Visiting the famous YAS Marina Circuit F1 track for free
Yes, you can visit the YAS Marina Circuit F1 track entirely for free. The Abu Dhabi Sports Council presents ADNOC Train YAS, a health initiative that offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to walk, jog, or bike along a world-famous F1 track in the U.A.E.
If you’re like I was two months ago, you assume the million-dollar cars, palaces, and towering skyscrapers of Dubai and Abu Dhabi translate into a visit to the U.A.E. being anything but cheap, but in reality, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. From free cultural tours of one of the world’s largest Mosques, to free bus transportation, and visits of the YAS Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi is actually very affordable for tourists.
YAS Marina Circuit is located on YAS Island, an area of the U.A.E. that aims to be the Orlando of the Middle East – and trust me, it’s on its way (especially with enticing offerings like this).
During a recent media trip to Abu Dhabi I stayed at the W Abu Dhabi Yas Island, a five star hotel that’s the only resort in the world to sit on top of an F1 race track (with summer night prices starting at only $130). During a night off from scheduled media activities, I looked over the track and jokingly asked the front desk if I could go on it. To my surprise, their answer was,”Why of course, let’s get you out there.”
Everything was free, even the equipment
Within minutes I was at the ComYAS Village, scanning in and heading onto the track. Sign-up is entirely free, you just need to make an account online and select a day to walk, jog, or bike. No matter which way you choose to visit the track, it’s free. Even the bikes and helmets are entirely free, thanks to a sponsorship by the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club.
The 5.5 kilometer, 3.4 mile track has only a few rules: stay hydrated, stay alert, and pedestrians keep clear of the cyclists. I arrived at 8:45 p.m., a time I would recommend as daily summer temperatures in Abu Dhabi can reach 125º F. Even at my later time, the temperature was around 91º Fahrenheit, a dry heat, but definitely still warm.
Walking under the W Abu Dhabi Yas Island Hotel
Numerous times on my trip I walked though this overpass bridge, looking down over the morning F1 car race tryouts. To be able to walk on the track, and under this hotel’s marvel of engineering, was a highlight of my stay.
I have watched NASCAR races in person, but never an F1 race. I know the feeling of the engine’s rumble as they zoom by on the track. To go from the standard left-turn-only NASCAR track, to this beauty of turns and twists, made me want to return to Abu Dhabi for a real race.
Wide open area to exercise and relax
There were about 150 people using the track when I visited, which was about 70 minutes before closing. Most of these exercising visitors were using bike; the rest were walking like myself, with only a few going for full track sprints.
Many bikers did multiple laps, and some were engaging in a track time run to see who was the fastest of the night. Bikers, walkers, and joggers were all free to use a grass area to sit, relax, and hydrate.
I just so happened to walk the track during the Abu Dhabi city-wide celebration for the grand opening of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, which provided views of the W Abu Dhabi YAS Island scrolling light-text to commemorate the occasion. Normally at night, the building retains the same blue shade but sparkles with the white lights instead.
A rare view in a city of dreams
This view is one that F1 fans dream of, a chance to step onto the YAS Marina Circuit like their racing heroes do – and it’s not only free; it’s encouraged as part of Abu Dhabi’s focus on health initiatives.
The free aspect was not due to my hotel stay or my media invite. In fact, this experience wasn’t really advertised. Instead I was lucky enough to discover this experiecne by accident, and I encourage health fans and racing enthusiasts to take advantage of this unique opportunity.
The city of Abu Dhabi has a lot to offer, from the YAS Island theme parks, to the city life, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace, and much more. Abu Dhabi is as fantastic as the pictures you see on social media, a rare place to visit that feels like a step into the future.
How to sign up and visit?
If you want to step out onto an F1 track, it’s simple. Visit the YAS Marina Circuit Fitness page, create a free account, check the days they are offering Train YAS, register for what you would like to do (walk or bike), and take a taxi, Uber, or the free YAS buses to the YAS Marina Circuit.
You will arrive at the ComYAS Village where you can scan your registration QR code, buy merchandise, purchase a snack or drink, relax in lounge areas, or enjoy unlimited free water.
What to wear?
Since I didn’t plan on this activity, I didn’t have proper workout gear, but, as leisurely strolls are allowed, I simply took my time walking and enjoyed the views. You may have heard about specific dress codes in Abu Dhabi and have concerns about what to wear. Don’t worry.
When you visit areas like the Grand Mosque or local areas, I recommend pants and more conservative clothing. But at YAS Marina Circuit, I saw plenty of people in exercise gear (though I would recommend steering clear of provocative clothing out of respect for locals). However, I did see biking gear worn like these women’s bike shorts and this innovative men’s biking shirt with back pocket.
Abu Dhabi is a world away from the United States, but one long plane ride later you will experience offerings that rival the very best in America. When you do make it to Abu Dhabi and the U.A.E., I highly suggest a night out on the track at the YAS Marina Circuit.
That’s AWESOME!
Now come on up to America’s National Park of Speed! Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.
We’ll treat the A.M. crew well. ‘Just don’t know about that “free” thing…