As the Yas Marina Circuit is all geared up to host the 6th edition of Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend, the high octane action is not limited to the racetracks.
Even if you are not a F1 fanatic who has reserved a grand prix seat, there are ways galore to get the thrills and spills of the Middle East’s biggest sporting event that comes to Abu Dhabi on 21, 22 and 23 of this month.
Adrenaline-pumping after concerts, fashion shows, exhibitions, parades, art shows, free musical festivals, fitness challenges, special F1 brunches and dinners - the razzmatazz of races is spread throughout the city day and night.
After-race concerts
Formula 1 is a coming together of music and motorsport at the after-race concerts that will be held at the Du Arena.
The deafening sounds at the track all day will echo into the nights when musical heavy weights DJ Armin Van Buuren, R & B giant Pharrell Williams and legendary live performers The Who, will reel out their blasting hits to entertain the race goers for four days from Thursday 20 to Sunday 23.
Egyptian movie star Tamer Hosny, celebrity singer and award-winning Lebanese actress Carole Samaha, Emirati singer Faiz Al Saeed and Palestinian Mohammed Assaf of ‘Arab Idol’ fame will be performing on November 20.
F1 in Abu Dhabi Corniche
In the city, the heat and beats of the Formula 1 comes alive at the Abu Dhabi Corniche where Yasalam events have lined up a host of entertainment-packed community events. The colourful Yasalm parade at the East Plaza has been attracting huge crowds of families every evening at the Corniche from November 13. The carnival with musical bands, floats, characters dressed up in costumes inspired by the big race and the world cities which hosted it and other breathtaking performance, will continue till Thursday 20.
Visitors can also savour some F1 action at the family festival village F1 FANZONE ARTIST at the west plaza on the corniche. There are plenty of activities lined up by local and international artists for motorsport enthusiasts of all ages. The pavilion is open from Nov 13 to 23, and entrance is free.
Yasalam Art Zone at the Corniche is where you can ignite your creativity around the Formula 1 races. A talented pool of professionals will engage you in community art workshops where you will learn to transform old shipping containers and refurbish old furniture. The Art Zone is held from
Free International Music festival
There is something for everyone during the F1. The Yasalm International Music Festival to be held from November 20 to 22 will make sure Abu Dhabi residents get a fair share of fun and entertainment away from the racetracks. That too all for free! .If you are in no mood to dig deep into your pocket to buy a concert ticket, head straight to Abu Dhabi Corniche where an abundance of talents like UAE star Ruwaida Mahrooqi,regional Arabic performers Ragheb Alama,Chada Hassoun, Sabine and Two Tone, alongside Filipino sensation Charice and Bollywood crowd-puller Hard Kaur will light up the beach with their chartbusters.
On November 20, Volkswagen Beats on the Beach will perform some foot-tapping numbers followed by R&B hit-machine Jason Derulo, one of music’s most in-demand artists,Rita Ora, hip hop world’s most established performers, Juicy J, and rising star singer-songwriter Tinashe, who all will bring their superstar qualities and chart smashing hits to a Live concert.
The Yasalam live concerts will take place at the Lagoon Beach of the corniche..
Catch all the F1 action on your phone
Yes! There is an F1 app where you can make the most out of your 2014 Formula 1 weekend.
Download the YasHUB that will act as your one stop guide to the races. You can but tickets, browse through the various packages available, and can even design your own 2014 FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX experience using the built in ticket-selector. Choose from an array of seating, F&B, entertainment and VIP access to find the perfect ticket
The app will also allow you to be part of the Formula 1® social conversation with The Hub where you can create your own feed by selecting your favourite Formula 1® drivers, teams, partners and artists and follow their updates across social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Food for F1
The F&B scene in Yas Island is also buzzing during the F1 weekend with restaurants and hotels lining up special menu that race goers can feast upon.
If your love for fast cars can only be matched with your appetite for good food, the F1 brunch should be the one unmissable item in your weekend itinerary. At Dh1495 per person, the Grand prix all-inclusive gourmet Friday brunch at the circuit in the Marina Suites, will let you watch F1Practice Sessions 1 and 2 and attend the Friday After-Race Concert.
Yas Viceroy Hotel, the iconic hotel right in the heart of the marina Circuit has special stay packages for race goers. You can enjoy the excitement of the Grand prix from one of the most breathtaking locations - enjoy the unique track side views and experience the sensation of the Formula 1® cars passing underneath the hotel.
