Motorsport fans will turn their attention to Yas Marina Circuit on Sunday 14 December 2025, when the Gulf 12 Hours endurance race anchors a full weekend of track action in Abu Dhabi. The event runs at Yas Marina on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 December, with gates typically open from morning through late evening so spectators can follow practice, support races and the main 12-hour contest. The race itself is scheduled for Sunday 14 December 2025 and brings together a grid of GT3 machines and new GTX1 entries on the famous twilight circuit. Race day on Sunday offers the most concentrated on-track action for visiting fans.
Race weekend format and on-track schedule
The 2025 edition marks the fifteenth running of the Gulf 12 Hours, now firmly positioned as a late-season GT endurance highlight at Yas Marina Circuit. According to the organiser’s provisional timetable, open practice and free practice sessions take place on Friday 12 December, with further practice and a block of qualifying sessions for the different drivers on Saturday 13 December. Sunday 14 December then hosts the full 12-hour race, split into an opening eight-hour segment and a concluding four-hour run to the chequered flag, starting in daylight and running into the evening under the circuit lights. Plan to spend most of Sunday at the track if you want to follow the race from start to finish.
Tickets, prices and what your pass includes
For 2025, Yas Marina Circuit sells Gulf 12 Hours access as a weekend spectator pass that automatically covers both Saturday 13 December and Sunday 14 December. There are no single-day tickets for this event. The general spectator weekend pass is currently advertised at around AED 50 per adult, which is very accessible compared with many international motorsport events. Each adult pass includes complimentary entry for up to four accompanying children under twelve, making it attractive for families who want to introduce younger fans to live racing (children/family-friendly, suitable for couples, solo). The pass also covers access to public viewing areas, a public suite, and entry to an Entertainment Zone across both days, along with a Formula Trophy support race programme on Saturday.
Where to watch around Yas Marina Circuit
Although Gulf 12 Hours weekend passes are priced as a simple category, Yas Marina Circuit still offers a variety of vantage points around its grandstands and public viewing areas. Many spectators prefer seats near the main straight and pit complex, where they can see race starts, pit stops and podium celebrations, while others choose sections overlooking the long back straight and heavy braking zones where overtakes are more likely. The circuit is fully floodlit, so visibility remains strong as the race runs into evening, and the atmosphere builds once the cars race under the lights. Arrive early if you want your preferred grandstand section or a favoured public viewing angle.
Family, friends or solo: who this event suits
Despite the long race duration, the weekend format makes Gulf 12 Hours flexible for different types of visitors. Families can spend Saturday exploring the Entertainment Zone and support races, then dip in and out of the main endurance contest on Sunday without needing to sit in the grandstand all day (children/family-friendly). Couples might enjoy combining a few hours of trackside viewing with dinner at nearby Yas Marina restaurants, then returning for the later stages as the race heads into the night. Solo motorsport fans, on the other hand, often choose to follow the full Sunday schedule, making the most of the pit lane walk, grid access opportunities and autograph sessions included in the weekend programme. This flexibility is one of the reasons many regulars treat Gulf 12 Hours as an annual tradition.
Getting to Yas Marina Circuit from across the UAE
For visitors driving from central Abu Dhabi, the most direct route is usually via Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street and onto Yas Island, with typical off-peak travel times around thirty minutes depending on your starting point. From Dubai, the journey along the E11 towards Abu Dhabi and then onto Yas Island often takes about one hour and fifteen minutes in light traffic, although Friday and Sunday evenings can be slower. Allow extra time on race day as traffic around Yas Mall and the circuit can become heavy near the start and finish. Public buses link central Abu Dhabi to Yas Island, and taxis or ride-hailing services remain popular for fans who prefer not to drive or worry about parking after a long day at the track.
Parking, entry checks and on-site movement
Yas Marina Circuit operates multiple parking zones, and allocation can depend on the type of pass or when you complete your booking. Some spectator parking areas are within walking distance of the gates, while others use shuttle services to drop fans closer to the stands, especially during major events. You should expect standard bag checks at the entrances, and professional camera equipment may be subject to specific rules, so lighter gear is usually easier to carry. Parking capacity is limited near the main grandstand areas at peak hours. Once inside, it is straightforward to move between designated viewing zones, food courts and the Entertainment Zone, although you should still allow time if you want to reach the grid walk or pit lane walk activities before they close.
December weather and what to wear trackside
Mid-December weather in Abu Dhabi is generally warm and dry, and the forecast for Sunday 14 December 2025 currently shows hazy sunshine with daytime highs around 30 to 31 degrees and evening temperatures easing back toward the mid-20s, with no significant rain expected. Conditions on Friday 12 December and Saturday 13 December are predicted to be very similar, so visitors can plan for consistent weather across the whole race weekend. Because temperatures remain strong in the sun, lightweight breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended for daytime sessions, while a light layer can be useful later in the evening when coastal breezes pick up in the grandstands. Comfortable shoes are essential if you intend to explore multiple viewing areas or take part in pit and grid walks.
Practical race day tips, warnings and how to book
On race day, it usually pays to arrive earlier than you think, especially if you are driving from Dubai or other Emirates, because Yas Island can experience bottlenecks around mid-morning and again in the late afternoon. Try to refuel and plan snacks or early meals in advance so you can avoid queuing at peak times in the food courts, and keep an eye on signage for shuttle buses that connect more distant parking zones to the main gates. Although the weekend pass is currently advertised at about AED 50 per adult including up to four children, ticket prices and on-the-door availability may change and should be treated as approximately correct at the time of planning. For bookings, the most reliable channels remain the official YAS MARINA CIRCUIT ticketing platform and any authorised partners listed by the organiser, which keeps access to the pit lane experiences and Entertainment Zone clear and predictable. According to information frequently shared by the editorial team behind www.few.ae, experienced regulars tend to secure their weekend passes as early as possible to lock in preferred dates and avoid race-day disappointment.
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