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Heading to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix? How driverless cars, buses and 3,000 taxis will help
Here's all you need to know about special transport arrangements for Formula 1 race over the weekend
Abu Dhabi has put into motion a comprehensive mobility plan for the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, taking place from 4 to 7 December 2025. The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, will deploy all necessary resources to manage traffic and public transport during this period.
The authorities announced road closure on Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Street from Friday, 5pm on 3 December to 5am on 5 December, coinciding with the F1 weekend.
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Here's how the ITC is planning to manage traffic during this mega sporting event:
Traffic management
ITC will organise and manage traffic through Traffic Management Centre on Yas Island by:
Controlling traffic signals, displaying guidance messages on variable message signboards to keep the public updated on traffic conditions around the event area
Deploy “Road Service Patrol” teams to manage traffic and support road users in emergency situations, such as providing fuel, changing tyres or recharging vehicle batteries.
Tow trucks will be provided to remove broken-down vehicles from the carriageway to the nearest safe location, to ensure the safety of all road users.
Use AI-powered drones to monitor traffic and respond to congestion. The system will also identify vehicles that stop illegally on roads and in pick-up and drop-off areas, automatically record these incidents by reading number plates, and display violations in real time at the control centre for appropriate follow-up.
Monitor taxi parking, with occupancy levels and operational requirements identified in real time to support service availability and reduce waiting times. This will be carried out in co-ordination with the relevant authorities and in line with the applicable regulatory frameworks to ensure safety and protect privacy.
Autonomous vehicles
A fleet of 15 autonomous vehicles will serve visitors during the event period to and showcase the Emirate’s readiness to adopt future technologies.
The autonomous vehicles will operate on designated routes across Yas Island, transporting spectators between key points near the race circuit from 3pm to 10:00pm, improving ease of movement and offering a seamless, modern travel experience. These vehicles will be managed and monitored through the recently launched smart platform.
Public can also make use of the existing operational fleet of more than 30 autonomous vehicles to travel between Yas Island, Al Saadiyat Island, Zayed International Airport, Al Reem Island and Al Maryah Island, within designated service areas, through the TXAI and Uber smart apps.
Public bus and taxi movements
ITC indicated that 82 public buses have been allocated to transport visitors and event organisers. The Yas circular bus service will transport visitors from Yas Mall (at the Tryano Gate) and from the Warner Bros. car parks to the race circuit gates, Yas Island hotels and the entertainment area. In addition, around 3,000 taxis will serve spectators and event organisers throughout the event period.
ITC will also oversee taxi movements before, during and after the event, including associated activities and entertainment concerts. Two taxi pick-up and drop-off areas have been designated within the race zone and surrounding event areas, along with additional locations near hotels and firework displays, to ensure visitors can reach their destinations with ease. The service will cover both regular taxis and ride-hailing services (such as Uber and Careem), under a comprehensive plan designed to maintain service quality and apply special event tariffs.
Supervisors and inspectors from ITC and operating companies will be on site to manage movements and guide visitors to designated car parks and taxi and public bus stands. Inspectors will also be deployed in high-traffic areas to monitor traffic conditions in coordination with Formula 1 management and Abu Dhabi Police, and to address any challenges that visitors may encounter.
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