommended Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island.

Accommodation & Circuit Transfers With F1 Experiences

Hotel rooms are available at selected hotels for guests who purchase an Official Ticket Package from F1 Experiences. Rooms are expected to be available at W Hotel Abu Dhabi and Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan (the latter with daily bus transfers available).

Where to Stay in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is now one of the world’s top tourist destinations, as well as hosting millions of tourists each year who pass through the emirate’s ultra-modern airport on their way between the hemispheres. There’s no shortage of luxury hotels in Abu Dhabi, including all the big global brands.

Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers makes up part of the spectacular Etihad Towers complex, with amazing views of the Arabian Gulf. The circuit is 35 minutes’ drive away. If you’re looking for somewhere secluded, with a private beach, Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri is a great choice. It’s 23 minutes’ drive along the E10 and E12 highways.

For those who want to stay in less costly accommodation in Abu Dhabi, there are some options available. Phoenix Plaza features good-standard studio apartments, in a central location close to bars and restaurants. As this is a hotel apartment, there is no catering, but you do get a kitchenette, washing machine, microwave, and all other amenities you’d expect from, say, a premium AirBnb. It’s 25 minutes’ drive to the circuit, along the E10. The Al Diar Dana hotel offers admirable value for money. Meanwhile the Grand Mercure Abu Dhabi gives you the trust and certainty of a global brand hotel with a good selection of standard and superior double rooms at reasonable prices on race weekend.

Where to Stay in Dubai

Dubai is the more famous and visited of the two most-populated emirates. It is around 100km from the circuit at Yas Marina. If you are willing to put up with a 90-120 minute trip to and from the circuit each day, then Dubai has more accommodation to choose from, and prices are cheaper on Grand Prix weekend. There is also arguably more to do in Dubai, and it can be a better base if you have plans to stay in the Emirates before or after the race. 

For those in the market for an excellent hotel at a price that isn’t among the highest in Dubai, the First Collection Jumeirah Village Circle is rated highly for the quality of its rooms and service, winning the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice award 2022. Situated right in the middle of Jumeirah Village Circle, you’ll have wonderful views of the coast and Palm Jumeirah from your window. It’s just over an hour’s drive to Yas Marina. 

Nearby, but several steps up in terms of luxury, is the Radisson Beach Resort Palm Jumeirah, where you can expect to pay high prices during race week, but in return you get copper-plated brand-name certainty, and facilities such as an outdoor swimming pool, three kinds of breakfast served every morning, and one of the best fitness centers at any of the local hotels. Again, you can reach Yas Marina in little more than an hour from here.

For a more inexpensive option, take a look at TRYP by Wyndham Dubai, which is in Barsha Heights, walking distance from Jumeirah Beach. There is high-speed WiFi in every room, and an outdoor pool with sun loungers so you can relax after a long day’s racing. All Dubai locations are accessible from the circuit using the E11 highway which stretches across the desert between the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. It’s a stress-free route, with clear driving on most days, and plenty of gas and charging stations along the way if needed.