Kings of Leon to Replace Zara Larsson at Abu Dhabi GP After-Race Concerts

Kings of Leon have been added to the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 and will headline the After-Race Concerts with Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi on Thursday, 3 December.

The alt-rock band replaces Zara Larsson, who was previously announced for the event but is no longer able to perform.

New line-up for opening night

The multi-award-winning band will perform songs from their ten-album catalogue and take the stage in Abu Dhabi shortly after the scheduled release of their highly anticipated tenth studio album, O My Beloved, on 6 November.

Kings of Leon and Lewis Capaldi will lead Thursday’s double-billed opening night on 3 December. They join a line-up of global artists performing at the After-Race Concerts throughout Abu Dhabi Grand Prix week, including Alex Warren and Jennifer Lopez on Friday, 4 December, Imagine Dragons on Saturday, 5 December, and The Chainsmokers and The Script on Sunday, 6 December.

Yasalam programme and race weekend

Beyond the After-Race Concerts, the Yasalam entertainment programme will also feature Andrea Bocelli at the inaugural Yasalam Classics on Wednesday, 2 December. Anyma presents ÆDEN at the Official After-Party on 4 December, and global DJs Black Coffee, CamelPhat and Shimza perform at 16/360 across three days.

The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix takes place from 3 to 6 December at Yas Marina Circuit, bringing the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship season to a close.

Officials welcome the finale

Formula One President and CEO Stefano Domenicali said preparations to host the season finale in Abu Dhabi are progressing according to plan, reaffirming the championship’s commitment to the scheduled calendar. He added that Abu Dhabi is preparing to host the season finale in an exceptional atmosphere, alongside a packed programme of events and experiences accompanying the race.

Hosting Formula 1 since 2009 reflects the emirate’s global standing and its ability to attract major international sporting events, according to Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Under-Secretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. Al Hosani added that the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix enhances Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a global destination, supports the tourism, hospitality and events sectors and attracts visitors from around the world.