The countdown to an action-packed final quarter is on at Yas Island Abu Dhabi, as the destination prepares to welcome visitors from across the world for a standout season of world-class sport, live entertainment, music and comedy.
With a calendar packed with world-class sporting events, live entertainment, concerts and cultural experiences set to take place across the island over the final three months of the year, including the Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026, the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship, the Abu Dhabi Comedy Season,international concerts and a packed programme of live entertainment, the months ahead will see the entire Yas Island ecosystem come together, working seamlessly to welcome guests and deliver an exceptional destination experience.
Following a record year that saw Yas Island welcome over 44 million visits in 2025, up 16% year-on-year, the destination is preparing for another busy season ahead. Theme parks across the island recorded 10% annual growth, while hotels achieved an average occupancy rate of 84%, reaching peaks of 90%, alongside a 17% increase in ADR compared to 2024.
As Yas Island prepares for another busy season ahead, hotels, attractions, restaurants, entertainment venues and transport networks are working in sync to ensure every element of the guest journey is ready to welcome increased visitation and deliver a seamless destination experience.
Jonathan Brown, Chief Portfolio Officer, Miral, said: “Our vision is to continue strengthening Yas Island’s position as a global destination for world-class events, with sport playing a central role our vision for the island. Major sporting events bring people together, inspire audiences and create opportunities to showcase the breadth of experiences across the island. This upcoming season reflects our ambition to turn the excitement of live sport into lasting destination appeal and unforgettable memories, giving visitors more reasons to stay, explore and return.”
David Powell, Chief Portfolio and Strategy Officer, Ethara Live: “We are ready to deliver a big season of sport and entertainment on Yas Island. From premier sport events such as UFC, Power Slap and RAF, headline Etihad Arena concerts Hans Zimmer and Andrea Bocelli and into a week of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix entertainment in December, with the season finale for F1 and headline music and entertainment all the way through the week as part of the Yasalam festival. There is more to see and do here than ever before.”
“The Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship is a highlight of the DP World Tour calendar, and Yas Links Abu Dhabi on Yas Island provides a spectacular setting for fans to enjoy world-class golf. As the opening event of the season-ending Play-Offs, the Championship brings added excitement to Yas Island’s packed programme of sport and entertainment. We look forward to welcoming fans for four memorable days of golf and encouraging them to explore the many experiences the island has to offer,’ said Katherine Palethorpe – Managing Director, Middle East (Commercial & Partnerships) & Director of Partnership Management, DP World Tour
One island, an incredible line-up
From global sporting moments and blockbuster concerts to some of the biggest names in comedy, the final months of 2026 will bring a diverse line-up to Yas Island, creating even more reasons to visit, stay longer and experience more across the destination.
October kicks off the quarter with international comedy from Morgan Jay on 11 October and Russell Peters on 25 October, while Arab music stars Tamer Hosny and Tamer Ashour will take the stage on 17 October. Adding to the month’s excitement, UFC 333 will return to Etihad Arena on 24 October, bringing another major global sporting event to Yas Island.
The energy carries into November, starting with four days of championship golf as the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship takes place at Yas Links Abu Dhabi from 5 to 8 November. The month will also welcome major sports entertainment as Real American Freestyle (RAF) makes its Middle East debut on 14 November, further strengthening Yas Island’s calendar of world-class events. Visitors can also enjoy Taste of Abu Dhabi from 13 to 15 November, bringing together celebrated chefs, live cooking experiences and family entertainment. Away from the sporting action, Abu Dhabi Comedy Season continues with an impressive line-up of international and regional talent, including Mo Amer, Maz Jobrani, Amine Radi, Anubhav Singh Bassi, Aries Spears, Nemr and Mina Nader.
Music and culture will also take centre stage throughout the month, with legendary composer Hans Zimmer performing on 13 November, followed by Turkish megastar Tarkan on 27 November and Arab music star Ramy Sabry on 28 November. Later in the month, Mansour Festival returns to Yas Gateway Park from 26 to 29 November, adding another family-friendly experience to an action-packed calendar across the destination.
December will then take the momentum to another level as Yas Island enters one of its busiest periods of the year. World-renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli will perform on 2 December, kicking off Yasalam music festival that surrounds the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026. Formula 1 returns to Abu Dhabi from 3–6 December, drawing the world’s attention to Yas Island for one of the most anticipated weekends on the international sporting calendar. The action-packed weekend will combine thrilling on-track racing with headline concerts by Lewis Capaldi, Imagine Dragons and Anyma presents ÆDEN, alongside other international artists performing across multiple venues on Yas Island.
The celebrations continue beyond race weekend, with Disney+ Movies in Concert on 18 December adding to the island’s festive entertainment and rounding out a year of memorable experiences.
Seasonal celebrations add to the appeal, with Spooktober returning to Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi from 3 October to 1 November, featuring live entertainment, character encounters and trick-or-treating, followed by winter festive celebrations in December. With the Kids Go Free offer adding value for families, these experiences give guests the opportunity to turn a single event into a full Yas Island stay.
Getting to Yas Island is just as convenient. Located approximately 10 minutes from Zayed International Airport, 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi city centre and 50 minutes from Dubai, the destination puts its entertainment and experiences within easy reach. This proximity, accessibility and connectivity mean guests can spend less time getting from place to place and more time enjoying everything happening across Yas Island.
As the year builds towards a spectacular end, with the entire destination working together behind the scenes, Yas Island is ready to close 2026 with a season that brings together world-class sport, entertainment, hospitality and unforgettable experiences.
