Yas Marina. Fatima Al Marzooqi / The National
Yas Marina. Fatima Al Marzooqi / The National

Our guide to eating, dancing and celebrity spotting at Abu Dhabi F1 2013



WATCH

Akon and Nelly

The two hip-hop superstars perform separate nights at Cirque Le Soir's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix party at Rush in the Yas Viceroy Hotel. Nelly kicks it off tomorrow, while Akon performs on Saturday. Brunch is also served. Tickets start at Dh1,000, doors opening at 2pm. For details, email reservations@cirquelesoirdubai.com or call 056 115 4507.

DANCE

Hollaphonic and Sander Kleinberg

The Dubai dance duo and the Dutch DJ headline another big night of music and revelry at The Podium Lounge at Yas Viceroy's Marina Rooftop Pool on Saturday. With only 500 tickets available, an air of exclusivity surrounds the affair. Tickets from Dh500 at www.podiumlounge.com/ae. Doors open at 9pm.

STARGAZE

Fernando Alonso and friends

The public event with the most stars. Renowned for its extravagant F1 bashes, Code 20 will take over the Yas Viceroy's Rush on Sunday with a lavish party featuring Ferrari's Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso, in addition to Sebastian Vettel and David Coulthard. On the decks is DJ Erok. Brunch is also served. Tickets from Dh1,500, doors opening at 2pm. For details, email reservations@cirquelesoirdubai.com or call 056 115 4507.

EAT

Cavalli Caffe

The fine-dining restaurant's pop-up cafe takes over the Yas Viceroy's Nautilus restaurant from tomorrow to Sunday. The à la carte menu has been designed by the Italian celebrity chef Ernesto Tonetto. For details, email reservations@cavalliclubdubai.com or call 04 332 9260.

GROOVE

Ludacris and Labrinth at O1NE

The new superclub at Yas Island will open its doors during the F1 weekend with the rapper Ludacris and R&B starlet Ciara performing tonight. Labrinth and Sean Kingston take the stage tomorrow, while the Swedish House Mafia collaborator John Martin is on Saturday and the house DJ Solomun is at the decks on Sunday. Tickets begin from Dh300. For details, call 052 788 8111 or email o1neyasisland@sky-management.net.

PARTY

Far East Movement at Amber Lounge

The prestigious F1 parties have now moved to Yas Marina. As well as a slew of DJs, the Los Angeles hip-hop group Far East Movement will headline race day. Friday to Sunday, from 11pm at Yas Marina Race Track Building 1. For details, visit www.amber-lounge.com

RIDE

Shuttle buses

Want to get around Yas Island without the hassles of parking? The Yas Island Express and Yas Express Saadiyat buses will be available with hop on and off options at major destinations including Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, all the Yas Island hotels and St Regis Saadiyat Island and Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi. For more information, visit www.yasisland.ae.

STROLL

The expanded Yas Marina

The newly refurbished Yas Marina will unveil its latest developments as part of the grand prix. The expanded space is set to become a dining hub with the culinary hot spot Cipriani, the sunset lounge Iris and the Thai seafood eatery Aquarium all ready to deliver tasty treats during the weekend. For details, visit www.yasisland.ae.

SPLURGE

F1 from a yacht

Fancy watching the big race from a scenic distance? Life of Riley is offering a posh race experience where guests can watch the action from a luxurious yacht with plenty of gourmet food on offer. Tickets begin from Dh14,950 for couples. For details email info@livethelifeofriley.com or call 04 420 1822.

MATCH INFO

Mumbai Indians 186-6 (20 ovs)
Kings XI Punjab 183-5 (20 ovs)

Mumbai Indians won by three runs

Dust and sand storms compared

Sand storm

  • Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
  • Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
  • Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
  • Travel distance: Limited 
  • Source: Open desert areas with strong winds

Dust storm

  • Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
  • Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
  • Duration: Can linger for days
  • Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
  • Source: Can be carried from distant regions
How has net migration to UK changed?

The figure was broadly flat immediately before the Covid-19 pandemic, standing at 216,000 in the year to June 2018 and 224,000 in the year to June 2019.

It then dropped to an estimated 111,000 in the year to June 2020 when restrictions introduced during the pandemic limited travel and movement.

The total rose to 254,000 in the year to June 2021, followed by steep jumps to 634,000 in the year to June 2022 and 906,000 in the year to June 2023.

The latest available figure of 728,000 for the 12 months to June 2024 suggests levels are starting to decrease.

The biog

Born: Kuwait in 1986
Family: She is the youngest of seven siblings
Time in the UAE: 10 years
Hobbies: audiobooks and fitness: she works out every day, enjoying kickboxing and basketball

MATCH INFO

What: Brazil v South Korea
When: Tonight, 5.30pm
Where: Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ae