F1 Movie Abu Dhabi premiere dazzles with red carpet glamour, unique circuit cinema, and a showcase of motorsport-meets-Hollywood magic.
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi staged a cinematic spectacle like no other with the regional premiere of F1: The Movie at a custom-built cinema on the iconic Yas Marina Circuit, one of the film’s key shooting locations. This unique event brought together film, motorsport, and cultural celebration in a dynamic showcase of the emirate’s growing global media stature.
The red carpet saw attendance from top executives of the Creative Media Authority (CMA), Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC), and other key partners such as Etihad Airways, DCT Abu Dhabi, and Yas Marina Circuit. The evening marked not only the film’s premiere but also celebrated the official production wrap, completed during the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December 2024 — the first time a feature film captured live on-track F1 action.
Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director General of CMA, stated, “This bespoke premiere highlights Abu Dhabi’s capability to produce and host world-class creative experiences. It’s a shining example of cross-sector collaboration driving the future of entertainment.”
Sameer Al Jaberi, Head of ADFC, noted the strategic use of Abu Dhabi’s film rebate programme, which enabled high-quality production across 29 days, involving 284 local crew, interns, and locations like Yas Marina Circuit, Zayed International Airport, and twofour54 Studios at Yas Creative Hub.
The guest experience fused film and F1 excitement with driving simulators, luxury car exhibits, and fashion displays including the official APXGP race helmet worn by actor Damson Idris at the Met Gala. Attendees were immersed in the high-octane world of the film, which was produced by Apple Studios, in partnership with Formula 1 Management, FIA, and all 10 F1 teams.
Distributed globally by Warner Bros. Pictures, F1: The Movie is now screening across the region from 26 June 2025, positioning Abu Dhabi not just as a filming location, but as a powerful creative production hub on the world stage.
