Abu Dhabi Grand Prix promises to give fans 'memorable moments' on 15th anniversary

The Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix has witnessed many historic moments over the years and this weekend will celebrate one of its own when the race celebrates its 15th anniversary.

Yas Marina Circuit will welcome tens of thousands of fans to F1's season finale, with the festivities starting on Thursday and concluding after Sunday's race. A large workforce has been busy around the clock preparing for one of the pre-eminent events on the UAE's sports calendar, getting the track race ready and preparing the grandstands, fan zones, hospitality spaces, and landscape areas around the venue.

A global television audience of more than 100 million is expected to tune in for the final grand prix of the 2023 season.

Saif Al Noaimi, chief executive officer of Ethara, the event management company behind the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, glances over his shoulder from his office overlooking the race track at a job well done.

“We are ready to go with all the final touches now complete. It’s going to be a unique 15th edition of the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix,” Al Noaimi told The National.

“Last year, we set a record, and this year, we are expecting to exceed those numbers. We’re really excited to put on an amazing experience for customers."

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix set a record attendance of 140,000 across the race weekend 12 months ago. With an expanded grandstand and demand for tickets once again high, that record is expected to be broken once again, despite the fact the drivers' and constructors' titles have long been won by Max Verstappen and Red Bull.

“Fifteen years is a major milestone for us, as is having Etihad Airways as the title sponsor for the Grand Prix’s 15th edition," Al Noaimi said. "The airline is