Abu Dhabi will stage Michelin 6H Abu Dhabi free practice and qualifying on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 14:00 to 19:35 at Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island. Gates are listed to open at 13:30, so you can settle in before cars hit the track. For quick help, Yas Marina Circuit lists general enquiries as 800 YAS (927) and a business line at +971 2 497 9000. The circuit location is commonly given as Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Central, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Schedule is subject to change.
Practice session rhythm and what you will see
Free practice runs from 14:00 to 16:00, and it often feels like the most relaxed way to watch endurance teams work. Because engineers chase consistency, you will notice repeated laps, pit checks, and short resets rather than a single big push. However, practice still produces real moments, especially when traffic builds and drivers find space in different parts of the lap. If you bring kids, practice is usually easier on attention spans because you can move around without missing a single make or break moment (family-friendly with hearing protection). Bring ear protection.
Qualifying session timings across classes
Qualifying starts at 16:30 and runs in short, high-intensity blocks that set the grid for race day. The schedule typically lists Qualifying Session 1 for TCE, GT4 and GTX from 16:30 to 16:45, then Session 2 from 16:50 to 17:05, and Session 3 from 17:10 to 17:25. After that, Class 992 runs Session 1 from 17:35 to 17:50, Session 2 from 17:55 to 18:10, and Session 3 from 18:15 to 18:30. Finally, Class GT3 closes with Session 1 from 18:40 to 18:55, Session 2 from 19:00 to 19:15, and Session 3 from 19:20 to 19:35. Arrive before 16:30 for qualifying.
Ticket options and expected costs
Friday is marketed as qualifying day, and entry is generally ticketed rather than open access. General Admission is listed at AED 75 per day, and it typically includes Main Grandstand viewing plus access to the event Fanzone spaces. In addition, a VIP Friday Pass is listed at AED 150 for ages 13 and above, and it is described as adding a premium lounge viewpoint and paddock-style access elements. Also, up to two children under 12 are usually listed as free with a GA ticket-holding adult guardian, which can help families plan costs (family-friendly). Prices may change and are approximately.
Viewing plans that suit different styles
If you want classic racing perspective, the Main Grandstand is the simple choice because you can watch braking, pit activity, and timing shifts without walking far. However, if you prefer atmosphere and variety, the Fanzone areas can work well because you can switch between track watching and on-site entertainment without losing the day’s momentum (suitable for couples, solo). For a more immersive motorsport feel, the VIP option suits people who want closer behind-the-scenes energy and fewer compromises on comfort. Meanwhile, photographers usually do best by arriving early, scouting sightlines during the 14:00 practice, then committing to one angle for the 16:30 qualifying push. Choose one main viewing base.
Getting to Yas Island from around the UAE
From Dubai, leaving around 11:30 to 12:15 often gives you a calmer arrival before the 13:30 gate opening and the 14:00 start. From Sharjah, add extra buffer because weekday afternoon traffic can stack up well before you reach Abu Dhabi, especially as you approach Yas Island exits. From Al Ain, a mid-morning departure usually avoids the tightest pinch points, and it also gives you breathing room for parking and entry lines. If you plan to stay for all qualifying until 19:35, consider a short break and water stop before you drive back, because the return run can feel longer than expected after a full afternoon trackside. Plan your return before 19:35.
Parking, drop-off, and the easiest arrival timing
Yas Marina Circuit normally operates with event parking zones, and staff direct cars as you approach, so following signage is usually faster than improvising at the last moment. However, the busiest arrival wave often lands between 13:15 and 14:15, so arriving closer to 13:00 can reduce circling and queue frustration. If you rely on taxis or ride-hailing, set your drop-off and pickup point early, because crowds tend to cluster again around 19:35 when sessions end. Also, if you want a quieter exit, waiting 15 minutes after the last qualifying session can sometimes save time in the car queue. Parking capacity is limited.
WARNINGS AND TIPS CLOSING PARAGRAPH
Friday, January 9, 2026 is expected to feel mild on Yas Island with partly sunny conditions, around 24°C in the afternoon and near 14°C later, so bring a light layer for evening breeze and strong indoor air conditioning. Because you will stand near running cars, wear closed shoes, and consider earplugs, especially for children and anyone sensitive to noise. Traffic can thicken toward Yas Island from early afternoon, so arriving before 13:30 helps, and using a taxi for the last stretch can reduce parking stress if you prefer convenience. Public transport options exist into Yas Island, yet most visitors still combine buses with a short taxi to the circuit for timing control. Ticket and door prices can change, so treat listed amounts as approximately, and the most reliable place to secure entry is the official YAS MARINA CIRCUIT ticketing channel. Lock your ticket and arrival plan early. I shaped these practical notes with the same reader-first caution you often see from the editors behind www.few.ae.
then "Add to Home Screen"