Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management confirmed they have signed a multi-year contract extension with Formula One World Championship Limited to have the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as a feature of the F1 World Championship calendar. 

The current agreement with Formula One World Championship Limited was due to expire after the 2016 race and the announcement on Thursday reflects the ambition of both parties to lock in the Grand Prix for future years.

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A sell-out event every year since the inaugural race in 2009, the weekend welcomes more than 125,000 local and international spectators to Abu Dhabi to experience one of the most significant events on the global sporting calendar.

Nearly 50% of all spectators are overseas visitors to the UAE and those attending the race represent more than 120 nationalities.

“This race and the Yas Marina Circuit has introduced Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates to tens of millions of visitors and TV viewers from around the world. We remain committed to continually delivering a better experience for the Formula 1 family and ticket holders,” said HE Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management.

“It is a mark of the quality of our partnership with Formula One World Championship that we both want to focus on looking forward and on delivering many more successful races.”

Due to growing demand, this year Yas Marina Circuit expanded its capacity to 60,000, a 20 percent increase since 2009.

With a variety of tickets and packages on offer, spectators can choose from a range of options including, at 7500 places, the largest Formula One Paddock Club, hospitality at the marina and the relaxed atmosphere of Abu Dhabi Hill, first launched last year. 

“Abu Dhabi has played an important part in pioneering the modern era of Formula 1 racing,” said Bernie Ecclestone, Chief Executive Officer of Formula One group of companies.

“I said when the Yas Marina Circuit was opened that it may one day be matched, but it will never be bettered. The island has continued to transform each year. We have a wonderful partner here.”

Yas Island, the home of Yas Marina Circuit, now includes four and five star hotels, a links golf course, a marina, theme parks, and the newly-opened Yas Mall.