24 brilliant things to do in Abu Dhabi over F1 weekend

Enjoy an amazing meal for less with Pit Stop Menus

There’s no bigger event in the Abu Dhabi calendar than the Grand Prix, held each year at Yas Marina Circuit. During Race Week there are loads more things to do away from the track, including big parties, brunches and shopping deals – and it wouldn’t be an Abu Dhabi event if there wasn’t food involved. With that in mind, we’ve teamed up with some of Abu Dhabi’s very best restaurants and the Department of Tourism and Culture – Abu Dhabi, to bring you Pit Stop Menus. The idea is simple – each restaurant will offer a special set menu between November 14 and December 2 to showcase its very best dishes. All you need to do is decide which one (or two, or three, or ten…) you want to go to and tuck in. With the likes of Hakkasan, Roberto’s, Tamba and Catch involved, you’re going to be spoiled for choice. Add in more incredible venues such as Alba Terrace, Cho Gao, KOI and Namak by Kunal Kapur and you have the recipe for a very busy (and filling) Race Week indeed. For all the deals and menus available in the city click here

See Marshmello get the party started

Marshmello will kick-off the weekend with a performance on Thursday, 28th November. Mashmello, known for his striking white helmet that masks his identity, recently performed a massive concert through the video game Fortnite. The multi-platinum selling DJ is best known for his songs Happier, Alone, Friends, Wolves and Keep It Mello. As always tickets to the concerts are only available to those who are attending the on-track events. Nov 28. du Arena, Yas Island, www.yasalam.ae

Get a huge discount on entry to Yas Island theme parks

Giving you even more options for entertainment, all Yas Island theme parks are offering residents a huge discount on ticket prices for National Day. From November 28 to December 2, tickets to Yas Island theme parks including Yas Waterworld, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi will be offering a 48 percent discount to celebrate the UAE’s 48th National Day. Tickets are available to book on each of the park’s websites. With the discount, entry to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi will be reduced from Dhs295 to Dhs150. A valid Emirates ID will need to be presented at the parks for proof of residency status to redeem the offer. Which park will you visit?

For more information,visit www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com, www.wbworld.com and www.yaswaterworld.com.

Meet F1 drivers at Yas Mall

If you’re a big Formula One fan and you follow all the action throughout the season then there’s an exciting opportunity coming up in Abu Dhabi. The Williams team will be taking part in a meet and greet with F1 fans in the capital before the big race. Drivers Robert Kubica and George Russell will be in town to greet F1 fans on Thursday November 28. The pair will be at Carrefour in Yas Mall from 4pm to 6pm on the day and it gives motorsport fans the chance to meet two big names in the sport face to face. You will be able to take pictures with the drivers and chat before they head to Yas Marina Circuit over the weekend for the big race. The event is free and open to the public so all you need to do is head along to be a part of it.

Free. Nov 28, 4pm-6pm. Carrefour, Yas Mall, Yas Island

Party all weekend at Diablitos

Diablitos has announced a massive line-up of events across the weekend. The rooftop venue will be hosting five parties, two brunches and bringing ten artists to the stage on Yas Island. The weekend kicks off on Thursday November 28 when DJ Kaboo and Saif and Sound perform in partnership with The Project UAE and City Vibes. Next up, on Friday November 29, Steezy is bringing Mr Levier to the stage to drop big beats from behind the decks until the wee hours. On Saturday November 30, Boogie Box presents Raxon, with support from Hassan Alwan and (hoolz) taking over the space for the night. Keeping the vibe going on Sunday December 1, Ma Nuit presents DJ Bliss who will be bringing out the big tunes as the F1 comes to a close. Finally, on December 2, Instagram Killed the Radio Star will see Diablito’s new resident DJ, Tulzy take over to wind down the venue after a massive weekend.Two brunches will also be held on Friday and Sunday from noon to 4pm, serving up Mediterranean-inspired bites and free flowing beverages.

Brunch starts from Dhs450 for soft drinks, Dhs600 for house beverages and Dhs750 for sparkling beverages. Nightlife events take place from 10pm until 4am each night, prices start from Dhs150 per person. It’s going to be a huge weekend. Nov 28-Dec 2. Diablito, Yas Marina (02 565 1175).

See Future and Gucci Mane

The second night of the Yasalam after-race concerts will see Future and Gucci Mane take to the stage at du Arena. Grammy Award winner Future is best known for his songs Mask Off, Low Life, Love Me and Turn on the Lights. American rapper and Grammy Award nominee Gucci Mane is known for his hits Wake Up In The Sky, I Get The Bag and I Heard. As always, passes to the concerts are for those who have tickets to the Grand Prix itself.

Fri Nov 29. du Arena, Yas Island, www.yasmarinacircuit.com

Feast at Ramusake

Popular Japanese eatery Ramusake is hosting a five-day pop-up at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island. Taking place from November 27 to December 1 and overlooking Yas Marina Circuit, you can get your fill of modern Japanese cuisine and beverages as well as live music from international DJs and performers. Various packages are available for the day and evening events throughout the weekend, with prices starting from Dhs800 for a set menu dinner on the Wednesday and Thursday and also for the brunch on Friday. Or, if you want to enjoy Japanese specialties while watching the big race, you can do so for Dhs1,500.

From Dhs800. Nov 27-Dec 1. W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, Yas Island, www.ramusake.ae

Check out the Candypants brunch

Back for the third year, the Social Pit Lane brunch by party planners Candypants (they put on some of the biggest bashes in the UAE) will take over Casa De Cuba at Yas Marina with a four-hour all-inclusive brunch every day from Thursday to Sunday. Then, once the brunches are out of the way everyone is invited to join in the after party until 3am. If you’ve always dreamed of watching the Formula One from a yacht (would there actually be anything better in the world?), you can do just that from The Trackside Mega Yacht on along with a whole twelve house of premium food and beverages. Sounds like just a standard weekend really…

From Dhs499 (brunch) Nov 29-Dec 1. Yas Marina, Yas Island, www.candypants.events/race-week-2019

See Lana Del Rey debut in the UAE

Grammy Award nominated singer Lana Del Rey will make her Abu Dhabi debut at the shows fresh from releasing her latest album. The American singer is best known for her hit songs Born To Die, West Coast, Summertime Sadness, Video Games and Lust For Life. As always, passes to the concerts are for those who have tickets to the Grand Prix itself. Sun Dec 1. du Arena, Yas Island, www.yasmarinacircuit.com (800 927).

Check out the all-new CLYMB Abu Dhabi

CLYMB Abu Dhabi officially opens this weekend, on Friday November 29. Home to the world’s biggest indoor skydiving flight chamber and the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall. Children from as young as three will be able to try the flight chamber, that measures a massive 10m by 26m. Don’t worry, an expert flight instructor will be on hand to make sure that you enjoy the ride and remain safe throughout. More of a climber? A range of climbing experiences will be on offer to cater to people of all abilities and if you’re up for it you can take on the SUMMYT, a 43m climbing wall that will become the largest in the world once opened. Skydiving experiences start from Dhs215 per person and climbing experiences start from Dhs95 per person and tickets are now on sale at www.clymbabudhabi.com. From November 29 the new attraction will be open between 2pm and 7pm until December 1, then from 2pm to 8pm until December 11, before changing to the ongoing hours of noon to 9pm between Sunday and Thursday and 1pm until 10pm Friday and Saturday. We can’t wait to try it ourselves.

From Dhs95 (climbing), From Dhs 215 (skydiving). From Nov 29 2019. Sun-Thu noon-9pm, Fri and Sat noon-11pm. Yas Mall, Yas Island www.clymbabudhabi.com

Party at COYA Abu Dhabi

COYA Abu Dhabi has announceda big weekend of events during F1 Weekend if you’re not heading trackside. First up, on Thursday November 28, a special edition of the South American-influenced Ritual club night will be held to set the tone for the weekend ahead. Next, on November 29 and 30, two days of brunch will bring some of the restaurants best dishes to the table. Brunch starts from Dhs238 for soft drinks and Dhs378 for house beverages. If you’re not up for feasting at brunch then on Thursday from 6pm to 8.30pm and Sunday 5pm to 7pm the sunset treat package will also be on offer so you can enjoy unlimited drinks fro Dhs200. Plus with all the on-track action at Yas Marina Circuit being shown on screens in the restaurants you won’t miss a moment of the action either. Sounds like a lot of fun to us.

Prices and times vary. Nov 28-Dec 1. Coya Abu Dhabi, The Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 306 7000)

Party at Saadiyat Beach Club

Proving that all the best Grand Prix parties aren’t just taking place on Yas Island, the fashionable beachside venue will be hosting brunches all weekend and then screening the big race live on Sunday. So, if you fancy chilling in the pool or on the cabana beds while you’re watching the big race, then get yourself over to Saadiyat Island. The brunches run from 1pm to 4pm on the Friday and Saturday, while Sunday is just one big party as the action unfolds.

From Dhs299 (brunch), Dhs250 (viewing party), Dhs350 (viewing party per couple). Nov 29-Dec 1. Saadiyat Beach Club, Saadiyat Island (02 656 3500).

Try a special menu from Matteo Rizzo

As part of The Tastemaster Series, which runs until December 6, a line-up of world-renowned Michelin-starred chefs are coming to Abu Dhabi. Chefs will be appearing at a selection of fine-dining restaurants in the city and creating a special menu available for a limited time only. Plus, the culinary masters will also be on hand to share some tips on how to improve your own cooking at home.This weekend Matteo Rizzo, the lead chef at the Michelin-starred Il Deco Restaurant in Verona, Italy, will be in town. Chef Matteo will be taking over 18 Degrees Restaurant at Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi from November 29 to December 2 with a signature menu inspired by Italian classics from Verona. You can enjoy a four-course menu for Dhs250 per person or enjoy a starter for Dhs50 and main for Dhs80.The choice is yours, and the food promises to be great.
Find out more by visiting www.adculinaryseason.ae/taste-masters/and you can follow all the happenings on Facebook and Instagram @ADculinaryseason and at the hashtag #ADculinaryseason.

Check out Hidden Brunch

Dubai’s Hidden Brunch will be setting up at Iris Yas Island during Race Weekend and offering three days of pop-up brunches. A menu of international dishes will be on offer as well as free-flowing beverages, plus brunch-goers will also get to keep the party going with free access to the after party.

From Dhs499 (Fri & Sat), from Dhs599 (Sun). Nov 29-30 1pm-4pm, Dec 1 2pm-5pm. Yas Marina, www.hiddenbrunch.com/race-weekend

Secret Brunch

Taking place at the W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, the Secret Brunch from Dubai’s Secret Parties will be happening from Friday November 29 to Sunday December 1. Packages include access to a four-hour brunch and drinks, with entertainment from guest DJs including Hardeep, Chris Wright, Nicky Cartel, Danny Whitlock and Jon Besant. You’ll also get a great view of the track to watch the practice, qualifying and the big race. Prices start from Dhs1,500 for a silver package on Friday and Saturday and these also include concert tickets to Future and Gucci Mane and Lana Del Rey respectively, meanwhile Sunday packages start from Dhs3,700.

From Dhs1,500. Nov 29-Dec 1. W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, Yas Island, www.secret-parties.com/secretbrunchf1abudhabi.

See Ne-Yo live at MAD

Taking to the stage on Saturday November 30, NE-YO will be performing for fans in the capital. The Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter joins a big line-up of acts to perform in the UAE capital during race week. Ne-Yo is probably best known for his hits Miss Independent, Because of You, Another Love Song and So Sick. The Yas Island Club is open late so we wouldn’t expect to see the American star perform until the wee hours. At least it’s a long weekend in the UAE so you won’t have to be too tired in work the next day or if you’re heading to the big race. For all the best and latest information on the happenings over Abu Dhabi Race Week, click here.

Dhs300 for men (including two drinks), Dhs150 for women (including one drink). Sat Nov 30. 11pm until late. MAD on Yas Island (055 834 6262).

Jump into the official F1 pool party

The W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island is really making a splash during F1 weekend. The newly launched hotel will host the OKOKO Pool Party at The Wet Deck on Friday November 29, Saturday November 30 and Sunday December 1. International DJs will be performing at the party across the weekend including Sandy Riviera, Faithless and Claptone. Tickets to the three days are already on sale and start from Dhs500 per person.

From Dhs500. Nov 29-Dec 1. The W Hotel Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, www.wrevup.com/F1.

See Tyga and Trey Songz live with BASE

BASE, Dubai’s super-club has announced a big line-up for F1 weekend from November 29 to December 1. First, on Saturday November 30, multi-platinum rapper Tyga, known for his hits Taste, Juicy, Girls Have Fun and Swish, will take to the stage to perform for fans in the capital. Bringing the party to a close on Sunday December 1, after the big race, singer, songwriter, producer and actor Trey Songz will be live in Abu Dhabi. The venue, located above Cipriani on Yas Island, will open from 11pm until the small hours and it’s sure to be buzzing over F1 weekend. We’re counting down the days until the big race.

Various times and prices. Nov 29-Dec 1. BASE, above Cipriani, Yas Marina, Yas Island, www.basedubai.com

Party at Amber Lounge

Once again one of the most-anticipated F1 parties is back this year as the Amber Lounge will return to Yas Marina on Saturday November 30 and Sunday December 1. Getting the party going Brit Award-winning DJ Sigma will be in town to perform at the Amber Lounge After Party on Sunday December 1. The DJ known for his hit collaborations with Rita Ora, Ellie Goulding, Ella Eyre and Labrinth, will be bringing the biggest weekend of the year to a close with a set. F1 Drivers and celebrities regularly celebrate the end of the racing season at the luxury party and this year will be no different after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix comes to a close. Tickets start from $700 on Saturday and $750 on Sunday, that’s around Dhs2,570 and Dhs2,754 respectively. Admission includes free flowing beverages, buffet food, live entertainment and access to the luxury yacht where the after-party will be held. It’s going to be a huge weekend.

For more information, visit www.amber-lounge.com/abu-dhabi

See Usher live at MAD

US RnB star Usher is performing in Abu Dhabi over F1 Weekend. The singer (and dancer, don’t forget the dancing) is perhaps best known for his smash hits Yeah, My Boo and U Got It Bad. He’ll be appearing at superclub MAD on Yas Island on the night after the F1 race itself – Sunday December 1. It’s Dhs500 to get in for men, which includes two drinks, and Dhs200 for women (with one drink). Table packages will also be available. One thing we do know if Usher will take to the stage late, MAD is open until around 5am during the F1 weekend.

Dhs500 for men (including two drinks), Dhs200 for women (including one drink). Sun Dec 1. 11pm until late. MAD on Yas Island (055 834 6262).

Shop the Black and White sale at Yas Mall

Yas Mall has announced the return of its Black and White sale where discounts will be offered across a huge number of stores at the shopping destination from November 28 to December 3. During the sale the shop and win promotion will also return giving you the chance to win Dhs100,000 in Yas Mall shopping vouchers when you spend Dhs200 in any store.The six-day sale coincides with the mall’s National Day celebrations that will include roaming entertainment, activities, live performances and more on December 2. It’s already looking like a busy weekend on Yas Island.

Free. 10am-10pm. Nov 28-Dec 3. Yas Mall, Yas Island www.yasmall.com

Feast the Black Tap pop-up

At Yas Marina another pop-up has been announced as burger chain Black Tap will be setting up shop for F1 weekend. The chain, which has a location in Yas Mall, will be hosting a pop-up event to serve their take on burgers, fries and shakes to people at Yas Marina across the biggest weekend of the year. A selection of burgers, shakes and craft hops will be served from Thursday November 28 to Sunday December 1 each day between 3pm-4am. So if you’re at Yas Marina across F1 weekend and a burger a fries is the order of the day then you know where to be. We hardly ever say no to a good burger.

See The Killers live on stage

Abu Dhabi – are you ready to rock to the sounds of The Killers? The Las Vegas indie stalwarts are performing as part of this year’s F1 Yasalam concerts. The band will take to the stage at du Arena on Sunday December 1, after the 11th Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The group are best known for their hits Mr Brightside, Somebody Told Me, Human and When We Were Young and recently wowed thousands of fans as headliners of this year’s Glastonbury festival in England. As always, passes to the concerts are for those who have tickets to the Grand Prix itself.

Sun Dec 1. du Arena, Yas Island, www.yasmarinacircuit.com (800 927).