F1 Fan Zone (Corniche Beach): If you can’t get a ticket for the main event then perhaps the next best place to watch the big race is the F1 Fan Zone on the corniche, organised by Flash. Huge screens will be set up in order to watch live screenings of both the Brazilian and Abu Dhabi races, including practice and qualifying races. You can even try your hand at the F1 simulator, although we suggest bagging yourself a comfy sofa and settling down for a Formula One marathon.
Harvesters: Certainly one of the more salubrious establishments in the capital, this smoky, old-fashioned ‘British’ boozer has plenty of local colour. Cheap drinks and a giant plasma TV will pull in the motor maniacs, but you wouldn’t want to take your mother there.
Al Diar Sands Hotel, Electra Street (02 615 6666).
Heroes: A popular expat haunt, this basement bar is usually the site of football-loving geezers wielding scarves in victory, but for the past year it has been showing every GP race in the F1 season. A good atmosphere and plenty of TV screens make it a good choice.
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi (02 621 0000).
Hemingway’s: A likeable bar with sports nights and plenty of TVs to catch up on the latest F1 action. Hemingways also does a mean burger if you’re hungry. They will be showing every Grand Prix race, so you won’t miss a bit of the action.
Hilton Abu Dhabi Hotel, Corniche Road (02 681 1900).
NRG: Passing the huge F1 car to your left as you enter Le Meridien’s ‘Village’, it’s not long before you’ll stumble across NRG – about as perky a sports bar as you’re likely to find. Its four big screen TVs (where to look?) ensure there’s plenty of viewing room, but it’s usually pretty packed, so get there early to stake yourself a spot.
Le Méridien, Tourist Club Area (02 644 66666).
PJ O’Reillys: Hugely popular, PJs is invariably packed and ultimately jumping. Downstairs, the giant screen TV takes the eye, with a second one upstairs for those who don’t want to join the throng. Good food and a great atmosphere have made this a local favourite and one of the most likeable spots in the capital.
Le Royal Méridien (02 674 2020).
Tavern: Expect live broadcasts, a special menu and promotions at the Tavern, a British-style pub that rarely fails to pull the expat in search of steak and kidney pies and the occasional dash of home comfort. A sure bet for a lively spot to watch the race.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi (02 697 0260).
Know your times…
Japanese Grand Prix
(Local time GMT+4)
Oct 2: 5am-6.30am (practice one); 9am-10.30am (practice two)
Oct 3: 6am-7am (practice three); from 9am (qualifying)
Oct 4: from 9am (race day)
Brazilian Grand Prix
(Local time GMT+4)
Oct 16: 5pm-6.30pm (practice one); 9pm-10.30pm (practice two)
Oct 17: 6pm-7pm (practice three); from 9pm (qualifying)
Oct 18: from 8pm (race day)
Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
(Local time GMT+4)
Oct 30: 1pm-2.30pm (practice one); 5pm-6.30pm (practice two)
Oct 31: 2pm-3pm (practice three); from 5pm (qualifying)
Nov 1: from 5pm (race day)
