Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina F1 Circuit Boosts Capacity As Demand Rises

Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit announced that it has increased capacity for the 2014 Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to meet rising demand.

The event will now host 60,000 people, up from 55,500 last year, a statement said. An extension has been made to the Abu Dhabi Hill grassed area allowing it to accommodate 3,000 more fans, while the Paddock Club will also provide an additional 1,500 seats.

Organisers also announced that tickets for the 2014 Grand Prix, to be held between November 20-23, are now on sale with prices remaining the same as 2013. Fans will also be offered an ‘earlybird’ discount of up to 30 per cent until May 31, the statement said.

Along with Grand Prix tickets, organisers have created a new ‘GP Parks Package’ that will allow access to all four event days and entry to either Ferrari World Abu Dhabi or Yas Waterworld aqua park.

The circuit this year will host the last race of the season and, for the first time, double the points on offer to drivers.

Al Tareq Al Ameri, CEO at Yas Marina Circuit, said: “Every year we strive to make this showpiece event better and offer more to the fans.

“With an expected capacity crowd of 60,000, more fun activities for fans and double points for the final race – which means more exciting on-track action than ever – the atmosphere promises to be tremendous.”

Entertainment options this year include international performers, firework displays and a flypast of Etihad Airways’ new Dreamliner.

Over 6,000 people have already pre-registered online, 80 per cent of whom are from overseas, the statement said. Overall, the number of international spectators is expected to rise from 43 per cent to 46 per cent this year.

Abu Dhabi is aggressively expanding its tourist offering in a bid to attract more visitors. On Monday, the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) reported that 262,193 guests checked into the emirate’s accommodation during February, up 33 per cent compared to February 2013.