The world-renowned tenor will launch the inaugural Yasalam Classics concert series
Formula 1 fans aren’t the only ones getting something special during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix week this December.
World-famous Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli has just been announced as the first artist for Yasalam Classics, a brand-new concert series debuting during the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 festivities.
The music icon will perform at Etihad Arena on Yas Island on Wednesday, 2 December, bringing his acclaimed ‘Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour’ to Abu Dhabi for what promises to be one of the most memorable nights of race week.
If you thought Abu Dhabi Grand Prix week was all about fast cars and chart-topping pop stars, think again.
Yasalam Classics is a new addition to the Yasalam presented by e& entertainment programme, introducing world-class classical and crossover performances to the packed race week schedule for the first time.
Produced by Ethara in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Miral, the series will sit alongside the hugely popular After-Race Concerts and Official After-Parties, adding another layer to what is already one of the biggest entertainment weeks in the region.
And they’re starting with a pretty big name.
Bocelli has spent more than three decades captivating audiences around the world, selling more than 90 million records and performing at major global events including the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup.
You’ll almost certainly recognise some of his biggest hits, including Con te partirò (Time to Say Goodbye), Canto della Terra and Ave Maria.
You might also like: Imagine Dragons announced as the next headliner at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026
His Abu Dhabi performance also comes during a milestone year. The singer is currently celebrating the 30th anniversary of Romanza, the album that transformed him into a global superstar and remains the best-selling Italian-language album of all time.
Fans can expect selections from across his celebrated catalogue, performed alongside the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, known for its rich, powerful and emotionally charged performances.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders get first access to tickets, with an exclusive 24-hour pre-sale window now available.
General ticket sales open at 1pm on Wednesday, 17 June via Ticketmaster UAE and Etihad Arena.
Bocelli joins an already impressive Abu Dhabi Grand Prix entertainment line-up that includes Lewis Capaldi, Zara Larsson and Imagine Dragons, with organisers promising more artist announcements in the months ahead.
According to Ethara’s Chief Portfolio and Strategy Officer, David Powell, Yasalam Classics has been created to bring a new dimension to race week and further strengthen Abu Dhabi Grand Prix’s reputation as one of the world’s leading sport and entertainment events.
For fans of classical music and opera live performances, this may just be the most unexpected highlight of Grand Prix week.
2 December, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Tickets go on general sale on Wednesday 17 June at 1pm. Visit ticketmaster.ae and etihadarena.ae for further information
Follow Yalla for all the latest news
