UK soul singer Sam Smith to perform at Abu Dhabi F1 concert

The singer-songwriter makes his regional debut as part of the after-race concerts at Yas Island’s du Arena in Abu Dhabi this November

Sam Smith will perform at the Abu Dhabi F1 after-race concert series, on November 24, 2018. AP

Sam Smith will perform at the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix. The British singer will make his regional debut, with the gig set for Saturday, November 24 at du Arena.

Promoters Flash Entertainment made the announcement today after dropping hints of Smith’s arrival over the past few days on their social media; the last one posted on their Twitter account sharing this fact:

The 26-year-old is presently in the midst of a successful world tour promoting his second album The Thrill of it All, which has already had the hits Too Good at Goodbyes and One Last Song.

Released last year, the album finds Smith stretching his brand of brooding and introspective pop through more upbeat collaborations via uber-pop production team Stargate and Timbaland.

The album comes on the back of his big-selling 2014 debut In the Lonely Hour. Despite mixed reviews, it picked up steam steadily with chart-topping singles Stay with Me and Money on My Mind and won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album. Stay with Me also won Record of the Year and Song of the Year in the 2015 Grammy Awards.

Reviews of Smith's latest run of shows suggest he will bring a performance to the Abu Dhabi F1 that may lack in spectacle but will be packed with soul.

In its review of Smith's sold-out London Arena show in March, The Guardian newspaper stated that his "sound exists in an area bordered by sombre pop-soul, replete with the odd retro pastiche, Coldplay-ish stadium balladry and, occasionally, the super-slick sound of Luther Vandross and Alexander O'Neal's more upbeat 1980s hits."

Australia's Sydney Morning Herald described his January show as a "concert of minor keys and major heartache".

Smith's inclusion marks another year of high-profile Abu Dhabi F1 after-race concerts. A couple of months ago, the news hit that Canadian R'n'B star The Weeknd will take to the stage for the second concert of the series on Friday, November 23, while rockers Guns N'Roses will play the prestigious race-day show on Sunday, November 25. The remaining show on November 22 has yet to be announced, but we will definitely keep you updated.

To attend the four Yasalam After-Race Concert performances it is necessary to purchase a ticket for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Tickets are available online at www.yasmarinacircuit.com, through the Yas Marina Circuit Call Centre (800 927) or [phone], as well as through all Etihad Shops and Virgin Megastores, Yas Central Express stand at Yas Mall, and through the YasHUB smartphone app and its Facebook shop: facebook.com/yasmarinacircuit