The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend just added one of the most recognisable bands on the planet. Imagine Dragons have officially been announced as the Saturday headliner for the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix After-Race Concerts, set to take place at Etihad Park on December 5. The Grammy Award-winning, diamond-certified group will perform as part of the Yasalam presented by e& entertainment programme during the F1 season finale on Yas Island.
What Makes Imagine Dragons Live Such a Big Deal
Fronted by Dan Reynolds, Imagine Dragons have spent years filling arenas and stadiums on every continent. Their catalogue reads like a greatest hits playlist most bands would spend decades trying to write. Hits like Radioactive, Thunder, and Whatever It Takes have each amassed more than a billion streams online. Their live shows are known for heavy percussion, immersive visuals, and the kind of crowd interaction where two hours go by faster than anyone expects.
The last time Imagine Dragons performed in Abu Dhabi was January 26, 2023, at Etihad Arena, also on Yas Island, where they moved 13,693 tickets at a $1,749,945 gross. That show sold out. This time, they are on the main stage of the F1 season finale. The scale is a whole different thing.
Who Else Is Performing at the 2026 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Imagine Dragons are not the only name on this card. Lewis Capaldi and Zara Larsson are confirmed to kick off the concert series on Thursday, December 3, with more major international artists still to be revealed.
This year’s event is the 18th edition of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, taking place between Thursday, December 3 and Sunday, December 6. The entertainment programme, Yasalam presented by e&, has kept the expectations high edition after edition. In 2025, the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix welcomed a record 339,000 attendees, including 136,000 concertgoers at the After-Race Concerts and Official After-Parties.
Event Details at a Glance
The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 runs December 3 to 6 at Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island. The After-Race Concerts take place at Etihad Park, located within the circuit.
Concert access is included with all Abu Dhabi Grand Prix tickets. There is no separate concert-only entry. Tickets start from Dhs 995, available in General Admission, Grandstands, and Hospitality. Fans who want to get as close to the stage as possible can upgrade to the Golden Circle, which includes front-of-stage positioning, fast-track entry, and dedicated beverage points.
Tickets are available now at abudhabigp.com.
Why This Announcement Is Worth Paying Attention To
“Imagine Dragons are one of the defining live acts of this generation, with mass appeal to all,” said David Powell, Chief Portfolio and Strategy Officer at Ethara. “Their ability to deliver stadium-scale performances that connect with audiences around the world makes them the perfect addition to the Yasalam program.”
Powell also called the band “a fantastic fit for Yasalam,” adding: “We know that Imagine Dragons will deliver a joyful, visually spectacular show that will become a special Yasalam moment fans will remember for years.”
The Yasalam presented by e& programme has, over the years, made December on Yas Island something people plan around just as much as the race itself. With Imagine Dragons confirmed and more acts still to come, 2026 is already the one to watch.
Between the F1 season finale, Imagine Dragons, Lewis Capaldi, and Zara Larsson, and a lineup that has not revealed all its cards yet, there is a lot happening at Yas Island this December. The window to lock in tickets at current pricing is open now. Get yours at abudhabigp.com.
Cover Image: @imaginedragons/Instagram
