Katy Perry Set for Historic Abu Dhabi F1 Concert Debut
Katy Perry will headline the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after-race concert at Etihad Park, Yas Island on December 7, 2025. The American superstar’s performance at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit will be her first F1 appearance in the UAE since her electrifying New Year’s Eve show in Abu Dhabi in 2017.
The spectacular concert is part of the Yasalam After-Race Concerts series at the season’s final F1 race. Music fans can expect Perry’s biggest hits including “Firework,” “Teenage Dream,” and “Roar” at this landmark event. She joins an impressive lineup of past performers like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Paul McCartney who have graced this prestigious stage. Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders will have exclusive access to the show, and family passes start at Dhs1,025 for the Abu Dhabi Hill viewing experience.
Katy Perry Brings Star Power to Abu Dhabi F1 Weekend
Image Source: Pollstar News
Katy Perry brings her star power to the 2025 Abu Dhabi Formula 1 weekend with a performance at Etihad Park on December 7. The pop icon’s show at the Yasalam After-Race Concert stands as a milestone for both Perry and the venue.
Her Previous UAE Performances Set the Stage
UAE audiences know Perry well, and her F1 appearance marks a special return to Abu Dhabi. She last performed at Abu Dhabi’s Du Arena during New Year’s Eve 2017, where over 20,000 fans gathered. Her UAE journey also features a private show at the Dubai Airshow in 2015 and a performance at the World Parachuting Championships closing ceremony in 2012. These shows have built Perry’s strong connection with UAE audiences that makes her F1 weekend appearance even more exciting.
What Makes This Concert Debut Historic
Perry has performed on UAE stages before, but this show marks her first Formula 1 concert in the country. She returns to the F1 circuit after her Singapore Grand Prix show in 2012. The concert aligns with Formula 1’s 75th anniversary season, making it even more special. Perry joins the ranks of legendary artists like Beyoncé, Rihanna, Paul McCartney, and Muse who have headlined Abu Dhabi GP concerts.
Fans Anticipate Hearing Greatest Hits Live
The show will feature Perry’s extensive pop hits catalog. Her journey began in 2008 with “I Kissed a Girl,” and she has earned five Billboard Music Awards, five American Music Awards, and a Guinness World Record since then. Her 2010 album “Teenage Dream” made history as the first album by a female artist that produced five No.1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
Fans will without doubt hear iconic songs such as:
- “Firework” and “Roar” – her empowerment anthems
- “Dark Horse” and “Teenage Dream” – multi-platinum chart-toppers
- “Hot N Cold” and “California Gurls” – early career smash hits
Perry has sold over 70 million adjusted albums and 143 million tracks worldwide. Her music has reached more than 115 billion cumulative streams. The show promises her signature vocal power and theatrical stage presence that have made her one of the biggest-selling female artists ever.
Abu Dhabi Formula One Transforms into Ultimate Entertainment Destination
Image Source: Abu Dhabi Review
The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has grown beyond its racing roots. This spectacular event now draws global crowds with its perfect mix of motorsport and music. Yasalam After-Race Concerts have become the soul of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix experience and stand out as the year’s most spectacular concert series.
How Yasalam After-Race Concerts Evolved
Yasalam concert series kicked off with the first Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2009. The inaugural weekend showcased four nights of international stars. Beyoncé opened the historic weekend, and Jamiroquai, Kings of Leon, and Aerosmith followed. Etihad Park (formerly du Arena) has hosted these performances since the beginning. The venue can pack in 35,000 fans for each show.
The organizers created lasting traditions as the event grew. They started opening weekends with famous female pop stars and mixed different music genres to reach wider audiences. By 2014, the concept grew bigger with Arabic-themed Thursday shows and major DJ acts that created a festival atmosphere. The Yasalam experience soon expanded beyond just music. New entertainment zones and interactive activities turned the race weekend into a complete entertainment package.
Comparing Past Headliners to Katy Perry
Katy Perry now joins a star-studded list of music legends who have lit up the Yasalam stage:
- Rock icons: Paul McCartney, Muse, The Who, Aerosmith
- Pop superstars: Beyoncé, Rihanna, Britney Spears, Kylie Minogue
- Hip-hop heavyweights: Eminem, Jay-Z, Kanye West
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix won the Formula 1 promoter award for delivering “the best event spectacle” in the 2024 season. This 17-year-old Yasalam entertainment program has earned its reputation as “a world-class entertainment spectacle” that organizers “take great care in curating”.
Perry fits perfectly into this prestigious lineup, joining artists that “even Glastonbury struggles to secure”. Her energetic style matches the thrill of the F1 season finale. David Powell, Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer of Ethara, puts it well: “her energy and electrifying performances will reflect the excitement of the F1 season finale in Abu Dhabi”.
Fans React as Ticket Sales Surge Following Announcement
Image Source: Motorsport Week
Katy Perry will perform at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and fans can’t get enough of it. Ticket sales have skyrocketed as organizers report they’ve never seen such high demand. Music lovers and F1 enthusiasts are rushing to book their spots for the December 7 event.
Social Media Explodes with Excitement
The pop star’s social media announcement sparked massive enthusiasm among her followers. “Start your engines!” her account posted, promising to give “Etihad Park the show of a ♾️🧡LIFETIME🧡♾️”. The post got thousands of reactions quickly, as fans shared their excitement about hearing hits like “Roar,” “Dark Horse,” and “Teenage Dream” live.
Instagram and TikTok users have embraced the news enthusiastically. Hashtags like #katyperryfans and #katyperryconcert are trending rapidly. This performance represents more than just a concert – it’s “a cultural moment—one that captures the spirit of celebration, unity, and passion that both music and motorsport inspire”.
How to Secure Your Spot at the Historic Performance
Here’s what you should know to attend this landmark event:
- You must have an Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket to access Perry’s concert – there are no separate ticket sales
- Fans can buy Golden Circle upgrades to get priority stage access and dedicated beverage points
- Indian fans get a special 20% discount on Golden Circle upgrades for bookings made before April 15
- Online platforms and fan clubs report strong presale numbers
The organizers suggest booking tickets quickly as they’re “selling out fast”. The excitement builds further as three more acts will be announced for shows on December 4, 5, and 6. This promises an unforgettable weekend of racing and entertainment.
What Concert Attendees Can Expect at Etihad Park
Image Source: Ethara
Etihad Park will revolutionize Abu Dhabi’s entertainment scene during the Formula 1 weekend. Concert-goers can expect an unmatched experience when Katy Perry takes the stage. The Middle East’s largest outdoor event venue has welcomed over 1.5 million fans since 2009. The venue can accommodate up to 40,000 spectators for this landmark musical event.
Golden Circle Experience Offers Premium Access
Golden Circle tickets give fans a chance to enhance their Katy Perry experience with exclusive benefits:
- Closest to the stage access – prime positioning for unobstructed views
- Guaranteed fast-track entry into Etihad Park through dedicated lanes
- Dedicated beverage points that ensure faster service throughout the evening
“Feel all the excitement of the FAB After-Race Concerts, closer to your favorite artists than ever before,” states the official Abu Dhabi GP website regarding the premium access option. Fans can purchase these upgrades individually for Perry’s performance or for all eligible concerts throughout the weekend.
Complete F1 Weekend Schedule Revealed
The race weekend spans from Thursday, December 4 to Sunday, December 7, 2025. Perry will perform on the final day. The venue opens its doors at 6pm, giving fans time to explore before the show begins.
Perry’s concert requires either a two-day (Saturday and Sunday) or three-day (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) F1 ticket. Three-day pass holders can enjoy all four concerts throughout the weekend. Perry remains the only confirmed artist so far.
Beyond the Concert: Full Entertainment Package
The Yasalam experience delivers much more than the headlining performance. Etihad Park features “The Village” – a sprawling 7,000-square-meter space. This area includes food and beverage options, free live music from local talent, and relaxation zones.
Drivers can park at Yas Mall and use free shuttle services to reach the arena. Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders get access to several race-day experiences. These include exclusive fanzones and a chance to watch F1 drivers up close during Thursday’s Pit Lane Walk. Fans can also view F2 and F4 UAE Trophy rounds.
“Prepare to be star-struck,” notes the official promotional material, highlighting how the complete entertainment package creates “the epicenter of race week entertainment, where your senses come alive”.
Katy Perry will make her F1 concert debut at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, proving the event’s rise as a top entertainment destination. Her performance will bring an unforgettable mix of hit songs and theatrical magic that puts Abu Dhabi firmly on the global entertainment scene. The perfect combination of Perry’s star power, hit-packed catalog, and Etihad Park’s excellent facilities will create an extraordinary season finale celebration.
Massive ticket sales and social media excitement show how much fans want to witness this historic performance. Perry now joins other international superstars who have performed on the Yasalam stage, bringing her unique energy to the F1 weekend atmosphere. The detailed entertainment package will give fans amazing moments with Golden Circle experiences and The Village attractions.
This landmark concert marks another milestone for Perry and Abu Dhabi’s entertainment scene. World-class performers, modern facilities, and exclusive experiences help reshape the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from a racing event into a must-see celebration of music, racing, and cultural unity.