Every December, Yas Island turns into more than just a racetrack. It morphs into a mega-party zone where the speed of F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix collides with the sound of world-class music. Truth be told, half the buzz isn’t even about the chequered flag, it’s about who’s storming the stage once the cars cool down.
The F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix After-Race Concerts Are Back And They’re Huge
And this year? The line-up is so stacked, it feels like the UAE is hosting a mini music festival disguised as F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Pop stars, metal legends, Arab-Latin fusion, Berlin DJs, all back-to-back in one mad week. Let’s face it, if you’ve got your Abu Dhabi GP ticket, you’ve basically unlocked free entry into some of the biggest gigs of 2025. Golden Circle upgrades are there, too, if you want the VIP life.
Here’s the full rundown you’ll want to scribble into your diary.
The Concert Line-Up
- Thursday, 4 December – Benson Boone (Etihad Park, Yas Island)
If “Beautiful Things” has been looping in your head (come on, admit it), now you get to hear it live. Boone’s rise is pure Gen Z fairy-tale: billions of streams, Grammy nods, and that heart-squeezing voice. Expect a night of soaring vocals, teary sing-alongs, and enough pop energy to melt Yas Island. - Friday, 5 December – Post Malone (Etihad Park, Yas Island)
Back on Yas after seven years, Posty is bringing the bangers, “Rockstar,” “Wow,” “Congratulations”, plus his new country-flavoured hit “I Had Some Help.” To be fair, no one mixes genres quite like him, and fans still rave about his 2018 set. This time, expect cowboy swagger alongside the rap-pop-rock mash-ups. - Friday, 5 December – Elyanna (Etihad Park, Yas Island)
Fresh off opening for Coldplay earlier this year, Elyanna returns with her signature Arabic-Latin fusion. She’s young, fearless, and her sound feels like it belongs under the stars in Abu Dhabi. A little different from the usual after-race suspects, and that’s exactly why it works. - Friday, 5 December – Keinemusik (Yas Gateway Park, Abu Dhabi)
Berlin’s coolest export, Keinemusik, is ready to take the decks past 10:30 pm. With Adam Port, &ME, Rampa, and Reznik behind the booth, this isn’t just a DJ set, it’s a full-on electronic trip. Demand is insane already, so if you’re keen, book the second tickets hit Live Nation. - Saturday, 6 December – Metallica (Etihad Park, Yas Island)
No, you’re not hallucinating. Metallica is really headlining Abu Dhabi. Four decades strong, 125 million albums sold, and riffs that changed music forever. “Enter Sandman,” “Master of Puppets,” “Nothing Else Matters”, all on the setlist. This is easily one of the biggest bookings the Grand Prix has ever pulled off. - Sunday, 7 December – Katy Perry (Etihad Park, Yas Island)
Closing night goes full pop spectacle. Katy Perry is rolling out the hits, “Firework,” “Roar,” “Teenage Dream.” Love her or not, she knows how to put on a show. To be honest, it’s hard to think of a bigger finale than Perry belting under the Yas Marina fireworks.
Also Read: Where Was Brad Pitt’s F1: The Movie Filmed? 14 Locations That Captured The Racing Epic
Why This Year Feels Different
Sure, every F1 season in Abu Dhabi promises fireworks, but 2025 feels like it’s upped the ante. The mix is wild: TikTok-era pop idols, heavy metal titans, Arabic-Latin fusion, and electronic maestros all jostling for your attention. In practice, that means you can headbang one night and sway to ballads the next.
The concerts are free with your race ticket (arguably the best add-on in sports entertainment), but Golden Circle upgrades are selling fast. If you want bragging rights and a killer view of Posty’s cowboy boots or Perry’s glitter cannons, don’t hesitate.
Cover Image Courtesy: Post Malone, Metallica/Instagram
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