It’s here, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is now underway and it promises to be a huge weekend.
Heading to Yas Island? Here’s what you need to know before you go.
Getting there
If you’re getting behind the wheel to drive to the big race this weekend this year the parking situation is a little different.
Yas Mall is the official car park for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this year, so that’s where you’ll need to leave your car.
All parking is free of charge but that’s the closest you’ll get to the circuit in your vehicle over F1 Weekend.
The good news is there are regular free shuttle buses taking you trackside, or you can even take the short 15-20 minute walk and enjoy the weather.
As always it pays to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to get to Yas Marina Circuit because, call us psychic, but we think it’s going to be a popular destination this week.
On track
It’s race day and for the drivers it’s the last chance to make an impression and secure vital points in the season.
World Drivers’ Champion Lewis Hamilton will be looking to finish the season on a high having won the past three driver’s championships and five of the last six, while Mercedes is on a five-year streak when it comes to the constructor’s championship.
Despite the titles already being decided the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is still set up to be a fascinating race as the 2019 Formula One season comes to a close.
Other drivers in the running are becoming tired of watching Hamilton win and Max Verstappen has even called Hamilton’s reign as champion “boring” as the young Dutchman aims to knock him off his throne.
It’s going to be a battle at Yas Marina Circuit and Hamilton will be looking to shake off the challenges from Formula One’s young guns and clinch a fifth race win in the UAE capital.
Brunches
What’s F1 weekend without a brilliant brunch?
Candypants
Back for the third year, the Social Pit Lane brunch by party planners Candypants (they put on some of the biggest bashes in the UAE) will take over Casa De Cuba at Yas Marina with a four-hour all-inclusive brunch every day from Thursday to Sunday. Then, once the brunches are out of the way everyone is invited to join in the after party until 3am. If you’ve always dreamed of watching the Formula One from a yacht (would there actually be anything better in the world?), you can do just that from The Trackside Mega Yacht on along with a whole twelve house of premium food and beverages. Sounds like just a standard weekend really…
From Dhs499 (brunch) Nov 29-Dec 1. Yas Marina, Yas Island, www.candypants.events/race-week-2019/.
Mr Miyagi’s
It’s always fun and games at this lively Yas Mrina hangout and over F1 weekend things will be no different. Brunch will be held across four days, serving up some Asian dishes, bites and delicacies, alongside free-flowing beverages. A host of fun games, activities and live entertainment will also be on hand to keep the party atmosphere going throughout the biggest weekend of the year.
Dhs249 (Thu), Dhs499 (Fri-Sun). Nov 28-Dec 1. Thu 8pm-11pm, Fri-Sun1pm-4pm. Mr Miyagi’s, Yas Marina, Yas Island (02 565 1150).
Ramusake
Popular Japanese eatery Ramusake is hosting a five-day pop-up at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island. Taking place from November 27 to December 1 and overlooking Yas Marina Circuit, you can get your fill of modern Japanese cuisine and beverages as well as live music from international DJs and performers. Various packages are available for the day and evening events throughout the weekend, with prices starting from Dhs800 for a set menu dinner on the Wednesday and Thursday and also for the brunch on Friday. Or, if you want to enjoy Japanese specialties while watching the big race, you can do so for Dhs1,500.
From Dhs800. Nov 27-Dec 1. W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, Yas Island, www.ramusake.ae.
Secret Brunch
Also taking place at the W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, the Secret Brunch from Dubai’s Secret Parties will be happening from Friday November 29 to Sunday December 1. Packages include access to a four-hour brunch and drinks, with entertainment from guest DJs including Hardeep, Chris Wright, Nicky Cartel, Danny Whitlock and Jon Besant. You’ll also get a great view of the track to watch the practice, qualifying and the big race. Prices start from Dhs1,500 for a silver package on Friday and Saturday and these also include concert tickets to Travis Scott and Lana Del Rey respectively, meanwhile Sunday packages start from Dhs3,700.
From Dhs1,500. Nov 29-Dec 1. W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, Yas Island, www.secret-parties.com/secretbrunchf1abudhabi.
Concerts
Eight massive concerts are coming across four days during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Killers
Sunday December 1
Race Weekend will come to a close in a typically spectacular style on Sunday December 1 with a performance from rock band The Killers. The American rockers really are a household name, and we can’t imagine that many people in the world don’t know every word to Mr Brightside and Somebody Told Me (or is it just us who danced to these songs on every single night out at university?). It’s been ten years since the band last performed in Abu Dhabi (at Emirates Palace in 2009), and we really can’t wait to welcome them back. If you want a taste of the treat we’re in for you can watch the videos of the band headlining the UK’s Glastonbury festival this summer, and we’ve had our playlists of their biggest hits set up since it was first announced that they were the Sunday-night Yasalam act back in July. Get ready to jump about to Human, When We Were Young, Read My Mind, The Man and all the rest of the group’s biggest hits.
Usher
Sunday December 1
The singer (and dancer, don’t forget the dancing) is perhaps best known for his smash hits Yeah, My Boo and U Got It Bad. He’ll be appearing at superclub MAD on Yas Island on the night after the F1 race itself – Sunday December 1. One thing is for sure, it’s going to be a huge night at the Yas Island nightclub and we’re expecting a huge crowd for this one.
Trey Songz
Sunday December 1
BASE, Dubai’s super-club has announced a big line-up for F1 weekend from November 29 to December 1. First, on Saturday November 30, multi-platinum rapper Tyga, known for his hits Taste, Juicy, Girls Have Fun and Swish, will take to the stage to perform for fans in the capital. Bringing the party to a close on Sunday December 1, after the big race, singer, songwriter, producer and actor Trey Songz will be live in Abu Dhabi. The venue, located above Cipriani on Yas Island, will open from 11pm until the small hours and it’s sure to be buzzing over F1 weekend.
For more information and reservations call 055 934 8261 and visit www.basedubai.com.
Parties
Heading out for a big party? Here are the places to be.
Amber Lounge
The legendary star-studded party is back again this year with DJ Sigma as the headline DJ over the weekend. Two-day packages and VIP tables are available, and if you want to mingle with celebs and F1 drivers then this is definitely the place to be. New to 2019 is the Saturday night yacht party (it looks so good it’s ridiculous), and the VIP after party following the big race on Sunday is set to be one of the biggest parties of the year.
Prices vary. Nov 30-Dec 1. Yas Island, www.amber-lounge.com/abudhabi.
BASE
Dubai’s super-club has announced a big line-up for F1 weekend from November 29 to December 1. On Saturday November 30, multi-platinum rapper Tyga, known for his hits Taste, Juicy, Girls Have Fun and Swish will take to the stage to perform, and then bringing the party to a close on Sunday December 1 will be songwriter, producer and actor Trey Songz. You can find BASE above Cipriani on Yas Island, and you really won’t want to miss it.
Prices TBC. Nov 29-Dec 1, 11pm onwards. BASE, above Cipriani, Yas Marina, Yas Island, www.basedubai.com.
The OKOKO Pool Party
The new and shiny W Hotel Abu Dhabi – Yas Island is really making a splash during F1 weekend. The OKOKO Pool Party will take place at The Wet Deck on Friday November 29, Saturday November 30 and Sunday December 1 with sets from international DJs including Sandy Riviera, Faithless and Claptone. Tickets to the three-day party start from Dhs500 per person.
From Dhs500. Nov 29-Dec 1. W Hotel Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, www.wrevup.com/F1.
The Rich List
W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island really is pulling out all the stops over Race Weekend. Luxury party The Rich List will be happening in the stylish venue and although the performing DJs are yet to be announced, we can definitely expect the line-up to feature plenty of big names (last year David Morales, HXNNYXO and The Mambo Brothers were behind the decks). Entry starts from Dhs800 for a ladies pass, while VIP passes will set you back Dhs2,000.
From Dhs800. Nov 29-Dec 1 noon-midnight. W Hotel Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, www.richlistgroup.com.
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