- Multi-GRAMMY and BRIT Award-winning rock band Kings of Leon have been confirmed as the final headline act for the 2026 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix entertainment roster.
- Organised by Ethara, the Yasalam presented by etisalat festival will run from December 2-6 across Yas Island, featuring 12 artists and seven After-Race Concerts.
- The star-studded lineup also features Andrea Bocelli, Lewis Capaldi, Jennifer Lopez, Imagine Dragons, The Chainsmokers, The Script, and Anyma.
The entertainment roster for the 2026 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is officially complete, with American rock band Kings of Leon announced as the final headliner for the season finale at Yas Marina Circuit. The multi-GRAMMY and BRIT Award-winning group joins a premier slate of international talent for the Yasalam presented by etisalat entertainment programme, solidifying the UAE capital’s calendar for one of motorsport’s most anticipated weekends.
Ethara Unveils Ambitious Multi-Venue Yasalam Roster
Organised by event management firm Ethara, the Yasalam festival runs concurrently with the Formula 1 season finale from December 2 to December 6. This year’s edition expands the festival’s footprint across Yas Island, offering seven official After-Race Concerts and featuring 12 artists spanning rock, pop, classical, and electronic music.
David Powell, Chief Portfolio and Strategy Officer at Ethara, emphasized the scope and ambition of this year’s roster:
“The Yasalam entertainment programme we produce at Ethara Live has become the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix signature, and this year’s programme is our most ambitious yet.”
“Bringing together established global stars and some of today’s most exciting emerging artists, we’ve created a line-up that appeals to fans across generations and musical genres.”
“With Kings of Leon completing the programme, we’re looking forward to welcoming fans to Abu Dhabi for an exceptional week of racing, music and entertainment on Yas Island.”
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Complete Schedule of After-Race Concerts and Live Performances
The musical festivities commence on Wednesday, December 2, when world-renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli brings his Romanza Tour to Etihad Arena under the Yasalam Classics banner. The official After-Race Concerts launch on Thursday at the open-air Etihad Live venue adjacent to Yas Marina Circuit, pairing the newly confirmed Kings of Leon with Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi.
On Friday, pop icon Jennifer Lopez will take the stage alongside Alex Warren, the breakthrough artist known for the hit Ordinary, following the opening day of track practice. Saturday’s Qualifying session will be capped by alternative rock giants Imagine Dragons, who are set to deliver a high-energy setlist featuring arena anthems such as Believer, Thunder, and Whatever It Takes. The race weekend concludes on Sunday night after the Grand Prix with a dual closing bill featuring electronic duo The Chainsmokers and Irish pop-rock band The Script.
Beyond the primary concert stage, electronic music producer Anyma will stage his visual and sonic production, Anyma presents ÆDEN, at Yas Gateway Park on Friday, December 4, as part of the Yasalam Official After-Party. Within the Yas Marina Circuit grounds, trackside venue 16/360 will offer elevated views of the racing action paired with sets from house and electronic acts Shimza, CamelPhat, and Black Coffee.
Ticketing Details and Saadiyat Cultural Access
In addition to live music and track action, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders receive complimentary entry to several premier landmarks throughout the emirate. Eligible sites include the presidential palace Qasr Al Watan, Yas Island theme parks, and major cultural destinations on Saadiyat Island, including Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, and teamLab Phenomena.
Admission to the main After-Race Concerts remains exclusive to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders, who can also purchase Golden Circle upgrades for front-of-stage access. Separate tickets are required for Yasalam Classics featuring Andrea Bocelli, the Anyma Official After-Party at Yas Gateway Park, and entry to the 16/360 venue. Organisers note that remaining ticket options are limited and available exclusively through the official Abu Dhabi Grand Prix website.
Why This Matters
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has evolved into a vital pillar of the UAE’s sports and tourism economy, setting high benchmarks for Formula 1 host cities worldwide. The 2026 event arrives on the heels of a record-breaking 2025 weekend that drew 339,000 spectators to Yas Island and earned Ethara the prestigious F1 Promoter of the Year accolade. By integrating Formula 1 track action with global music icons and access to the emirate’s expanding cultural district on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its position as an international destination for premium sports entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is performing at the 2026 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix After-Race Concerts?
The 2026 lineup features Kings of Leon, Lewis Capaldi, Jennifer Lopez, Alex Warren, Imagine Dragons, The Chainsmokers, and The Script at the Etihad Live venue. Additional performances across the weekend include Andrea Bocelli at Etihad Arena, Anyma at Yas Gateway Park, and DJ sets by Shimza, CamelPhat, and Black Coffee at 16/360.
How can fans gain access to the Yasalam After-Race Concerts?
The core After-Race Concerts at Etihad Live are exclusive to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders, with Golden Circle upgrades available for enhanced access. Standalone tickets must be purchased separately for Andrea Bocelli’s performance, the Anyma Official After-Party, and the trackside 16/360 venue.
What additional attractions are included with an Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket?
Ticket holders receive complimentary entry to key attractions across the city, including Qasr Al Watan, Yas Island theme parks, and cultural venues on Saadiyat Island such as Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, and teamLab Phenomena.
