ABU DHABI: Ethara, the organisers of Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2024, announced that the #AbuDhabiGP 2023 weekend saw a record-breaking attendance of 170,000 fans enjoying the action at Yas Marina Circuit, with 65% of guests coming from outside the UAE.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix continues to build a loyal and passionate fanbase, with around half of 2023 race weekend’s guests having attended a previous edition in recent years, according to a press release it issued today.
There has also been a noticeable shift in visitors’ demographics, with a more diversified audience brought on by increased demand from younger fans and female racegoers.
Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its position as a hub for major sporting, entertainment, and cultural events, in line with its strategic vision of economic diversification.
In 2023, the event’s influence was indisputable, with a total weekend expenditure of AED 1.165 billion ($317 million), further cementing Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a truly global hub
for tourism and leisure.
Meanwhile, the popularity of Formula 1 continues to soar both regionally and internationally. During the 2023 season, the sport saw over 5.9 million fans attend its 23 race weekends – a 43% increase compared to 2018 – with this year’s record-setting calendar featuring 24 races across 21 countries.
A further enhancement to the fan experience will give racegoers the opportunity to run the iconic Yas Marina Circuit on December 5, ahead of the season finale.
Saif Rashid Al Noaimi, CEO, Ethara, said: ‘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.
‘Yas Island and Abu Dhabi are setting higher standards than ever before, attracting thousands of international visitors to this regional hub looking for a combination of tourism and major sporting and entertainment events.’
As the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix celebrates its 16th edition, the iconic event has become a catalyst for the flourishing tourism and leisure industries in the region, drawing visitors from all corners of the globe to experience the electrifying atmosphere and unparalleled hospitality that Abu Dhabi has to offer.
The organisers of Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2024 are gearing up to deliver a bigger and more exhilarating race weekend (December 6-8) on Yas Island than ever before, as Formula One is set to deliver its biggest season amid the sport’s exponential global growth.
The region’s largest sport and entertainment weekend continues to grow year-on-year, becoming a cornerstone of the region’s tourism and leisure sectors.
Source: Emirates News Agency