It’s been a star-studded week across the UAE. With the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the start of the Fifa World Cup in Qatar, celebrity golf tournaments and prime holiday season in full swing, stars have been flocking to the Emirates in their masses.
Of course, all the Formula One drivers were in town for the last race of the season, and they found a rare moment to enjoy some time away from the track to celebrate Sebastian Vettel's retirement. All 20 drivers joined each other for a meal together at Hakkasan Abu Dhabi in Emirates Palace, with several including Lewis Hamilton paying tribute to their peer on social media afterwards.
Scroll through the gallery above to see pictures from the meal
Here’s who else we have spotted this week:
Will.i.am
Black Eyed Peas front man Will.i.am was among the A-list stars to attend the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Ahead of Sunday’s race, he spent time touring the garages and taking part in a pit lane walk, posing for photographs.
Usher
As well as performing for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after-race concerts and in Saudi Arabia’s AlUla over the weekend, Usher still made sure he had some downtime to enjoy the Formula One in the capital. As well enjoying a pit walk ahead of Sunday’s race, the star also performed an impromptu concert in the lobby of his hotel, the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, in the early hours of the morning, much to the delight of several onlookers.
Usain Bolt
The world’s fastest drivers were watched by the world’s fastest man, as Usain Bolt flew into the capital for the F1 action. The star took part in a race-day pit lane walk, and happily smiled for the cameras making his signature pose.
Winnie Harlow
Supermodel Winnie Harlow was also in the UAE capital for the last Formula One stop of the 2022 season. She posed from the exclusive Paddock Club overlooking the track, and also joined Usher for his impromptu hotel lobby singalong in the early hours.
Molly-Mae and Tommy Fury
After his fight at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena earlier this month, boxer Tommy Fury and his influencer girlfriend Molly-Mae Hague enjoyed a “baby moon” in the emirate. Staying at the One & Only Royal Mirage, the couple enjoyed a relaxing trip, and paid visits to Global Village and Blended Wellness.
Patrice Evra
Former Manchester United footballer Patrice Evra also took part in a pit lane walk ahead of the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday. Speaking to The National last week, he explained that he was on the circuit to take a victory lap of his own.
“I just signed an agreement to create my own content company in Abu Dhabi,” he said. “I feel very excited because this feels like a new chapter for me and to do it here in the UAE, which has been my home for two years, is what makes it special.”
Steve Harvey and Akon
UAE regulars Steve Harvey and Akon were back in town for the race, and took part in a round of celebrity golf on Friday at Yas Links, as part of the Steve Harvey Golf Classic. Named after the comedian and television host and organised by Melt Middle East other stars to play included Emmy Award-nominated actor Anthony Anderson, comedian D L Hughley, model Chanel Ayan, fashion designer Lesa Milan and boxer Badou Jack.
Ranveer Singh
Indian actor Ranveer Singh also enjoyed a weekend at the F1, and spent time greeting fellow stars and posing for photographs. Dressed in his signature colourful style, the actor waved to fans and documented his day on social media.
Shaquille O’Neal
Fresh from the NBA’s Middle East debut in the capital last month, basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal was back in town for the F1. Spotted in the exclusive Paddock Club, the star took in all the race day action, joined by members of his family.
Paris Hilton
Hotel heiress and reality television star Paris Hilton was also spotted at the F1, wearing a fitting chequered head band for the occasion. Ahead of race day, she had her hair done by Abu Dhabi hairstylist Mike Hamdan, and also posed for pictures with Ranveer Singh on the day, who captioned the shot with her signature catchphrase “that’s hot”.
President Sheikh Mohamed attends the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix — in pictures
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President Sheikh Mohamed at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit. Photo: Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court -
From right, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office, Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed, chairman of the board of trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, Sheikha Rawdha bin Nahyan and Sheikh Mohamed bin Nahyan on the pit lane walk. Photo: Abdulla Al Neyadi / UAE Presidential Court -
Dignitaries and Formula One officials stand for the national anthem before the race: Photo: Abdulla Al Neyadi / UAE Presidential Court -
Al Forsan Aerobatic team perform a fly-past. Photo: Abdulla Al Neyadi / UAE Presidential Court -
President Sheikh Mohamed in Shams Tower. Photo: Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court -
Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Tahnoon bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohamed bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan and Sheikha Fatima bint Mohamed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan at the circuit. Photo: Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court -
Sheikh Suroor bin Mohamed and Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohamed, Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region, attend the race. Photo: Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court -
Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed, chairman of the Board of Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs, left, and Sheikh Mubarak bin Nahyan in Shams Tower. Photo: Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court -
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, right, with Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Prime Minister, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance. Photo: Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court -
Etihad crew members hold the UAE flag before the race. Photo: Abdulla Al Neyadi / UAE Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mohamed bin Sultan and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed in Shams Tower at Yas Marina Circuit. Photo: Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court -
Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Abu Dhabi Executive Council member, left, and Sheikh Zayed bin Theyab bin Mohamed, at Shams Tower. Photo: Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court -
Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nahyan, chairman of the board of the Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs, and Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, executive director of the Martyrs' Families' Affairs Office, at Shams Tower. Photo: Rashed Al Mansoori / UAE Presidential Court -
President Sheikh Mohamed greets Alberto Galassi, managing director of the Ferretti Group in Shams Tower at Yas Marina Circuit. With Sheikh Mohamed is Sheikha Hassa bint Mohamed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan. Photo: Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court -
Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Mansour bin Mohamed Al Maktoum, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. Photo: Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court -
President Sheikh Mohamed and his grandson, Sheikh Zayed bin Theyab, watch the race of from Shams Tower. Photo: Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court -
Sheikha Salama bint Mohamed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed and Sheikha Hassa bint Mohamed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan in Shams Tower. Photo: Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court -
President Sheikh Mohamed greets Umaro Sissoco Embalo, President of Guinea-Bissau, at Yas Marina Circuit. Photo: Rashed Al Mansoori / UAE Presidential Court -
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed presents the trophy to the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix winner Max Verstappen of Red Bull on the podium. Photo: Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court -
President Sheikh Mohamed and Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, managing director and group chief executive of Adnoc and chairman of Masdar, with guests at the Grand Prix. Photo: Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court -
From right, Sheikh Mohamed bin Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohamed bin Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, chairman of the board of trustees at the Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, and Sheikh Zayed bin Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Photo: Rashed Al Mansoori / UAE Presidential Court -
President Sheikh Mohamed with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed. Photo: Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court -
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed, and Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed in Shams Tower. Photo: Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court -
President Sheikh Mohamed and his grandson, Sheikh Zayed bin Theyab. Photo: Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court -
A fireworks display marks the end of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Photo: Abdulla Al Neyadi / UAE Presidential Court -
Dr Al Jaber, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Mohammed ben Sulayem, president of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile and Mohammed Al Hammadi, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, on the winners' podium at the end of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with winner Max Verstappen, runner up Charles Leclerc and third placed Sergio Perez. Photo: Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court -
The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Photo: Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court
