Karting at Yas Marina
Highlights
- Race the kart track beside the F1 circuit, timing sheets and all
- Hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Licensed Abu Dhabi operator — DCT compliant
- About 3 hours door to door
- Permitted, insured specialist operators only
- WhatsApp support before and during
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before travel
Race the kart track beside the F1 circuit, timing sheets and all. A small-group experience in Abu Dhabi, run to a standard we would put our own name on — because we do.
Allow about 3 hours door to door. Departures are kept small, kit is provided, and hotel pickup can be added at checkout.
The specialist activity on this experience is delivered by our Yas Marina Circuit, working under their own permits and insurance, with a PNW Tourism driver-guide looking after you door to door.
Every operator we subcontract holds the permits, insurance and safety record we would demand of ourselves — checked before we put our name near them. You get the adrenaline; the paperwork was our job.
Practicalities, handled: your driver's WhatsApp arrives the evening before with the exact pickup time; the vehicle carries chilled water and chargers; timings flex on the day if a flight, a nap or a whim demands it. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before travel, and you can pay on the day.
The details
- Duration
- About 3 hours
- Basis
- Small group, shared vehicle
- Pricing
- Per person
- Pickup
- Your hotel lobby — pickup included
- Languages
- English · Arabic
- Cancellation
- Free up to 24h before travel
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Effort
- Easy — suitable for all
- Minimum age
- 12+
- Payment
- Pay on the day, or card in advance
- Support
- WhatsApp, before and during
- Operator
- DCT-licensed, Abu Dhabi
What it costs your group
AED 700 for 2 travelling
Your day, stop by stop
17:00 · Pickup for the evening session
Your driver-guide collects you late afternoon — evening sessions are typically cooler and the track lights up as the sun goes, which suits the occasion. It is a short run to Yas Island. Pre-race trash talk in the Carnival is traditional.
17:45 · Sign-in and the briefing
The partner operator's track crew register drivers and run the briefing: flags, overtaking etiquette, what the marshals will and will not tolerate. Listen to the blue-flag part. Someone in your group will need it.
18:00 · Suit up
Race suit, balaclava, helmet and gloves, all provided. You look ridiculous and magnificent in equal measure. Photos now, before the helmet hair.
18:15 · First stint — learn the track
The opening laps are for finding braking points and getting the kart's grip under you, right beside the circuit where the Formula 1 race runs. Karts are quick enough to feel serious and forgiving enough for first-timers. Smooth in, fast out.
18:45 · Timing sheets between heats
This is where it gets personal. Lap times print in black and white, and someone in the group discovers they are three seconds slower than their spouse. Hydrate, study the sheet, adjust your excuses.
19:00 · Second stint — chase the tenths
Now you know the line, the laps come faster. The last session typically decides the family championship. Marshals wave the chequered flag, the timing sheet delivers the verdict, and your driver is waiting for the podium debrief on the way home.
Insider tips
- Take the evening slot. Cooler air, floodlights, and the F1 circuit glowing next door — the atmosphere does half the work.
- Brake earlier than feels natural and get off the brake before you turn. Smooth is fast in a kart; aggression just polishes the barriers.
- Look at the corner after the one you are in. Your hands follow your eyes, and it is the single fastest fix for a slow lap.
- Empty your pockets before suiting up and leave the phone with a spectator. Things that fly out at speed do not come back mid-session.
- Around Grand Prix week the whole of Yas Island runs at capacity — if your trip lands near the race, have us book the karting well ahead.
Questions, answered
Can children drive?
Usually yes — the track typically runs junior karts with height and age requirements, checked on the day. Tell us ages and rough heights when you book and we will confirm the current rules with the partner operator. Adults and juniors generally drive in separate sessions.
Do I need a driving licence or experience?
No licence and no experience. The briefing covers everything, the karts are built for newcomers, and the marshals keep the session orderly. Complete beginners are on pace within a handful of laps.
What should I wear?
Closed shoes are essential — trainers are ideal, sandals and heels are a no. Trousers or longer shorts are more comfortable under the race suit, and long hair goes up under the balaclava, which is provided along with helmet and gloves.
Is it scary for a nervous first-timer?
Less than it looks. You control your own pace entirely — nobody is obliged to chase lap times, and the karts respond predictably to careful driving. The nervous one in the group usually finishes wanting one more session.
Will we share the track with strangers?
Depending on the session and group size, you may share with other visitors — that is normal at public karting sessions. If your group is large enough, ask us about private-session options and we will check with the partner operator. Either way, your lap times are your own.
What about the summer heat?
The kart track is outdoors, which is exactly why we favour evening sessions — the temperature drops, the track is floodlit and the racing feels better under lights. Hydrate before you suit up; race suits and helmets are warm work even after dark.
What happens after you book
You get a confirmation straight away, with the reference and everything included in writing.
The evening before, your driver messages you on WhatsApp with the exact pickup time and their name.
On the day they are early, the water is cold, and the plan bends to you. Pay then, or in advance — your call.
What's included
- ✓Professional English-speaking guide
- ✓All activity equipment provided
- ✓Chilled water
- ✓Activity delivered by our Yas Marina Circuit under their permits
Not included
- —Attraction entry tickets unless listed as included
- —Meals and personal expenses unless listed
- —Gratuities (appreciated, never expected)
What to bring
- · Sunscreen and sunglasses
- · Comfortable shoes
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