The Abu Dhabi Formula 1 at Yas Marina Circuit, is so much more than fast cars. Venues around the city are alive with action, from celebrity acts to beach parties – there’s something going on around the clock. With too much to choose from, it’s a bit confusing to know where to begin. Here’s our guide to the best places to take a pit stop. Three, two, one… GO!
LIVE ON YAS ISLAND
If you’re more interested in the hype surrounding the event than the racing itself, just check out the superstar line-up at the du Arena.
Friday 21 – Grammy-nominated DJ Armin van Buuren is one of the world’s top electronic music stars.
Saturday 22 – No wonder Pharrell Williams is Happy – with awards as a singer, songwriter and producer, he’s a modern king of the music industry.
Sunday 23 – Famous Mod band The Who are possibly best known for their hit My Generation. Despite being around since the sixties, their music transcends the decades.
For more information, visit yasalam.ae
YASALAM
Yasalam’s Live on the Corniche programme on the West Plaza and Lagoon Beach is jam-packed with F1 celebrations from fitness challenges to star studded concerts with performances from award-winning artists including Rita Ora (she will be performing live on Abu Dhabi corniche on November 22). The world’s official F1 FanZone™ is now open every day until late, finishing on November 23. Live music and art events will also take place everyday between 3pm – 6pm Thursday, November 20, to Sunday, November 23.
For a full list of performing artists and tickets, visit yasalam.ae
IRIS, YAS ISLAND
Iris is a hub of activity during race weekend, and is sure to be the place to see and be seen. With the special programme including events from noon until sunrise, it’s always time to chill out track side.
Thursday 20 – International house duo Audiofly headline an evening of talent from 6pm until 3pm.
Friday 21 until Sunday 23 – The race lunch serves up Iris classics, chilled out tunes and live performances from 11.30am until 4pm.
Friday 21 until Sunday 23 – Late nights at Iris (or should we say early mornings), see mega after-party action from 11pm until 6am. If you can handle the pace, that is.
Visit here for information.
PEOPLE BY THE SEA
Held on Yas Beach over the race weekend, this event is a beach party vibe from daylight until long after sundown. Resident DJs start heating up the decks at noon until the international acts make an appearance.
Friday 21 – Timo Maas & Danny Howells
Saturday 22 – Mark Fanciulli – Audiojack – Betoko
For packages and tickets visit abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net
YAS VICEROY ABU DHABI
There’s so much going on at this place, we almost don’t know where to start…
Day pass offer
During race weekend, everyone who makes a lunch or dinner reservation will also receive a hotel day pass, granting them access to the hotel, the marina and the post race concert. With the likes of Pharrell playing (see above), this all adds up to a pretty exciting offer.
Podium lounge
Every night revellers can continue celebrations deep into the night at Podium Lounge. Open until an eye-watering 5am from Thursday 20 until Sunday 23, this post-race party will see up to 1,000 people enjoying international DJs and celebrity appearances all weekend. podiumlounge.com
For more information on events at Yas Viceroy visit viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/en/abudhabi
AMBER LOUNGE
If you’ve got visitors, take them to Amber Lounge for a real taste of Abu Dhabi’s F1 luxury. Set on an exclusive F1 yacht, it has seriously impressive views and attracts VIPs and socialites. Grammy award-winning singer Estelle has been confirmed for Saturday 22 and Sunday 23.
For information and tickets visit amber-lounge.com/content/abu-dhabi-grand-prix-packages
MAHIKI DUBAI
The multi award-winning party destination is teaming up with Xclusive Yachts to host an ultimate boat experience, offering a range of world-class entertainment and refreshments from the ever-popular Island Grill Menu.
Guests will be able to get up close to the action as a result of the yacht’s trackside view, either from the open air upper deck or from the comfort of the air-conditioned lower deck via a HD TV live feed. The experience will be amplified by a free-flowing array of beverages, including the legendary Mahiki cocktails and Laurent Perrier Champagne.
This unique Tiki experience will be presented through a selection of customised packages. Prices for one-day packages are: Friday Dhs4,000, Saturday Dhs5,500, Sunday Dhs6,500. For the weekend (Saturday & Sunday) Dhs11,000 or for all three days (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) Dhs12,000. The yacht is open from1pm till late.
For reservations call: (04) 3807731
Check out the Abu Dhabi F1 gifting lounge here
Images: From the Emirates Woman Track Stars shoot
