Abu Dhabi: The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2024 organizers, Ethara, revealed that 170,000 fans attended the #AbuDhabiGP 2023 weekend at Yas Marina Circuit, setting a new attendance record. 65 percent were from outside the UAE of these attendees.
According to a press statement released today, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is growing its fan base, with about half of the attendees during the race weekend in 2023 having attended a previous edition in the past.
The demographics of the attendance have also clearly changed, with a more diverse crowd brought on by a rise in the number of younger racegoers and female spectators.
In keeping with its strategic goal of economic diversification, Abu Dhabi keeps enhancing its standing as a center for important entertainment, sports, and cultural events.
With a total weekend expenditure of AED 1.165 billion ($317 million), the event’s impact in 2023 was undeniable and further cemented Abu Dhabi’s standing as a genuinely global center for leisure and tourism.
In the meantime, Formula 1’s appeal is growing both domestically and globally. Over 5.9 million spectators attended the sport’s 23 race weekends in 2023, a 43 percent rise from the previous year. This year’s record-breaking schedule had 24 events spread across 21 countries.
Before the season finale on December 5, racegoers will have the chance to run the legendary Yas Marina Circuit as part of an additional fan experience upgrade.
Saif Rashid Al Noaimi, CEO, Ethara, said that, “The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix continues to bring together the excitement of motor racing’s top competitors and some of the world’s biggest music stars, setting the benchmark as the region’s largest sporting and entertainment experience, combined with unique leisure offerings across the race weekend.”
“Ethara are set once again to deliver a full calendar of award-winning events and are ready once more to bring incredible spectacles to our fans and deliver on our brand promise of making moments that matter,” Al Noaimi added.
As the 16th edition of the renowned Abu Dhabi Grand Prix approaches, it has grown to be a major driver of the region’s thriving tourism and entertainment sectors, luring travelers from all over the world to experience the city’s electrifying atmosphere and unmatched hospitality.
The Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2024 organizers are preparing to present an even more thrilling race weekend on Yas Island, December 6–8, than in the past. The race is expected to be the biggest in the sport’s history due to its rapid global expansion.
The biggest sporting and entertainment weekend in the area keeps expanding annually, solidifying its position as a major draw for travelers and leisure seekers.