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…

Read:
Adrenaline Junkies, This New Adventure In RAK Is One For You…
Queen Rania’s Australian Tour Wardrobe Is Seriously Sensational
14 Backstage Secrets From Les Misérables At Dubai Opera
Is This Abu Dhabi Gig The Ultimate New Year’s Eve Party?

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).

Landed in Abu Dhabi ✈️. Looking forward to the race weekend ahead. #AbuDhabiGP @bombardier_jets #redjet #ambassador

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene straight to your newsfeed, follow us on Facebook