February at Yas Marina Circuit is shaping up to be the UAE's biggest motorsport month of 2026. The inaugural Yas Speed Festival 2026 spans two separate weekends, each delivering a distinct slice of car culture — from world-class endurance racing to drift finals and a 400-vehicle car showcase open to spectators.
February 7–8: Endurance Racing Headlines the Opening Weekend
The first edition of the Yas Speed Festival takes place on February 7 and 8 and is anchored by professional circuit competition. The Asian Le Mans Series headlines the weekend, bringing prototype and GT racing to Yas Marina Circuit as part of its official championship calendar. Teams competing during this round are racing for championship standings and automatic qualification into the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France.
The weekend schedule also includes the Gulf ProCar Championship and the Gulf Radical Cup, both recognized regional racing series with established grids and full-season calendars. Spectators can expect a complete race weekend format — practice sessions, qualifying runs, and main races staged on the same Yas Marina Circuit layout used for international motorsport events.
February 21: Drifting and Roll Racing Close Out the Festival
The second Yas Speed Festival date takes place on February 21 and closes the festival with a different racing format. This edition features the final round of the Emirates Drift Championship, a nationally sanctioned series that attracts professional drift drivers and large crowds. Alongside drifting, the Yas Roll Race Challenge returns with side-by-side acceleration races on the circuit.
Roll racing focuses on short-distance contests where outcomes are decided in seconds, making it one of the most visually immediate formats in the festival lineup. The February 21 date is positioned as a finale-style event, emphasizing spectacle and direct fan engagement.
Car Culture Takes Centre Stage Off the Track
Beyond the racing action, the Yas Speed Festival includes the return of Yas Motor Majlis, a large-scale car showcase hosted within the circuit grounds. The event features more than 400 vehicles — supercars, modified builds, and collector models submitted by owners and clubs from across the region.
The festival grounds also host a fan zone with live DJs, food vendors, and interactive activations. One confirmed feature is the Otaku Middle East Experience, which includes a Tamiya Mini 4WD track for visitors of all ages. The Castore x Yas Marina Circuit apparel collection will also be available on-site, with motorsport-inspired pieces designed for circuit attendance.
Ticketing Options and Access
General admission tickets for the Yas Speed Festival 2026 start at AED 95. VIP ticket options include access to Paddock Suites, Grid Walks, and Pit Lane Walks. Family ticket packages are available, with children under 12 permitted entry when accompanied by a paying adult.
Tickets cover access to racing sessions, the fan zone, and festival programming depending on the selected category.
With two distinct February dates at Yas Marina Circuit, the Yas Speed Festival 2026 positions itself as one of Abu Dhabi's most comprehensive motorsport events of the season. Between endurance racing, drift finals, roll racing, and the Yas Motor Majlis car showcase, the festival offers multiple entry points for fans with very different interests. For anyone building February plans around major UAE events, Yas Marina Circuit is clearly the place to be.
