As the biggest weekend on the UAE’s social calendar kicks off in Abu Dhabi, here is the inside scoop on some of the most exclusive Grand Prix parties.
On land
Amber Lounge
Over the past six years, Amber Lounge has hosted F1 parties in Abu Dhabi boasting glamorous, A-list guest lists that have included Prince Harry, Kylie and Dannii Minogue, Aerosmith’s Steve Tyler, and actors Hugh Grant and Neve Campbell.
Its website features a page titled “Amber Lounge friends”, which reads like a who’s who of the entertainment world.
At last year’s Grand Prix, Prince Harry and Tyrese Gibson rubbed shoulders at Amber Lounge with drivers Lewis Hamilton, Niki Lauda, Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel.
This year, Amber Lounge has a purpose-built waterfront venue at Yas Links Golf Club on November 28 and 29, to which their star performer, Craig David, will rock up in a Rolls-Royce (the carmaker partnering with the lounge).
• Visit www.amber-lounge.com
Pole Position Suite
The Yas Viceroy hotel’s Pole Position Suite, which costs Dh2,550 for the races on November 28 and 29, boasts sweeping trackside views from the comfort of a hotel lounge suite. Guests also get to meet F1 drivers and attend Q&A sessions with racing personalities. The private air-conditioned suite also has a large, shaded terrace area with outdoor seating.
• Visit www.bookf1.com
VIP Room
This year, the Dubai nightclub is hosting a party on the third floor of Yas Marina Building 1, overlooking Yas Marina Circuit. The famous club brand, which is also part of the exclusive nightlife scenes in Paris and St Tropez, and at the Cannes Film Festival, has an F1 following of celebrities, international jet-setters and fashion industry elite.
Akon will make an appearance on November 27, Ludacris on November 28, and 50 Cent for the closing party on November 29.
• For table bookings and VIP reservations, email bookings@viproom-dubai.com
The Podium Lounge
Having hosted sell-out events at the Yas Viceroy since 2013, the Podium Lounge is this year transforming the du Forum into a glamorous ultra lounge, featuring a dazzling overhead catwalk and VIP balcony suites for up to 3,000 guests per night.
Podium Lounge brands itself as the ultimate A-list party for the racing community in Singapore, Melbourne and Monaco.
Kim Kardashian arrived at last year’s party, on the rooftop of Yas Viceroy, with her entourage of friends and security, before heading to VIP Room for hosting duties.
“Kim’s security detail was so large that they had to take two lifts to accommodate her personal entourage as well,” says chief executive Robbie Hoyes-Cock.
• General admission tickets are Dh400 in advance. VIP tables cost from Dh5,000 to Dh45,000. Visit www.podiumlounge.com/ae
Cirque Le Soir and 1OAK
The two international clubbing brands will host exclusive parties at Rush nightclub in Yas Viceroy hotel. At other times of the year, the company organises lavish parties in Dubai, Marbella and Las Vegas. Guests can stay in the club to take in the racing action during the day, then the party swings into action once the sun sets over the track. This year, the club is hosting rappers Trey Songz on November 27, Big Sean on November 28 and Future on November 29 (Rich List organisers say United States comedian Kevin Hart might make an appearance, too).
• For bookings and reservations visit www.cirquelesoir.com/dubai
On the water
Amber Lounge VIP celebrity yacht
This is one superyacht that makes a regular appearance at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
“F1 drivers will come on board to meet the guests and answer their questions,” says Amber Lounge’s PR and media manager Julia Burg. She’s staying tight-lipped about which celebrities will be on board this year, but in previous years, former F1 drivers Romain Grosjean, Sergio Pérez, Mika Häkkinen and David Coulthard have graced the three decks of the 27-metre-long vessel, which was made in the UAE by local company Gulf Craft.
“Our sponsor, SNS Marine, is providing an extra tender Chris Craft [a small power boat] between the yacht to Yas Links Golf Club, where the Amber Lounge party will happen,” says Burg.
• A two-day yacht package costs Dh18,200 per person, including goody bags with team merchandise. Visit www.amber-lounge.com
Charter a yacht
Dubai-based Eden Yachting provides privately chartered yachts for the F1 event. The company’s managing partner, Jane Daly, says the F1 is definitely its highlight of the year.
“Some of our clients book for the following year immediately after the F1 finishes, especially if they like a particular yacht or want the pick of the best superyachts,” she says.
Four of the company’s yachts have been booked for the F1, including their biggest – a 50-foot yacht that has been chartered by Etihad for its party.
“We only have one vessel that’s possibly still available at this stage – a 30-metre tri-deck yacht,” says Daly.
As an F1 partygoer herself, she describes the atmosphere as “electric”.
“Everyone is in a party mood,” she says. “The twilight race timing is actually perfect, as by the time the cars get off the grid, the yacht parties are in full swing. There is nothing quite like the F1 in the UAE calendar as it attracts an international crowd – great parties and beautiful people in a unique setting.”
• Visit www.edenyachting.ae
Supersize your experience
If you want a yacht with all the trimmings, Walidia Yachts, based in Emirates Palace Marina, offers mega yachts, berthing and five-star catering from Dubai’s Ritz-Carlton hotel. Prices, including hospitality services, start at an eye-watering Dh250,000 for a yacht moored where you can’t even see the race – but who needs that noisy motor racing when you’ve got a giant screen and your own party on deck?
“The most expensive weekend all-in package is Dh1.8 million,” says Walidia Yacht’s spokesman, Khalid Abu Saad. “This is for a 60-metre luxury superyacht in a premium location, which accommodates 80 guests. It has seven bedrooms, a Jacuzzi, DJs, security and a reception. We have one still available.”
Extra services the company provides include pickup and drop-off in a Rolls-Royce Phantom limousine, on-board laser lights and watersports.
Saad says Walidia Yachts have regular clients who attend the F1 every year. “They are foreign corporate clients whose offices are based in Dubai and elsewhere, who are big F1 fans,” he says. “They invite their guests and come for the whole weekend.”
• Visit www.walidiayachts.com
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