ABU DHABI The Yas Marina Circuit is all geared up to host the 6th edition of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend, but the high octane action is not limited to the racetrack alone.
Even if you are not a F1 fan, there are several ways to enjoy the thrills and spills of the Middle East’s biggest sporting event this weekend.
Adrenaline-pumping after-concerts, fashion shows, exhibitions, parades, art shows, free music festivals, fitness challenges, special F1 brunches and dinners are among a raft of entertaining activities lined up here throughout the day.
After-race concerts
Musical heavyweights DJ Armin Van Buuren, R&B giant Pharrell Williams and The Who will perform during the after-race concerts at the du arena from November 20-23 while Egyptian movie star Tamer Hosny, celebrity singer and award-winning Lebanese actress Carole Samaha, Emirati singer Faiz Al Saeed and Palestinian Mohammad Assaf of Arab Idol fame will entertain the audience on November 20.
F1 in Abu Dhabi Corniche
The heat and beats of the Formula 1 come alive at the Abu Dhabi Corniche where several entertainment-packed community events await you.
The colourful Yasalam parade at the East Plaza has been attracting huge crowds every evening at the Corniche from November 13.
The carnival with musical bands, floats, characters dressed up in costumes inspired by the big race and the world cities which hosted it and other breathtaking performances will conclude on November 20.
Visitors can also savour some F1 action at the family festival village F1 Fanzone Artist at the West Plaza on the Corniche. There are plenty of activities for motorsport enthusiasts of all ages. The pavilion is open from Nov 13 to 23, and entrance is free.
Yasalam Art Zone at the Corniche is where you can ignite your creativity around the races. A talented pool of professionals will engage you in community art workshops where you could learn to transform old shipping containers and refurbish old furniture.
Free International Music festival
The much awaited Yasalam International Music Festiva will be held at West Plaza and Lagoon Beach on the Corniche from November 20 to 22.
The first day will see performances by Filipino sensation Charice and American rapper Juicy J. Regional singer Chada Hassoun and Moroccan hip-hop artist Two Tone will round out the night. The following evening R&B hit machine Jason Derulo, will perform along with Emirati star Ruwaida Mahrooqi and Bollywood rapper Hard Kaur.
The free series of concerts will end on November 22 with headliner Rita Ora also marking her return to the country.
She will be joined by Lebanese star Sabine, another UAE regular Ragheb Alama and American rising star singer-songwriter Tinashe.
You can catch all the F1 action on your smart phone, thanks to an F1 app called YasHUB.
Your one stop guide to the races, it also enables you to buy tickets and even design your own 2014 Formula 1 Eithad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix experience using the built in ticket-selector. Choose from an array of seating, F&B, entertainment and VIP access to find the perfect ticket.
The app will also allow you to be part of the Formula 1 social conversation with The Hub where you can create your own feed by selecting your favourite Formula 1 drivers, teams, partners and artists and follow their updates across social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Food for F1
The F&B scene in Yas Island is also buzzing with restaurants and hotels coming up with special dishes and packages.
If your love for fast cars can only be matched with your appetite for good food, then you simply can’t afford to miss the F1 brunch. At Dh1,495 per person, the Grand Prix all-inclusive gourmet Friday brunch at the circuit in the Marina Suites will let you watch F1 practice sessions 1 and 2 and attend the Friday after-race concert.
