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Your guide to Yasalam 2018

The official F1 parties, events, concerts and more in Abu Dhabi this year

Post Malone
Post Malone, or Austin Richard Post as he’s known to the postman, is most famous for his massive hit Rockstar with fellow hip-hop artist 21 Savage. The 23-year-old will open this year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, and he was the last of the four artists to be announced as playing in the F1 Yasalam concerts. The American artist’s Abu Dhabi concert will be held on Thursday November 22 at du Arena.

Fans can expect him to perform some of his biggest hits from his albums Beerbongs & Bentleys and Stoney. We look forward to seeing the super-cool artist bring some edgy tunes (and lots of tattoos) to this year’s proceedings. The After-Race Concerts are only available for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race ticket holders. Tickets are also available online at www.yasmarinacircuit.com and through the Yas Marina Circuit Call Centre (800 927) or (02 659 9800), as well as through all Etihad Shops and Virgin Megastores, Yas Central Express stand at Yas Mall.
Thu Nov 22. du Arena, Yas Island (02 509 8143).

The Weeknd
The Canadian R&B icon will be taking centre stage at du Arena on Friday, November 23.

As well as racking up millions of record sales all over the globe, he has already scored two number one albums during his smash hit career, 2015’s Beauty Behind the Madness and Starboy, which dropped a year later. He’s also collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Lana Del Ray, Drake, Daft Punk and Kendrick Lamar. We can’t wait to see him perform some of his sing-along tunes like Love Me Harder, Earned It and Starboy, right here in the capital.

The After-Race Concerts are only available for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race ticket holders. Tickets are available online at www.yasmarinacircuit.com and through the Yas Marina Circuit Call Centre (800 927) or (02 659 9800), as well as through all Etihad Shops and Virgin Megastores, Yas Central Express stand at Yas Mall.
Fri Nov 23. du Arena, Yas Island (02 509 8143).

Sam Smith
Singer and songwriter Sam Smith will perform the night before the big race on Saturday, November 24 at du Arena. The Oscar Winner has had numerous big hits. If you’re not familiar with his moving ballads I’m Not The Only One or Stay With Me, then you’ll certainly know him from his epic James Bond-theme tune Writing’s On The Wall. This summer has also been dominated by his cool chart-topper Promises with Calvin Harris. Pop fans won’t want to miss this amazing display of pure musical talent. The After-Race Concerts are only available for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race ticket holders.
Tickets are available online at www.yasmarinacircuit.com and through the Yas Marina Circuit Call Centre (800 927) or (02 659 9800), as well as through all Etihad Shops and Virgin Megastores, Yas Central Express stand at Yas Mall.
Sat Nov 24. du Arena, Yas Island (02 509 8143).

Guns N’ Roses
When the final Grand Prix of the season is over, it’s time to let our hair down (literally) and get ready to do some good old-fashioned moshing. On Sunday November 25, rock legends Guns N’ Roses will be tearing up du Arena with their huge back catalogue of hits. During their energy-filled performance we can expect to hear them belt out anthems such as November Rain, Welcome to the Jungle and Sweet Child Of Mine. You just know that the crowd will be screaming along to every word too. Guns N’ Roses last appeared in the UAE when they performed in Dubai as part of their mega Not In This Lifetime world tour in 2017. Slash, Axl Rose and the rest of the gang might be getting on a bit now, but these rock stars still know how to party. As the final artist in the 2018 after-race concert series, they will be ensuring that this year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is utterly unforgettable. The After-Race Concerts are only available for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race ticket holders. Tickets are available online at www.yasmarinacircuit.com and through the Yas Marina Circuit Call Centre (800 927) or (02 659 9800), as well as through all Etihad Shops and Virgin Megastores, Yas Central Express stand at Yas Mall.
Sun Nov 25. du Arena, Yas Island (02 509 8143).

Corniche Concert
The Yasalam festivities don’t start and end with those taking place on Yas Island. The Pit Stop event is running every day from November 16 to 25 at the A’l Bahar development on the Corniche. Set up like a village, the area will be hosting ten days of brilliant activities and entertainment. Held from 4pm to 11pm throughout the Yasalam Festival, the Pit Stop will feature performances from talented local bands and DJs. These sessions will conclude with the finale of the Emerging Talent competition on November 22, when the top four musical bands or artists as voted by you will take to the stage to see how will be crowned champion. Motorsport enthusiasts will also love the hands-on experiences. Visitors can test out what it’s really like to be an F1 driver as they take part in batak and race room challenges and admire the many special  cars on display.
Free. Nov 16-25, 4pm-11pm. A’l Bahar, Abu Dhabi Corniche, www.al-bahar.ae.

Car Parade
You don’t have to be a total petrol head to appreciate this amazing display. Car Parade will be taking to the streets of Abu Dhabi and officially kicking off the build-up to race weekend. Featuring motors that range from classic and vintage to modern and very flash, the display will start at Louvre Abu Dhabi and weave its way across to the city until it reaches the Nation Towers car park opposite the Pit Stop village at A’l Bahar on the Corniche. As well as the most impressive cars from across the UAE, the precession will also include a colourful float filled with talented performers and a DJ. They will be keeping the crowds entertained and the party vibe going as it passes through the city.
Free. Nov 16, 2.30pm-5pm. www.yasalam.ae.

Super Taxis
All the excitement surrounding the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix can make you feel extra special. But Flash Entertainment is making us feel even more like glamorous celebrities by introducing the Super Taxis scheme from November 22 to 25. This year Yasalam concert goers can experience pure luxury as they travel from one amazing event to the other, and then eventually back to bed at the end of it all.

Yes, the Super Taxis scheme gives you the opportunity to be ferried around in the most A-list worthy Lamborghini, Maserati, Corvette, Bentley, Rolls Royce and Mercedes cars. The best thing about it is that your lavish vehicle will be a complete surprise. Simply try your luck by making a booking through the Careem app, and cross your fingers that one of the Super Taxi fleet with turn up to get you. Even if you’re not a huge car fanatic, we’re sure you won’t mind having your own Bentley to take you around in style.This special treat is available every day throughout the weekend, from noon to midnight.
Nov 22-25, noon-8pm. www.yasalam.ae