Daily Insider: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix a marvel for the UAE

Back in 2009, I was lucky enough to attend the debut Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina circuit. Back then it was already a big festival that ushered in a new era for motorsports and the hospitality sector in the UAE.

Fast forward 14 years later, and I again found myself at the Grand Prix this weekend to witness the qualifiers. What struck me is how this final race of the season has evolved into a stellar showpiece. The perfect weather conditions during this time of the year is also a major plus.

What’s more is that Abu Dhabi is benefitting massively from the tailwind that is F1’s fast-growing global profile. It’s previously been said by the FIA that over 1.55 billion people watch Formula 1. The Netflix series, Drive to Survive, has also helped propel the global audience of this sport to another level.

In hosting the final race of the season, Abu Dhabi has the enviable position of attracting billions of eyeballs from across the globe, in what is a giant, recurring marketing success.

It’s a position that many cities around the world are clamouring for. For example, my own country — South Africa — has been (unsuccessfully) trying for years to return Formula 1 to the world-renowned, and recently upgraded, Kyalami Race Track in Johannesburg. 

Kyalami used to be a regular feature of the F1 circuit but in 1993 it sadly lost that privilege. It’s now proving hard to get the race back — even with recent calls from Lewis Hamilton that it’s time for Africa to host a F1 race. 

I hope the race does return to Joburg one day. But for now, I’m extremely happy to see how the UAE and Abu Dhabi have made the most of their opportunity.