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FIA GT1 Abu Dhabi

Family day at Yas marina this weekend as FIA GT1 race kicks off…

Looking for something to do with the kids this weekend? Here’s the perfect plan.

A full programme of entertainment will run alongside the racing at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi this weekend when it hosts the first race of the brand new FIA GT1 World Championship series on 16-17 April.

Six of the world’s most iconic sportscar brands will compete in the first round of the series, driven by some of the world’s top drivers, including former Formula 1TM drivers Mika Salo, Karl Wendlinger and Roman Grosjean. Twenty-four cars from Nissan, Corvette, Maserati, Lamborghini, Aston Martin and Ford will take part both days in what is being called the “battle of the brands”.

The entertainment on offer includes live music from Salha and the Million Dollar Band, one of the most sought-after female vocalists in the Middle East, and Nikotin, the award-winning Dubai-based band that has drawn large crowds around the region, including opening for Canadian rock giants Nickelback. Throughout the weekend, local DJ Shaf Raisi will entertain the crowds with his popular music.

Car enthusiasts can check out the latest creative interiors, paint jobs and custom bodywork by West Coast Customs, the company at the centre of MTV’s hit show “Pimp My Ride”. They will be showing a heavily customised Bentley Speed, electric motorcycles and a Segway two-wheeler autographed by Michael Schumacher among their many attractions.  

Visitors will also be able to enjoy the Red Bull Energy lounge, stilt walkers, a dance troupe, simulators, bungee trampolines and a kids’ zone, featuring a mini golf cart course, painting, jugglers and much more.

General admission will be Dhs50 per day. Premium Majlis tickets cost Dhs250 per day and the prestigious Paddock Club tickets cost Dhs1000 for the two days. Tickets are available from www.yasmarinacircuit.ae, by calling 800 YAS (927), or from all Virgin Megastores and Cinestar Cinemas across the UAE.