Brad Pitt F1 movie trailer puts Abu...

‘Set-jetters’ could make UAE’s Yas Marina Circuit next film location Pitt-stop

A new movie starring Brad Pitt as a Formula 1 racing driver and filmed at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit (pictured) is expected to give the emirate another big-screen boost.

Some of the world’s most successful movie franchises, including Star Wars, Mission Impossible, Fast & Furious and Dune have been filmed in Abu Dhabi’s iconic locations, from the Empty Quarter to Zayed International Airport and Emirates Palace, attracting ‘set-jetters’ looking to visit locations from films and TV shows they love.

Starring Pitt and Javier Bardem, and directed by Joseph Kosinski, who also made Top Gun: Maverick, F1 was filmed at actual race weekends on the Formula 1 circuit last year to add authenticity and capture the excitement of the sport.

The 2025 season started in Australia on 16 March 2025 and will visit four countries in the region: Bahrain (11-13 April), Saudi (18-20 April), Qatar (28-30 November) and UAE (5-7 December).

Being the last race of the season, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix provides the most dramatic setting in the new movie, with Yas Marina Circuit, the W Yas Island Abu Dhabi hotel and the end of race firework display featuring in the latest trailer, which saw more than 10 million views online in the first two days of release.

Made by Apple Original Films with support from Abu Dhabi Film Commission, the crew filmed in the emirate for 29 days at Yas Marina Circuit, Zayed International Airport and Twofour54 Studios.

F1 will hit cinema screens in June 2025

Agent's guide to Abu Dhabi events 2025
Before the Etihad Airways-sponsored Abu Dhabi Grand Prix towards the end of the year, there are many more new attractions and events drawing crowds to the emirate, which was named the world’s safest city for 2025, marking its ninth consecutive year at the top.

Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District is expected to be completed by year-end, with new additions including: Guggenheim Abu Dhabi; Zayed National Museum, showcasing the UAE’s history and culture; the National History Museum Abu Dhabi, spotlighting the region’s geological history; and teamLab Phenomena, an interactive art space.

Warner Brothers World will open a Harry Potter attraction, Yas Waterworld is adding 18 new attractions, including the UAE’s biggest water slide, and Yas Island will host two new beaches.

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi to open in 2025

There are also plenty of chances to tap into the ‘gig-tripper’ trend in 2025.

Abu Dhabi is increasingly recognised as a regional centre for culture and the arts, epitomised with the annual Abu Dhabi Festival which takes place from 8 to 29 April 2025 with an international mix of classical music, opera and ballet performances from leading artists and ensembles.

Club Social takes over Etihad Park from 18 to 20 April, with ‘gig-trippers’ getting the chance to see artists including Snow Patrol, Usher, Raye, The Kooks and London Grammar alongside local DJs.

Another new music festival making its Abu Dhabi debut, Off Limits is held on 25 April at Yas Park and boasts a stellar line-up that includes headline act Ed Sheeran. Also on the bill for the one-day, open-format festival (a first in the UAE), are Kaiser Chiefs, One Republic and Faithless.

Former Police frontman and successful solo artist Sting brings his 3.0 tour to the Etihad Arena on 3 May 2025, while fans of rock are in for a double treat with Toto performing on 7 May and Guns N’ Roses on 27 May, both at Etihad Arena.

Legendary film composer Hans Zimmer, who also scored the new F1 movie, plays the Etihad Arena on 31 May, his first appearance in Abu Dhabi.

Year-round events in UAE capital
Moving away from gigs, Abu Dhabi Comedy Season has a host of top-names appearing on stage, including Trevor Noah (26 April), Kevin Hart (2 May), Michael McIntyre (10 May), Jo Koy (29 May) and Pete Davidson (25 June).

Victor Hugo’s classic musical set during the French Revolution, Les Miserables, comes to Etihad Arena 10-20 April with a cast and orchestra of more than 65 people as part of a stadium world tour with a new set designed specifically for large-scale venues.

Continuing the cultural calendar, 18 October sees violinist and conductor André Rieu return to Etihad Arena with a spectacular new show.

The cooler winter months brings sporting events back to the fore, including golf with the Abu Dhabi Championship being held at Yas Links course from 6 to 9 November 2025 and part of the DP World Tour.

Of course, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December also includes a series of high-profile after-race gigs across the weekend, with this year’s headline acts yet to be announced. In 2024, Eminem, Muse and Maroon 5 wowed fans during the sell-out shows, with fans flying in especially from all over the world.

For more information, visit dct.gov.ae/en/default.aspx

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