Can you hear their engines roar? Formula One weekend is upon us — and for some, that means one massive non-stop party.
From November 23 to November 26 in Abu Dhabi, residents and visitors can expect an action-packed schedule of festivities to hurtle into town. There’s something for everyone — families, foodies, thrill-seekers and music-lovers can indulge in the best brunches, concerts, club nights and activities. Gulf News tabloid! puts together your ultimate guide.
MUSIC
After-Race Concerts
This year’s official After-Race Concerts at F1 start with a DJ set from Calvin Harris on November 23. J. Cole, replacing Kendrick Lamar, will perform on November 24, Mumford & Sons on November 25 and Pink on November 26. In the past, concerts were open strictly to race ticket-holders. This year, for the first time, people will be able to buy separate Dh395 tickets for the J. Cole event, which will also give them access to Harris’s set.
Tiesto, Carl Cox and Martin Garrix at du Forum
DJs Tiesto, Carl Cox and Martin Garrix will perform at du Forum, Yas Island, as part of Alchemy Project’s Beyond the Track festivities. Garrix will perform on November 24, Cox on November 25 and Tiesto on November 26. Tickets start from Dh295.
Ella Eyre at Amber Lounge
British singer Ella Eyre will perform two nights in a row at the Amber Lounge as part of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after-party. Eyre, known for hits such as Waiting All Night and Came Here for Love, will take the stage on November 25 and 26. Tickets are $450 (Dh1,653).
Iggy Azalea, Tinie Tempah, Ne-Yo and Wiz Khalifa at Mad
Mad on Yas Island will host three major nights of hip-hop, grime and R’n’B. Australian rapper Iggy Azalea will return to the UAE on November 24 night, joined by English grime act Tinie Tempah. R’n’B star Ne-Yo will perform on November 25, and rapper Wiz Khalifa will round up the line-up on November 26. Entrance is Dh250 for women after 1am, Dh500 all night for men.
The Podium Lounge
The Podium Lounge is known for its after-race parties all over the world. In Abu Dhabi, it’s located at Rush, Yas Viceroy, operating between 10pm to 4am on November 25, 25 and 26. Entrance is free all night for women (subject to capacity and doorman discretion) and Dh200 in advance for men. Entertainment will be courtesy of Madjam, Erok, Miles Slater, Patrick Oliver Skinny Loop and Tim Kay.
French Montana at 1OAK
Moroccan-American rapper French Montana returns to the UAE on November 25 night for a live performance at 1OAK Abu Dhabi. Free entry, restricted to couples and mixed groups; though walk-ins are welcome, entrance can only be guaranteed for those with table reservations. 1OAK is open from 11pm to 6am.
Busta Rhymes, Craig David and Rick Ross in Yas Viceroy
Busta Rhymes, Craig David and Rick Ross will perform at the Palm Garden Nightclub in Yas Viceroy, Abu Dhabi. Rhymes takes the stage on November 24, David on November 25, and Ross on November 26. Tickets for the first two nights are Dh500. Tickets on closing night are Dh750. A full weekend ticket is Dh1,600.
Circoloco at Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE
Clubbing concept Circoloco will return to Blue Marlin Ibizia UAE for F1 weekend, kicking off on November 24. Circoloco — originating in Ibiza in the late ‘90s — will bring an international DJ line-up to Abu Dhabi, including Solardo, Rampa, &ME and Loco Dice. It will take place at Golden Tulip Al Jazira Hotels and Resort. On Sunday, the party will move to Diabilito Rooftop in Yas Marina, welcoming resident DJs Frederick Stone, Michka, Sam Starks and Mario Bazouri. Cost per person starts from Dh295 on Friday and Saturday, and Dh500 on Sunday.
Iris Abu Dhabi
Iris, located in Yas Marina, has four full days of entertainment. Artists performing include Hot Since 82 on November 23, Mahmut Orhan and Mark Knight on November 24, Volkan Uca and Rony Seikaly on November 25, and Hisham and Claptone on November 26. Tickets are Dh250.
FOOD
WEBRUNCH
WEBRUNCH will take over the Viceroy Atayeb Terrace on November 25 with two brunch packages. Packages range from Dh1,250 (for 1-4pm brunch) to Dh1,850 (for a full day experience, from 1-8pm). The terrace overlooks the tracks, with a view of one of the “slowest areas of the course” to give visitors a higher chance of catching a glimpse of the action.
El Chiringuito
El Chiringuito is teaming up with Nomad Tribe to set up shop at Yas Beach from November 24 to 26. Sven Vath, Apollonia and DJ Tini will provide entertainment on Friday (9pm-4am), while November 25 will bring with it the party edition of La Famillia Brunch. Tickets start from Dh150 each day.
Cipriani Yas Island
Italian restaurant Capriani Yas Island will offer an a la carte lunch and dinner with a view for F1 weekend, inspired by the cuisine from Harry’s Bar in Venice. This will include plenty of truffle — particularly white Alba truffle. The restaurant will open from 11.30am until 4pm. All bookings are limited to two hours, with a minimum spend of Dh1,300.
ACTIVITIES
Yas Marina Circuit
There are plenty of things to indulge in at the races, starting with the F1 Fanzone. Visitors will be able to get close to their favourite drivers during daily autograph sessions, or sit back and enjoy live entertainment, street theatre, pampering sessions and more. On November 24, dance troupe MD Productions and six-piece band Girl Talk will entertain at the West Oasis area. The South Oasis area will meanwhile include seating, interactive games and DJs spinning ‘80s rock, Motown hits and British indie classics. Finally, the North Oasis will offer a glimpse into the past, present and future of Abu Dhabi as part of the Heritage Village, featuring food, activities and art.
Yas KartZone
For F1 ticket holders, you can pay a little extra to experience the Yas F1 Circuit for yourself — a Yas Hot Laps experience in a Jaguar F-Type will set you back Dh200, while a ride in a Radical SST will cost Dh250. This is a new addition this year, offered for the first time at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
