Yas Marina Circuit — Attraction in Abu Dhabi

What was meant to be the highlight of our two-couple trip to the UAE turned into an unexpectedly disappointing customer experience.

A month before our visit, our friend booked the Yas Drive experience with an Aston Martin GT4, which was the focal point of our trip. He booked online, paid, received an invoice, and signed a waiver. Near the end of October, he contacted customer service to confirm if any additional steps were needed, especially regarding an international driving license, to ensure he would be fully prepared when we arrived. Unfortunately, he received no response.

On the day of the booking, we traveled to Abu Dhabi, arrived at Yas Central, and he checked in at the reception desk over an hour before the scheduled briefing. Just minutes before the briefing, a staff member informed him that the track was occupied for the day and that his drive had been canceled. They casually told him he would receive a refund, but given that our entire trip was centered around this experience, this was not an acceptable solution. There was no apology or acknowledgment of the inconvenience they caused—just a matter-of-fact cancellation they expected us to accept.

When we questioned how such a cancellation could happen, the staff initially claimed that time slots had been canceled back in August—a statement that wasn’t true, as we had successfully booked through their official website in mid-October for a November slot. When this explanation fell apart, they claimed to have sent an SMS about rescheduling—an SMS my friend never received. Then they said they had sent an email, which again proved untrue. After more than half an hour of phone calls and searching, they couldn’t provide any evidence of an email. Curiously, however, the email for the refund arrived promptly that evening, again without any form of apology or acknowledgment of our frustration. We also reminded them of their lack of response to my friend’s initial email asking for additional details about the experience.

Despite the clear error on their part, they made no effort to provide a suitable solution or offer an alternative time slot. Only after we insisted on staying and explained our flexibility through the end of the week did they suggest a karting ride, which we declined. After another half-hour of discussions, they offered tickets to an amusement park on Yas Island for the following day. This offer was also impractical, as we were staying in Dubai and couldn’t make another trip to Abu Dhabi. By then, we had spent nearly two and a half hours trying to reach a feasible resolution.

Overall, it was a truly disappointing customer experience, far below the standards we expected from Yas...

Have booked my experience for my birthday. Have registered the waiver, checked the documents. We live in Dubai, so had to take a day off and drive to Abu Dhabi so I can use my birthday gift. Upon arrival was told that I need a PCR test to access the facility. However, there was no communication sent to me via email, or in the booking confirmation. As we live in Dubai, and do not travel to Abu Dhabi all the time we were not aware of this.

Upon talking to customer service I would have needed to pay 100AED to re-book, which wasn't my fault. Not only have I lost my day off from work, I had to pay for a mistake made by YasCircuit.

Talked to customer service and asked the manager to call me back. Waited 3 days - no reply. Called back, and was told that he will call back ... a few more days, no call, no email. Very bad customer service. In the end, wrote an email (again, more time and frustration). Now the manager took the time to reply very poorly to my complaint and not acknowledging the issue at hand. After one reply he became unresponsive and did ignore my emails/ calls.

The only person who took my complaint seriously and did help my case was MJ - thank you very much for all your support and help.

Do believe that other staff would need to have a re-training on how to deal with complaints.

One month down the line did get my booking. On the supplied booking confirmation PDF there was again no mention of PCR test needed (very easy IT fix), but a person did email be separately one day before.

The booking confirmation PDF did have the GPS coordinates as YasMarina Circuit is huge and confusing. The first location which was on the PDF was incorrect and security guard told us to go to Yas Kartzone. We went there, stood in line for registration to be told that this is the wrong location. I mean ... how messed up can this get?! Customer service here was 5 star. They were super helpful and actually a car did drive in front of us to show they way (otherwise would have never found it as it is quite hidden and no proper signage). Thank you for the peeps at the Kartzone who helped us.

The experience of actually driving the car was mind-blowing! The instructor and staff were very helpful, explained everything in detail and answered my questions.

Would rate the driving experience as 5 star, 1st customer service 1 star and details supplied and communication a 2 star. My overall experience from start to finish is between 2-3 stars. Will round up to 3 stars due to MJ...

🏁 Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi, UAE

Review: Yas Marina Circuit is not just a racetrack; it’s a modern engineering marvel where speed, luxury, and adrenaline meet. Set against the gleaming skyline of Abu Dhabi and the turquoise marina waters, the track is famous for its twilight Formula 1 races that transition from day to night under state-of-the-art floodlights. Whether you’re a motorsport enthusiast or a casual visitor, the roar of engines, the smell of burnt rubber, and the sheer precision of cornering make every lap an unforgettable spectacle.

Tips & Tricks: • 🕒 Visit during F1 Grand Prix weekends for the ultimate atmosphere, but plan tickets months in advance. • 🎫 Guided track tours give behind-the-scenes access to pit lanes, garages, and podiums. • 📸 Best photography: sunset during twilight races for that cinematic F1 glow. • 🚗 If you’re driving a sports car, check if Yas Marina offers track day experiences — they often allow supercars on the circuit.

Specialties: • First track in the world with a marina inside the circuit. • Twilight F1 races where the sun sets and the lights turn on, creating a unique day-to-night spectacle. • World-class facilities: luxury grandstands, pit lane, hospitality suites, and a Yas Hotel built over the track.

Mind-blowing Facts: The track length is 5.554 km (3.451 miles) with 21 corners, designed to challenge drivers with high-speed straights and technical corners. The Yas Hotel, now W Abu Dhabi, sits directly above the track, with a luminous LED canopy that changes colors during races. Yas Marina hosts F1, GP2, Porsche Supercup, and GT racing events, making it one of the most versatile modern circuits...