A new collaboration has been announced, as part of this year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with the city’s first-ever Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial.
Emirati artist Latifa Saeed has unveiled a breathtaking artwork at Turn 9 of Yas Marina Circuit, marking a bold fusion of tradition, technology, and high-octane racing.
Inspired by the Sadu coding system—a traditional Bedouin weaving technique that Saeed has reinterpreted using algorithmic patterns—the piece sprawls across the Marsa Corner run-off area.
This bold visual statement symbolises the delicate balance of tradition and innovation, mirroring the ethos of Formula 1 itself: a perfect blend of human creativity and technological precision.
“The Sadu patterns embody the cultural legacy of the UAE, celebrating our heritage while embracing progress,” said Saeed. “It is an honor to showcase my work at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a global platform that beautifully bridges tradition and modernity.”
What sets this artwork apart is its unique execution: robots meticulously painted the design onto the track, creating a dynamic mosaic visible to an estimated global TV audience of over 100 million and thousands of attendees throughout the race weekend. The piece resonates deeply with the Grand Prix’s essence, offering a powerful visual narrative of speed, heritage, and innovation.
The partnership underscores the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi’s (DCT) vision of reimagining public spaces as inclusive and culturally rich environments. The Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial’s inaugural edition explored themes of environment, community, urbanity, and indigeneity, positioning artworks like Saeed’s as critical dialogues between the past and future.
Beyond the art, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix offered attendees an array of immersive experiences. The highly anticipated season finale, running since 2009 at Yas Marina Circuit, dazzled with its iconic day-to-night race format, thrilling support races, and electrifying Yasalam After-Race concerts featuring global stars like Eminem and Muse.
This year’s event broke records, welcoming 170,000 attendees to Abu Dhabi’s cultural hub, Yas Island. Ticket holders enjoyed exclusive access to Yas Island’s premier attractions, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Seaworld Abu Dhabi, and Louvre Abu Dhabi, creating an all-encompassing celebration of culture, sport, and entertainment.
