The smell of burning rubber, the deafening screech of tyres… yes, it could only have been F1 weekend in Abu Dhabi.
The racing extravaganza always attracts quite the crowd, and this year was no exception.
As well as thousands of racegoers, tens of A-listers jetted into the capital for performances, parties and general merriment.
Lionel Richie, The Chemical Brothers and Rihanna headlined after-race concerts, and Sean Paul, Drake, and Rita Ora performed at various parties and openings.
Meanwhile athletes, socialites and even British royalty got in on the racing-track action.
So with no further ado, here’s how these celebrities spent their time in the UAE…
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Rihanna
The songstress slayed while closing the F1 weekend.
Just get a taste of those pipes:
#PressPlay #Rihanna performing last night in #AbuDhabi
A video posted by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) on
Lewis Hamilton
The driver du jour arrived in town via a private jet (natch).
A photo posted by Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton) on
The racing champ even brought his mum to the UAE to watch him compete.
So happy my Mum is here ❤️ #MakeHerProud #Love
A photo posted by Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton) on
Nico Rosberg
The Formula One driver enjoyed plenty of support (and selfies) from fans…
great to feel so much support 🇦🇪🙌🏻
A photo posted by NICO ROSBERG (@nicorosberg) on
… and got some professional snaps taken too.
Quali day! #AbuDhabiGP 🇦🇪 📸 by @paulripke
A photo posted by NICO ROSBERG (@nicorosberg) on
Lionel Richie
1. How great is it that the All Night Long crooner is on Instagram? And 2. Not even jet lag can dampen his spirits.
After a 17hr flight, you find humor in everything! Abu Dhabi, I’m here!!! #AbuDhabiGP #Yasalam2016
A photo posted by Lionel Richie (@lionelrichie) on
We’d have a little skip too with cheers like that.
A video posted by Lionel Richie (@lionelrichie) on
Drake
Getting into the National Day swing of things.
A photo posted by champagnepapi (@champagnepapi) on
Pitbull
It was all stop and go for the rapper.
A video posted by Pitbull (@pitbull) on
Example
The Brit did some (big ticket) shopping…
Thanks for showing us around Mo ! @dealsonwheels_uae 🎯
A photo posted by example (@example) on
… and had a parental plus-one for the main event.
A photo posted by example (@example) on
Sean Paul
Ol’ Dutty hung out with fellow performer Rita Ora.
RRR!!! #BAREBADNESS @ritaora #madpeopletingdeyshouldkno RRR!!!
A photo posted by SEAN PAUL (@duttypaul) on
Princess Beatrice
Yep, the seventh in line to the British throne stopped by the tracks.
A photo posted by KBinHadi Al Yafei (@k.binhadi) on
Paris Hilton
The reality TV star killed it DJing at a post-F1 party (or so our What’s On friends tell us).
#GoodTimes with #Luciano at our #F1 Party last night at #VIProomAbuDhabi 🎶😝✌🏻️😎🎶
A photo posted by Paris Hilton (@parishilton) on
She also sported a traditional abaya for a trip to the Grand Mosque…
#Twinning at The #Mosque with @DanielaLopezOsorio. 👑👸🏻👸🏼👑
A photo posted by Paris Hilton (@parishilton) on
Did you see any good celebs? Share them on Instagram and tag @emirateswoman!
