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The F1 in Abu Dhabi has a dress code that all ticket holders should be aware of so they dress appropriately and respectfully for the country’s culture.
VIP Hospitality ticket holders should obey an even stricter dress code at Yas Marina circuit.
In this article I’ll list what you should and shouldn’t wear to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (with examples). Plus I’ll give some tips on the best things to wear to make sure you’re comfortable in the hot conditions.
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Is there an F1 Abu Dhabi dress code?
If you have VIP or hospitality tickets for the Abu Dhabi GP, especially Paddock Club tickets, then you should follow a smart casual dress code.
If you have Abu Dhabi Hill General Admission or grandstand seat tickets for the Abu Dhabi GP, you should pay attention to the dress code specified by Yas Marina:
- Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that cover your shoulders, arms and legs.
How strict is the Abu Dhabi F1 dress code?
The general dress code stated above is there to make you aware of what’s appropriate to wear in Abu Dhabi, part of the United Arab Emirates. You should follow that dress code to be respectful to the country’s culture.
But the reality is that at the Abu Dhabu Grand Prix people don’t always follow the dress code, especially the covered arms and legs part, and there are no repercussions.
At the end of the day it’s going to be hot, so it’s important to wear clothes that will keep you cool at the Abu Dhabi F1 track.
What not to wear
Ok so it will be hot, but you should always be mindful of the country’s culture and be as respectful as possible.
Here’s a couple of examples of outfits that blatantly do not follow the dress code which I would not suggest wearing:
Can you wear shorts and T-shirts to the Abi Dhabi F1?
Despite the dress code saying your arms and legs should be covered, you can wear shorts and t-shirts to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix without issue.
Dress for the weather
The Abi Dhabi Grand Prix is held in late November. At that time of year the average temperature is 25°C / 77°F. The highest daily temperature can easily exceed 30°C / 86°F. Rain is definitely unlikely.
Here are some of my tips on what to wear to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to help stay comfortable in the heat:
- Shorts and t-shirts are ok
- Long, loose dresses are ok
- Wear loose clothes that hang off your body and avoid anything clingy
- Use ‘wicking’ or ‘moisture-management’ technical clothing that moves sweat away from your skin – look for quick-dry or ‘Dri-fit’ sports clothing
- Lightweight, loose linen materials are good
- Bring a spare top or t-shirt to change into to freshen up
- Women’s dresses and tops with cut-outs are good for ventilation
- Light coloured clothing is good if you’re at the track in the daylight hours
- Avoid jeans – they’re hot!
- Wear a hat to keep to sun off your head and shade your face
- Wear sunglasses
All that being said, as the race goes on in to the night the evenings can get a little chilly, so prepare to pack something you can wear later on.
Footwear
As with most Formula 1 venues you can end up walking tens of thousands of steps each day, even if you have a grandstand seat.
So I’d suggest going for function over form when it comes to choosing your shoes. Wear something comfortable that you’re happy to spend the day walking around in.
F1 Abu Dhabi outfit examples
Here’s a few examples of outfits you could wear to the Abu Dhabi F1 event:
Abu Dhabi GP VIP / Hospitality Dress Code
The dress code for the VIP and hospitality areas at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is smart casual. This is most applicable to the Paddock Club, the most exclusive VIP area at the circuit.
Here’s a few tips on what to wear to comply with a smart casual dress code:
- Full length trousers are usually preferred, but shorts can be worn as it’s so hot (but they should be smart chino shorts, not jean shorts)
- Full length trousers should be chinos or very smart jeans; ripped, torn or bleached jeans are not allowed
- Men should wear collared shirts; a polo shirt or a casual dress shirt is best
- All shoes should be clean
- Smart trainers are ok
- Sandals, flip-slops or slides aren’t allowed but smarter sandals (like Birkenstocks) should be ok for women
- Women can wear strappy sandals, wedges, heels
- Women can wear long dresses or trousers
- No jogging suits, gym wear or track suits
- No beach wear
- All hospitality areas welcome more formal dress
- Wearing F1 clothing and merch is welcome and encouraged in the hospitality areas, but if you tour a team’s pit garage then don’t wear clothing from another team
Here’s some examples of smart casual clothing at the F1 race in Abu Dhabi:
