Yas Marina Circuit

Yas Marina Circuit isn't just a racetrack - it's Dubai's adrenaline-fueled love letter to motorsport. This engineering marvel on Yas Island redefines what a racing venue can be, where the roar of Formula 1 engines mixes with the splash of luxury yachts in the adjacent marina. The circuit's iconic 5.5km layout weaves between futuristic architecture and Arabian-inspired designs, including that mind-bending underground tunnel that feels straight out of a sci-fi movie.

What really sets this place apart? It's alive year-round. Between Grand Prix weekends, you can strap into a modified F1 car and feel 800 horses scream beneath you (if your neck muscles can handle the G-forces). Or take the slightly less terrifying option - a passenger ride with a pro driver who'll show you what 300km/h really feels like in a Mercedes AMG GT. The KartZone track lets aspiring racers as young as 12 test their skills on a proper junior circuit.

The innovations here will blow your mind. That hotel straddling the track? More than just a pretty view - its design mimics rolling desert dunes. The 5,500 LED lights are so advanced they recreate daylight conditions for night races. Even the pit building shimmers with mother-of-pearl finishes, because in Abu Dhabi, why shouldn't a racetrack be luxurious?

For those who prefer their thrills at lower speeds, the behind-the-scenes tours reveal secrets like the 5,000-ton movable platform under the main straight. The simulators use the same tech as real F1 teams, letting you crash (repeatedly) at Monaco without consequences. And when you need to refuel, the paddock club serves champagne so cold it'll numb the adrenaline shakes.

Pro tip: Visit during Thursday's "Yas After Hours" when the track comes alive with drag racing and stunt shows under the stars. Just don't forget to peek at Ferrari World next door - because one dose of speed is never enough in this corner of the UAE.

The story of Yas Marina Circuit began in 2007, when the authorities of Abu Dhabi set out to create one of the most advanced racing circuits in the world. The goal was not only to attract prestigious motorsport events, but also to show the world that the United Arab Emirates was ready to become a key player on the global motorsports map.

Construction took just two years—a remarkable engineering feat. The project was carried out by international firms, with a total cost of around 1.3 billion USD. The circuit was designed by renowned architect Hermann Tilke, who created a layout inspired by Arabic culture and architecture. One of its most iconic features is the underground tunnel and a section running alongside the marina, giving the track a unique character.

Yas Marina Circuit was officially opened in 2009, and that same year it hosted the first ever Abu Dhabi Grand Prix—now one of the highlights of the Formula 1 calendar. Since then, the circuit has welcomed the biggest names in motorsport and continues to attract fans from around the world.