Why the United Arab Emirates is a Must-Visit Destination for Motorsports Fans

Throughout the past decade, the number of tourists visiting the United Arab Emirates has continued to rise. According to data from Statista, the country recorded international tourism figures of approximately 21 million people in 2017, which was 6.9 million more than in 2012. There are numerous reasons why the UAE is becoming a go-to holiday destination among globe-trotting travelers. Aside from the rich architectural history, entertainment possibilities, and shopping opportunities, the region boasts an action-packed motorsports pedigree.   

Since its early days, the country’s motorsport scene has reached new, unprecedented heights. As such, it is an ideal location for thrill-seeking tourists to visit. So, let's take a look at some of the UAE’s most immersive offerings for racing fans. 

Dubai 24H Series 

In 2004, the Dubai Autodrome was officially opened. Following its birth, the 5.39-kilometer circuit has hosted an array of events over the past 16 years. Initially, the FIA-sanctioned track was the home to the FIA GT Championships. However, the Dubai Autodrome was eradicated from the category’s calendar in 2006, before the organization later folded in 2009. Despite that, the track continues to be a focal point of highly-anticipated local racing events.  

With its origins dating back to the 1960s, endurance racing has recently developed a loyal audience base. As such, using both sports and touring cars, the event took off in Dubai in 2006. Held annually at the Dubai Autodrome, the Dubai 24 Hour Race has, according to the event’s official website, broken numerous records while producing action-packed racing for the sport’s fans. In 2020, the endurance-formatted competition returned for its 15th edition and was won by Khaled al Qubaisi in a Mercedes-AMG GT3.   

Fundamentally, the competitiveness of the event is one of the primary reasons why those visiting the UAE should strive to attend the Dubai Autodrome to watch the action. At the time of writing, Al Qubaisi, Hubert Haupt, and Jeroen Bleekemolen have each won the event on three occasions. Regarding manufacturer triumphs, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche are also tied on five. As such, there’s pressure on each of the record-holding competitors to take the checkered flag every year. In nature, the endurance race is like no other, with the in-race machinery being custom built in an effort to maximize spectator immersion.  

The Yas Marina Circuit 

It’s a testament to the country’s ever-growing racing scene that the Yas Marina circuit has consistently been on the Formula One calendar since 2009. Unlike other tracks that the open-wheel racing category visit, the Abu Dhabi-based circuit is unique. As of November 20th, 2020, the Yas Marina Grand Prix is one of only two existing night races. Not only that but is also cemented its legacy as being the sport’s first day-to-night event. In the future, the circuit looks set to continue its role as being a season-ending track. For 2021, Yas Marina has already been confirmed as the final race of the calendar.  

Concerning why Yas Marina is a must-visit location for racing fans, it’s impossible to overlook the track’s history. Compared to other circuits, the unique nature of it being a day-to-night race provides a different experience that fans shouldn't want to miss. Furthermore, because of the emergence of overseas betting platforms, prospective visitors can use Arabian Betting's listed online bookmakers to bet on an array of sports, including F1. Across various bonus-offering platforms, users can bet on the outcome of the Yas Marina Grand Prix, as well as many other results throughout the F1 season. This is evidence of the esteem in which Emiratis hold the sport.

Following its introduction into the F1 calendar, the Yas Marina Grand Prix has been responsible for some of the sport's most significant moments of the modern era. At the conclusion of the 2010 race, Sebastian Vettel crossed the line in first to cement his status as the youngest drivers' world champion, finishing four points ahead of Ferrari's Fernando Alonso. Moreover, in 2016, Nico Rosberg finished second in the GP, behind his teammate, Lewis Hamilton, but still secured the championship in dramatic fashion.

There’s Something Race-Related for Everyone in the United Arab Emirates 

Ultimately, it’s clear to see why the UAE has established itself as a highly-popular tourist location among passionate racing fans. At various points in the year, spectators can immerse themselves in numerous forms of action-packed, high-speed fun while also being able to take in the country's surrounding wonders. Despite racing only coming to the forefront in 1992, the UAE has taken significant strides over the past decades to cement its status as a leading player in the entertainment form. Moreover, in the coming years, it looks likely that further progress will continue to be made, as evident from the country retaining its place on the F1 calendar for a 13th consecutive year.