Rising Costs Highlight Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025: Prices Skyrocket, Parking Limited – But the Atmosphere is Unmatched

When the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend arrives, the capital of the United Arab Emirates shows a completely new face. Thousands – if not tens of thousands – of motorsport enthusiasts flock to Yas Island to experience the thrills of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix up close. However, the excitement surrounding the race is felt not only on the track: prices and logistics also escalate, hotel rates reach unprecedented levels, and parking becomes a real challenge.

Hotel Prices: Where Luxury Reaches Extreme Levels

The W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island hotel exemplifies the extent of price increases. According to their package offers for the F1 weekend, a single booking for the "Spectacular Room" costs 90,000 dirhams, while the same for two people costs "only" 92,000 dirhams. The "Fantastic Suite" is priced at 110,000 dirhams for one person and 112,000 dirhams for two. The most exclusive "Fabulous WOW" suite is available only upon special request, meaning the premium experience is almost priceless.

These prices may seem shocking at first, but it's worth considering that the rooms at the W Hotel offer direct views of the race track, so guests do not need to purchase separate race tickets. Additionally, access to post-F1 concerts is guaranteed for all hotel guests.

Some managed to get a better deal: those who negotiated in person with the receptionists could book a three-night package, including parking, for 62,600 dirhams instead of the initial 67,500 dirhams. Those who did not require a track-view room paid "only" 45,000 dirhams for the experience.

Others were less fortunate: the cheapest room found by a young guest was 15,000 dirhams for a single night – though even this was discounted from the original price of 18,000 dirhams.

Price Increases Everywhere: Alternative Accommodations and Yachts

The high prices are not limited to the W Hotel. Other accommodations are significantly more expensive during the F1 weekend:

Hilton Yas Island: 48,020 dirhams + 11,285 dirhams in taxes and fees

Superyacht nightly rental: 32,464 dirhams, down from an original price of 36,072 dirhams

Marriott Hotel Al Forsan (three nights, two adults): 18,855 dirhams + 4,431 dirhams in fees

Aloft Abu Dhabi: 13,405 dirhams + 3,150 dirhams in taxes

Interestingly, these hotels cost a fraction of the price in February, during the off-season:

W Hotel Yas Island: approx. 3,145 dirhams + 739 dirhams in fees

Hilton Yas Island: approx. 5,267 dirhams including all fees

Marriott Al Forsan: approx. 9,806 dirhams + 1,356 dirhams in fees

Aloft Abu Dhabi: approx. 3,537 dirhams all-inclusive

This difference highlights the enormous demand during the Formula 1 weekend and the lengths to which people are willing to go to pay for the experience – especially those looking to fully immerse themselves in the live race and related events.

Parking: A Challenge Even Away From the Race

For visitors to Yas Island, getting around by car proved a significant challenge beyond just accommodation. By Friday morning at 10 am, traffic was still fluid, but parking was already difficult.

Parking fees at the W Hotel soared over the weekend:

Friday: 1,200 dirhams during the day, 1,400 dirhams in the evening

Saturday: 2,100 dirhams during the day, 2,500 dirhams in the evening

Sunday: 3,000 dirhams during the day, 3,500 dirhams in the evening

Many ultimately opted for the Yas Mall Fashion Avenue parking, from which they could reach main venues on foot or via free shuttle buses organized by the ITC. Parking was limited even at locations not directly related to the race – such as Yas Bay or the Warehouse Gym.

Official organizers also recommended using the Yas Mall parking, where a free bus transfer conveniently took visitors to the racetrack or concerts.

Public Transport and Vehicle Fleet for the Event

According to the mobility plan for 2025, the Integrated Transport Centre deployed 82 buses operating between the Yas Mall and Warner Bros. parking areas. These vehicles transported passengers between the racetracks, hotels, and entertainment zones.

Additionally, 3,000 taxis and several car-sharing services were available, including 15 self-driving vehicles operating on designated routes within Yas Island.

Is It All Worth It?

The answer may vary for each visitor. Some enjoy every moment of the race, regardless of costs – for them, the experience is priceless. Others prioritize practicality and value for money, thus opting for distant, cheaper accommodations or attending just the concert.

However, everyone agrees: the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend is not just a race – it's a lifestyle, and experiencing it on-site is incomparable to anything else. Planning ahead, booking in advance, and maintaining flexibility is advisable, especially if you want to focus on the race excitement without the stress of prices and parking.

(Source: Based on Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race weekend.)