Abu Dhabi’s 50-day countdown to the Grand Prix has officially begun. Free activities, exhibitions and concerts are running from today right until November, so TOAD hit the streets to find out just when and where you can get involved in the fun.
It’s Yalasam’s fifth birthday, and this year is going to be the biggest celebration yet. The capital’s F1 entertainment programme is already off the starting grid, rolling promotions out across the city. So we were eager to explore what’s in it for you.
From free fitness to the F1 Fanzone and Beats on the Beach, Yasalam is going to be a phenomenal event this year. So be sure to get involved and have a go, you won’t regret it!
Get Driver Fit
Driving a Formula One car isn’t as easy as it looks. It requires a high level of fitness and coordination. Drivers can sweat out up to 3kg of water during a race, need powerful muscular endurance to control cars in long races, and the strenght to sustain the force required to take corners at high speeds.
Yasalam is giving everyone the chance to build their own endurance, fitness and stamina through the new Driver Fit campaign. There are six free classes available every week at the Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach and at Yas Marina Circuit. Register for your Yasalam PasSport to participate in all the activities for nothing!
Duplays co-founder Derv Rao is excited by the prospect of so many people having the opportunity to try new sports. When asked, Mr Rao said: ‘I think it will give people the opportunity to try things they didn’t know existed in Abu Dhabi. This programme highlights more than 25 providers across the city. It will also give people something to do outside of traditional activities. This programme has so many off-the-beat things to do that people might enjoy to the point where they pick it up and continue.’
The classes are sponsored by Daman to promote wellbeing in the community. Chief commercial officer of Daman, Dr Sven Rohte said: ‘Daman is incredibly excited to be involved in the campaign which is poised to inspire the Abu Dhabi community to change and try new ways to stay healthy and active.’
So make sure you give it a go! After all, as Mr Rao says: ‘It’s free, it’s convenient, there are no barriers stopping you. There are over 180 different classes to choose from and they are all free. If you want to make your life better in the city, and occupy your evenings, here’s an opportunity to do so.’
Here’s a little taste of what you can expect in the coming weeks, be sure to check the website for exact locations and additional information.
Stand up paddle-boarding October 6
Sailing classes October 6
Circuit kayaking October 12
Windsurfing on the Corniche October 12
Beach volleyball October 15
Ultimate frisbee October 19
Golf classes on Yas Island October 21
Running classes on the Corniche November 2
Meet a driver
We spoke to rally driver Majed Al Shamsi about his exercise routine for any aspiring F1 drivers. Time Out does not recommend practicing on Abu Dhabi roads!
So what kind of exercise routine do you have to keep with your job?
Mostly circuit training and endurance training, because we get exposed to different temperatures and different surfaces which require high levels of fitness and concentration. We also need to prevent dehydration by drinking a lot of water. Because if you get dehydrated then you can’t concentrate – which can result in a crash.
What muscles do you feel most after a race?
My feet, quadriceps, legs, shoulders and neck.
How many times a week do you need to train?
The minimum is three times, but that’s only if I am really busy.
How did you get into the professional driving game?
It’s funny, I used to play a video game called Dirt by Colin McRae, and I remember telling my wife: ‘I would really like to do rallying.’ I don’t think everyone achieves their dreams, but I love my job.
What do you think of this Get Driver Fit Campaign?
I think it’s amazing, I think they should have initiatives like these all around the UAE. I think people of the UAE should take advantage of all the facilities we have here. Fitness is very important.
Around the corner
F1 Fanzone
For the true fans of Formula One, the Fanzone is the place to be – especially when F1 drivers will be there signing autographs. As well as seeing some of the most famous names in the sport, you too can become a driver on one of the race simulators, participate in the skill reaction challenges, buy signature merchandise and participate in a range of other adrenaline-charged activities.
Parading through Yas
For the automobile enthusiasts, the Yas Car Parade is an entertainment extravaganza. The Abu Dhabi Police Band will be heading the procession through the Yas Leisure Drive, and the theme is Yasalam, with the best-dressed car winning an award.
Break a record
This year, Yasalam is going for a record! Of most chequered flags waved, that is. The record attempt will take place on October 24 and, naturally, it’s the more the merrier welcomed down at the Corniche. You can get involved too, so if you want to be part of the world record, get down there at 4pm.
Yas Activation – History of Racing
Walk through the history of Formula One with the Yas Activation exhibition. There will be historical cars and racing equipment on display at Yas Plaza as well.
Beats on the Beach
Beats on the Beach is a huge attraction on the Corniche and well worth attending if you can get there. This year’s lineup includes Ciara, Mr Pure Energy, aka Gary Valenciano, in conjunction with Vina Morales for a Filipino night on October 31, Mohammed Assaf and Lebanese star Assi El Hellani. And if that’s not enough to get you excited, it’s also free!
Ciara
The automatic, supersonic, hypnotic 27-year-old hip-hop artist will be 1, 2 stepping her way to Abu Dhabi on November 1. The multi-talented singer and dancer has been praised for her entertaining performances and energetic stage presence.
Gary Valenciano
Otherwise known as Mr Pure Energy, this Filipino superstar has 11 Awit Awards to his name, as well as 26 albums – two of which are six-time platinum, with a further three achieving triple platinum sales.
Vina Morales
Filipino starlet Vina Morales will be joining Gary Valenciano for the first ever Filipino Night at Beats on the Beach. The popular singer, actor and model was the first Filipino ever to sing at the New York International Music Festival.
Mohammed Assaf
The 2013 winner of Arab Idol is coming! The 23-year-old Palestinian has 1.1 million followers on Facebook, is a Goodwill Ambassador and attracted nearly 100 million viewers to the Arab Idol final.
Assi El Hellani
The Lebanese icon will be gracing our shores to sing some of his hottest tracks from the past two decades. The humanitarian will be performing hits including ‘Wani Mareq Mareet’.
