Saif Rashid Al Noaimi, chief executive of Ethara, the organiser of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, has confirmed that preparations for this December's race are proceeding exactly as planned, with nothing altered despite recent speculation. "It's happening. It's been planned. Nothing has changed," he said.
This year's Paddock Club has grown past 12,000 guests, making it the largest on the Formula One calendar. New entertainment additions include a performance by Andrea Bocelli at Etihad Arena as part of the Yasalam Classics series running alongside the race weekend.
Al Noaimi also revealed that Abu Dhabi will host its first F1 sprint weekend in 2027, extending track action across three full days. This year's edition already carries several family-focused additions, including free entry for children on Friday and new family pass bundles aimed at widening the race weekend's appeal beyond dedicated motorsport fans.
Organisers are also exploring a partnership with Etihad Rail to make it easier for fans travelling from other emirates to reach the circuit, part of a broader push to position the Abu Dhabi weekend as an event the whole family, not just racing enthusiasts, can enjoy.
Asked how he measures the Grand Prix's success, Al Noaimi pointed away from ticket numbers. "To me, it's the smiles in the venue on race day," he said, adding that organisers have to cater to a wide range of different audiences rather than a single type of visitor.