Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli has been confirmed as the first headline act for Yasalam Classics, a new concert series launching during Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix week in Abu Dhabi.
Organisers announced that Bocelli will perform at Etihad Arena on Yas Island on Wednesday, 2 December 2026, marking the opening of the inaugural Yasalam Classics programme. The concert will take place ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race weekend, which is scheduled to run from 3 to 6 December at Yas Marina Circuit.
The performance forms part of Bocelli’s Romanza 30th Anniversary World Tour, celebrating three decades since the release of the album that helped establish him as one of the world's most recognised classical crossover artists. He is expected to perform alongside the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra.
Yasalam Classics is a new addition to the Yasalam entertainment programme, which traditionally includes the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix's after-race concerts and official after-parties. The series has been introduced to expand the cultural offering surrounding the Formula 1 event by incorporating classical and orchestral performances.
Bocelli has sold more than 90 million records worldwide during a career spanning over three decades.