The short answer
The 2026 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the final round of the Formula 1 season, takes place at Yas Marina Circuit, with the race on Sunday 6 December 2026. From Dubai, Yas Island is about 120 to 140 km away, or 75 to 100 minutes on the E11 without traffic. To drive there in a supercar, book three to six weeks ahead, rent for the whole weekend and have the car delivered to your Dubai hotel. Billionaire rents supercars in Dubai with no security deposit, and its insurance covers all seven emirates.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026: dates and what to expect
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix closes the 2026 Formula 1 season at Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island. Practice starts on Friday 4 December, qualifying is on Saturday 5 December and the race is on Sunday 6 December 2026, starting in the late afternoon and finishing under floodlights. Session times and fan events are published on the official Formula 1 website, so check them before you plan your drive.
It is the busiest week of the year in the UAE capital. Hotels on Yas Island fill up months in advance, many fans stay in Dubai instead, and supercars are among the first cars to be fully booked in Dubai for race week.
Why drive to the Grand Prix in your own supercar
Having your own car means you choose when to leave Dubai, which days to spend at the circuit and when to head back, without waiting for taxis or shuttles when tens of thousands of fans leave at the same time.
The drive is part of the experience. The E11 runs along the coast between the two cities, and arriving on Yas Island in a Ferrari, McLaren or Lamborghini on race weekend is something most fans only see in photos.
Choosing the right car for F1 weekend
For the full race-weekend feeling, choose from our supercar collection, or compare the marques on the brands page. December evenings in the UAE are mild, which makes it the best time of year for a convertible.
Travelling as a group? A luxury SUV such as a Mercedes-AMG G 63 or a Lamborghini Urus seats four or five with room for bags, and a VIP van takes up to seven guests in comfort.
If you plan to enjoy the hospitality at the circuit, book a car with a chauffeur. The legal alcohol limit for driving in the UAE is zero, and a chauffeur also saves you the late drive back to Dubai.
The drive from Dubai to Yas Marina Circuit
Take the E11 south-west out of Dubai and follow the signs to Yas Island and Yas Marina Circuit. It is about 120 km from Dubai Marina and about 140 km from Downtown Dubai, which takes 75 to 100 minutes without traffic. On race days, allow at least an extra hour, especially on Sunday.
Speed limits on the E11 are between 100 and 140 km/h depending on the section, and Abu Dhabi radars have no tolerance above the posted limit. Our guide to Dubai speed limits, radars and Salik tolls explains the rules.
Dubai tolls (Salik) are recorded automatically on the car. Abu Dhabi has its own road toll system, Darb, with gates around the city, so ask our concierge how Darb tolls are handled for your car before you set off.
A return trip from Dubai is roughly 240 to 280 km, close to or above one day's 250 km allowance. Rent the car for the whole weekend, or tell us your plans when you book so the mileage fits your trip.
Parking and arriving at the circuit
Parking at Yas Marina Circuit is limited on race weekend and depends on your ticket, so check what your ticket includes before you leave. Buy tickets only from official sellers such as Yas Marina Circuit.
Arrive early, before the roads around Yas Island close up, and take care on speed bumps and car park ramps, because most supercars sit very low. Never leave bags or valuables visible in the car.
How to book: timeline and documents
Book three to six weeks before the race. The most popular models, convertibles and seven-seat cars go first, and prices are higher during race week than in an ordinary December week.
Visitors need a valid driving licence and, for many countries, an International Driving Permit. Our guide to the documents you need to rent a car in Dubai and the rental requirements page list exactly what to bring. Drivers must be at least 25 for selected high-performance supercars and 21 for other models.
We can deliver the car to your hotel or villa, or meet you at Dubai Airport when you land. There is no security deposit, and comprehensive insurance is included in the daily rate.
The quickest way to reserve is to message our concierge on WhatsApp with your dates, hotel and the cars you like. You can also browse the full fleet with daily prices.
Make a weekend of it
With the car for several days, add a drive before or after the race. Our guide to the best driving roads in the UAE covers Jebel Jais, Jebel Hafeet and the desert highways.
The race finishes in the evening, so consider staying in Abu Dhabi on Sunday night and driving back to Dubai on Monday morning, when the roads are quiet.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026?
The race is on Sunday 6 December 2026 at Yas Marina Circuit, after practice on Friday 4 December and qualifying on Saturday 5 December. It is the final round of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
How long is the drive from Dubai to Yas Marina Circuit?
About 120 to 140 km on the E11, or 75 to 100 minutes without traffic. On race days, allow at least an extra hour.
Can I drive a rental car from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Billionaire insurance covers all seven emirates. Keep strictly to the speed limits, because Abu Dhabi radars have no tolerance, and ask us how Abu Dhabi Darb tolls are handled for your car.
How early should I book a supercar for F1 weekend?
Three to six weeks before the race. Supercars, convertibles and seven-seat cars are booked first during Grand Prix week.
Can I rent a supercar with a chauffeur for the Grand Prix?
Yes. A chauffeur can drive you from your Dubai hotel to Yas Marina Circuit and back, which is ideal if you plan to enjoy the hospitality at the circuit.
Do I need to pay a security deposit?
No. Billionaire rents every car, including supercars, with no security deposit, and comprehensive insurance is included in the price.
