There is a strict limit on parking spaces – one space assigned to each three purchased tickets – so car-pooling or making alternative arrangements is a good idea. Shuttle buses are running every 15 minutes from Zayed Sports City and Marina Mall, for those arriving from within Abu Dhabi city, and from Shahama Park & Ride for anyone arriving from Dubai. They will keep running until after the concerts, so you don’t have to worry too much about getting off the island once you’re done. A taxi from Shangri La hotel to the main grandstand this morning cost Dhs35, but it would be cheaper and easier to have the driver drop you at one of the onsite bus points, as getting him through the various checkpoints will be nigh on impossible.
Once you’re on the island there are shuttle buses to get you around, particularly the ‘circuit circular’, which is in continuous rotation around the facility. Buses are also in constant service between the car parks and the grandstands. In the evening, additional shuttle buses operate between the track and the concert venue, which is just over a kilometre and a half from the main grandstand (three kilometres from the south grandstand). Walk it if you’re feeling fit.
Eat, drink and be merry
Bringing your own food or drink into the facility will see you sent out into the desert in disgrace. The grandstands, which opened at 2pm this afternoon and are now swarming with F1 fanatics, are well furnished with snackeries, as well as the obligatory merchandise outlets. We found Ferrari badges for Dhs60, with windbreaker jackets for an astounding Dhs780.
Over on the food stand, amongst the entertainment areas (bouncy castles, arts & crafts, barasti-covered traditional seating and, earlier this afternoon, a stage full of acrobats) they’re selling soft drinks for Dhs5 a bottle, and beef or chicken shawarmas – though nobody seems to know how much they’ll cost once they’re cooked. Emirati women in traditional dress are in force to hand out useful information, while paramedics flit about on the facility’s apparent vehicle of choice – the humble golf cart.
At the Ferrari World concert venue, the cooking is as live as the music, with hot dogs, fish and chips and alcohol all available, according to the organisers. Expect standard concert grub, but remember where you are. Beyonce may not be the kind of act to inspire heady drinking bouts, but keeping an eye on your lairy level is probably wise all the same.
