The race weekend supported the 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

It was also originally planned to be the final race for the Dallara GP2/11 chassis that was first introduced in 2011 and the Mecachrome 4.0 litre V8 normally-aspirated engine package that had been used since the inaugural season of the series in 2005, before a new chassis and engine package was introduced for 2017, but both the current chassis and engine package had their services extended for one more season.

Carlin announced that Louis Delétraz would be replacing Marvin Kirchhöfer for the final round in Abu Dhabi.

As well as Carlin, Arden International also announced that Emil Bernstorff would be replacing Jimmy Eriksson.

Pierre Gasly took a crucial pole position which would help his bid to win the 2016 GP2 Series, with closest rival, Antonio Giovinazzi qualifying in sixth place.