Abu Dhabi, UAE, December 07, 2025 - Etihad Airways performed a low-altitude flypast over Yas Marina Circuit at 500ft, giving a flying start to the 2025 Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Race day tradition and awe-inspiring spectacle, the manoeuvre has become the signature moment that precedes the final race at the region’s biggest sport-and-entertainment weekend.

The Superjumbo was accompanied by the Al Fursan Aerobatic Team, which coloured the air with red, green and black trails as a tribute to the colours of the UAE flag.

Led by Etihad’s senior pilots, Captain in command Adel Al Zubaidi, along with Captain Azizan Bin Othman, Captain Harris Kynigos and Captain Abdulla Alafeefi, the Airbus A380 delivered a precisely timed twilight flypast as Yas Marina Circuit transitioned from sunset to floodlights.

Captain Adel Al Zubaidi commented, “Yas Marina Circuit is incredible from the air and we know tens of thousands of people are watching. It's a very special moment to represent my country and pass over the track just after the national anthem plays. To represent the UAE while the eyes of the world are watching us, is very special.”

This marks Captain Al Zubaidi’s eighth Grand Prix flypast. He also led the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix flypast in 2009, piloting the first Etihad-liveried A340 to perform the tradition.

Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Etihad Airways, said, “The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is one of the most exhilarating times in Abu Dhabi, attracting thousands of international visitors from around the world. The fly-past over Yas Marina Circuit is a tradition which Etihad began with the first race in Abu Dhabi in 2009, and we’re honoured to see the Etihad livery fly over this spectacular circuit, accompanied by the talented Al Fursan jets.”

Etihad Airways, a title partner of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix,  brought thousands of fans from almost 90 destinations, Etihad Guests members enjoyed accessed to exclusive trackside Hospitality on the Hill, while F1 Village featured  Etihad activation with culinary showcase, activities for children and simulator experiences for the Grand Prix visitors to enjoy.

ABOUT THE ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX
Ever-present on the Formula 1 calendar since its debut at Yas Marina Circuit on 30th October 2009, the FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX - which has been the season finale since 2014 - is widely recognized for its unique day-night format.
The pinnacle of high-speed racing and engineering, Formula 1® is not the only motorsport thrills fans can witness at the #AbuDhabiGP. The weekend will feature a series of support races, including the closely-fought FIA Formula 2 World Championship race, and the Formula 4 Middle East Championship – all concluding their incredible season at the region’s home of motorsport.

The Yasalam presented by e& entertainment offerings include After-Race Concerts, Official After-Parties, and much more - offering four nights of world-class music entertainment, with international megastars preparing to wrap up each day of the race weekend at Etihad Park.
Welcoming a record-breaking 192,000 attendees to the UAE’s capital in 2024 across race weekend, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is far more than a race - offering unparalleled experiences both on and off track in a single ticket. From cultural and artistic hotspots in Yas Island to the coveted After-Race Concerts, the Yas All In season offers all ticket holders the opportunity to explore Yas Island with complimentary race week access to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Seaworld Abu Dhabi, WarnerBros. Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Watan.
This year’s event will be the 17th edition of the FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX, taking place from Thursday, 4th December to Sunday, 7th December.