Thrilling Triumph: Ethara Crowned Promoter of the Year for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

In a dazzling display of motorsport excellence, Ethara, the esteemed promoter of the Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, stood tall at the annual F1 Promoter Awards in London, clinching the coveted title of Promoter of the Year for the 2025 racing season. This recognition is a testament to their relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to delivering an unforgettable experience for fans. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix not only captivated racing aficionados but also embodied the very essence of Formula 1's mission to curate the world's greatest live entertainment spectacle.

The significance of this award cannot be overstated. It is not merely a trophy; it represents the culmination of tireless efforts and creativity that Ethara poured into crafting a race weekend that truly resonated with attendees. Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, praised the promoters, stating, “At the heart of this success were our 24 promoters, who worked tirelessly to deliver the ultimate race weekend experience for our fans.” Ethara's innovative approach and dedication shone through, particularly during the 2025 season, which featured a dramatic three-way F1 Drivers' World Championship showdown. Lando Norris seizing his first drivers' title added a thrilling narrative to an already vibrant atmosphere.

A Record-Breaking Spectacle

The 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix broke attendance records, drawing an astounding 339,000 fans over four exhilarating days. With 203,000 spectators flocking to Yas Marina Circuit and an additional 136,000 revelers enjoying the Emirates NBD After-Race Concerts and Yasalam Official After-Parties, this event transformed Abu Dhabi into a pulsating hub of excitement and entertainment. Ethara expanded access for fans, offering two public pitlane walks, new FAB Track Walks, and a festive Podium Party that invited fans to celebrate right on the track. These initiatives created iconic moments that will linger in the memories of attendees long after the engines have cooled.

Furthermore, the accolades for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix extend beyond the Promoter of the Year title. The event also received the 2024 Best Event Spectacle award, celebrating its outstanding off-track entertainment offerings. These consecutive honors highlight the grand prix’s unwavering ability to evolve and adapt to global entertainment standards and audience expectations, ensuring that it remains a premier destination for motorsport fans around the world.

As we look forward to the 18th edition of the Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, scheduled for December 3-6, 2026, excitement continues to build. Ethara’s commitment to excellence promises another unforgettable finale to the FIA Formula One World Championship season, further solidifying Abu Dhabi's status as the region's premier entertainment destination.

Serving Up Excitement: Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open Sees Record Attendance in 2026

A Grand Opening Weekend

The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, presented by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, kicked off with a bang, setting the stage for an exhilarating week of tennis. This year’s tournament marks the fourth edition of the WTA 500 event, and it has already made history with record attendance over its opening weekend. Families and tennis enthusiasts flocked to the venue, eager to witness some of the world’s best female players battle it out on the court.

The excitement was palpable on ‘Family Day’, where complimentary tickets drew in crowds of all ages. As laughter and cheers filled the air, the atmosphere transformed into a vibrant celebration of sport and community. Parents watched in delight as their children engaged in various fun activities, perfectly blending the thrill of tennis with family-friendly entertainment. With Filipina sensation Alexandra Eala set to take the court later that evening against Zeynep Sonmez, anticipation was high for yet another electric day in the UAE capital.

Star Players and Community Engagement

As the tournament unfolds, the spotlight shines not only on the star-studded lineup of players but also on the inclusive community programming that enhances the event experience. Tournament Director Nigel Gupta expressed his excitement, stating, “We couldn’t be happier with the response from fans over the opening weekend, which has seen record attendance.” The enthusiasm surrounding this year’s event is undeniable, especially with fan favorite Alex Eala in action. Her presence alone promises to draw massive crowds, ensuring that the atmosphere remains charged and exhilarating.

Beyond the thrilling matches, the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open also embraces community initiatives, including the Road to MADO youth pathway finals and the tournament’s inaugural wheelchair tennis invitational presented by the WTA Foundation. These programming elements not only enrich the tournament experience but also demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and the promotion of tennis at all levels. As the event continues until 7 February 2026, fans can look forward to more captivating matches, dynamic performances, and a celebration of community spirit that defines the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open.

Revving Up Partnerships: Hankook Tire and Al Ain FC Join Forces

In a remarkable display of collaboration, Hankook Tire & Technology has forged a strategic partnership with Al Ain FC, a football club renowned for its illustrious history in the UAE. On January 29, at the iconic Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, UAE, representatives from Hankook Tire, led by Chairman Hyunbum Cho, and Al Dobowi Tyre Company, represented by Chairman Mr. Surender Singh Kandhari, officially signed the agreement that establishes Hankook Tire as the official partner of Al Ain FC for the next three seasons, beginning January 2026. This partnership not only highlights Hankook's ambition to enhance its brand presence globally but also underscores Al Ain FC’s status as a leading club in the region.

Founded in 1968, Al Ain FC boasts an impressive record, including 14 UAE League titles and two AFC Champions League titles. Currently perched at the top of the 2024/2025 season standings, the club enjoys immense recognition and loyalty from fans throughout the Middle East. With this partnership, Hankook Tire is set to elevate its global brand image by engaging with Al Ain FC's extensive fan base, leveraging marketing platforms like LED advertising in the stadium, and creating unique experiences through initiatives such as the 'VIP Hospitality Program' and 'Ainawi Membership' season card program. 

Driving Premium Value in the Middle East

The collaboration between Hankook and Al Ain FC signifies more than just a marketing strategy; it represents a commitment to delivering premium value to consumers in the Middle East. Jong Woo Kim, Vice President of Hankook Tire & Technology’s Middle East & Africa Regional HQ, expressed enthusiasm about enhancing communication with local customers. He emphasized the importance of expanding brand touchpoints through this partnership with Al Ain FC, a club that epitomizes the spirit of UAE football. This partnership aligns seamlessly with Hankook's global technical leadership, promising to share its premium offerings with a wider audience in the region.

Moreover, Al Dobowi Group, the official distributor of Hankook in the UAE since 1978, is poised to strengthen consumer engagement through this partnership. Chairman Mr. Surender Singh Kandhari stated, “Al Ain FC is a symbol of success, and we are honoured to join this journey.” As both brands stand for performance and long-term commitment, this partnership is expected to create synergies that will benefit all stakeholders involved. Hankook's continuous investment in premium products, such as the 'Ventus evo' tire series, and Al Dobowi's state-of-the-art service setup will ensure an elevated experience for consumers throughout the region.

The partnership between Hankook Tire and Al Ain FC marks a significant milestone in the world of sports sponsorship. It not only highlights the commitment of both companies to excellence but also paves the way for innovative consumer experiences in the Middle East. As the partnership unfolds, fans and consumers alike can look forward to an exciting journey ahead, filled with engaging activities and premium offerings that resonate with the spirit of football and performance.