ABU DHABI: Ethara, the organizers of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, have revealed that 2024 was their biggest year yet, with $340 million in visitor spend from 192,000 fans over the four days.
Announced at the Sport Industry Forum recently, the 2024 results highlight the race’s growing global sport, cultural and tourism impact.
The figure represents a 6.8 percent increase on the previous record of $320 million. Attendance grew by 12.9 percent from 170,000 to 192,000, with 70 percent of spectators coming from abroad.
That increasing demand has continued ahead of the 2025 edition — at Yas Marina Circuit from Dec. 4 to 7 — with most of the tickets already sold.
The results highlight the event’s role in leading Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s tourism ambitions, reflecting how in the 16 years since its debut, it has grown into a global showpiece.
Saif Al-Noaimi, CEO of Ethara, said the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix “continues to raise the bar” which “demonstrates how we’ve evolved the event into an entertainment and tourism destination that transcends sport.
“With an unprecedented level of advance sales for the 2025 race, fans are telling us they trust in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix experience and everything that it brings both on and off the track.”
The 2024 results also showed that 85 percent of international visitors arrived by air. More than half came to Abu Dhabi for the first time and many turned their stays into full holidays.
Alongside the racing, fans ventured beyond the circuit with their Abu Dhabi tickets to access Yas Island’s theme parks, and also cultural landmarks including Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al-Watan.
Over 30,000 visits were recorded across these sights during the 2024 race weekend. In 2025, ticket benefits have been further extended and include teamLab Phenomena, adding more value to the experience.
The event’s signature Yasalam entertainment proposition, presented by e& and After-Race Concerts, had a record 110,000 attending over four nights at Etihad Park.
The event also drew a huge broadcast audience, with 62 million watching last year’s championship finale on TV and streaming platforms.
That was further enhanced by F1 teams, drivers and celebrities sharing their experience on social media, giving the event an online reach of 4.6 billion.
Besides tourism, the event contributed to the local economy by generating jobs and bringing opportunities to the community.
Notably, 88 percent of staff on-site at Yas Marina Circuit last year were UAE-based, offering valuable experience and opportunities, especially for young professionals and temporary workers, as well as small-and-medium businesses and suppliers.
