The trophy for the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has visited Etihad Airways’ headquarters at Zayed International Airport. The stop marks the countdown to the 18th edition of the season finale, which runs on Yas Island from 3 to 6 December 2026.
The trophy’s visit
Antonoaldo Neves, Group CEO of Etihad Airways, and Saif Rashid Al Noaimi, CEO of Ethara, welcomed the trophy on 27 October 2026. The stop celebrates a partnership that has been part of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since the first edition in 2009. Ethara is the event’s promoter, and Etihad Airways is its title partner.
The trophy
The trophy is inspired by the saqr falcon, one of the world’s fastest birds and a national symbol of the UAE. It captures the bird in flight, with two wings framing its body. The body is made from highly polished fine silver, with a reflective geometric pattern inspired by Abu Dhabi’s sand dunes and the design language of Etihad’s livery.
Etihad’s role in race weekend
Etihad Airways connects Abu Dhabi with Formula 1 fans around the world. Its presence runs through race weekend, from welcoming international visitors at Zayed International Airport to hospitality experiences and fan activations at Yas Marina Circuit, as well as exclusive access for Etihad Guest members. One of the weekend’s best-known moments is the pre-race flyover by an Etihad aircraft, which millions of viewers watch around the world.
What the CEOs said
Neves said excitement is building for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and that Etihad looks forward to welcoming guests from more than 100 destinations to its home for the final race of the season. Al Noaimi said the partnership goes back to the very first race in 2009 and is built on a shared goal of growing the event and showcasing Abu Dhabi to the world, and that Etihad continues to help take the Grand Prix to new heights.
About the race
- Dates: Thursday 3 December to Sunday 6 December 2026, the 18th edition
- Position: the season finale of the F1 World Championship
- Format: a twilight race, and it remains the only day-night Grand Prix on the calendar
- Demand: Ethara’s CEO has said ticket sales are running at a similar pace to 2025, with the Main and North grandstands already fully booked
For UAE fans
With the finale less than five weeks away, remaining ticket categories are likely to move quickly. Check Yas Marina Circuit and Ethara’s official channels for what’s available.
Sources: Ethara and Etihad Airways press release via Mid-East.info, 27 October 2026;
