The capital is buzzing with the 2014 Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Tickets have sold out, the drivers are warming up and fans from around the world have descended on the city for the final race of the season.
But what if you’ve missed out on a ticket? How can you still experience the hype? An F1 Grand Prix is never just one event, no matter where in the world you are. And here in Abu Dhabi, it’s a citywide spectacle. We’ve had five previous years to get into the swing of things and boy do we know how to throw a party.
Here are some tips on how to get into the spirit if you don’t have tickets.
Yas Island
Yas Marina
Admire the yachts, feel the roar of an F1 car and soak up the atmosphere of race weekend. Yas Marina is open to the public throughout the Grand Prix, which is ideal for those without a ticket. Even better is that many of the restaurants do not require a minimum spend or even a reservation, although bookings are recommended where possible.
Bookings are not being taken at Stars ‘N’ Bars, Diablito and Yas Marina Lounge. The Monte Carlo-inspired Stars ‘N’ Bars (02 565 0101) has multiple screens to watch the race, but visitors sitting on the terrace can also catch glimpses of the action on the track across the marina. Two DJs will add to the atmosphere. Diablito Spanish tapas and Tex-Mex restaurant (050 917 5606) is offering a special menu all weekend with music from international DJs, while Yas Marina Lounge has free entry and a jazz band.
Just remember to sort out your transport arrangements before heading there, because parking is not allowed without permits, and taxis and unbranded limousines will not be allowed entry into the marina itself. For more details, visit www.yasmarina.ae.
Yas Mall
The newest feather in the Yas Island cap, Yas Mall is getting in on the action this weekend with appearances, interviews and performances by some of the artists performing at Beats on the Beach and the after-race concerts, every evening between 3pm and 6pm. There’s also a gallery of F1 images and memorabilia. While you’re there, catch up on your shopping – with hundreds of stores to choose from, you’ll surely come out with a bag or two of new possessions.
Yas Viceroy hotel
You can't get any closer to the action than the Yas Viceroy hotel. It's the only hotel in the world built across an F1 circuit, so guests are just metres from the action – and sometimes right above it, if they happen to be in the right place. Even if you're not staying at the hotel this weekend, there are dining packages on offer that put you up close to the action and provide tickets for the post-race concert of the day. The demand for bookings is expected to be high, particularly at venues with views of the track, but it's worth calling the hotel to see what is still available. For more information, visit www.yasviceroy.com or call 02 656 0600.
Corniche
Yasalam
The free Beats on the Beach concerts are always a huge part of the Grand Prix weekend and are a great way for people to get involved in the event, but there’s also a host of other attractions at West Plaza on the Corniche.
Creative types can visit Yasalam's urban-art zone, where shipping containers will be turned into masterpieces by graffiti artists. Visitors can also create a T-shirt and redesign some furniture before it's donated to a charitable cause. At the F1 Fanzone, race fans can test their skills on the race-car simulator or challenge their friends to the best time. There will also be live music and a pit-stop challenge. For information, visit www.yasalam.ae.
Hotels
Hotels along the Corniche are also getting into the spirit – among them the Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, which is hosting an art exhibition by the Ukranian artist Yuri Shevchenko, who takes a creative look at the history of the automobile. The poolside venue Chill’O will also screen the day’s events live from Yas Island. For more information, call 02 813 7777.
Elsewhere
Fashion fix
Get your fashion fix during the F1 Fashion Fever – Empowering Women Through Sports event tonight at 7.30pm at the Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri. The event will showcase “must-have” Grand Prix outfits from House of Fraser. Guests can also get up close to an F1 car and a Ferrari 333 SP sports car in the hotel’s lobby. For information, call 02 509 8888.
Formula food
Many restaurants are offering special set menus in celebration of the Grand Prix. Hakkasan at Emirates Palace has created a special dinner of signature dishes, including steamed dim sum and crispy duck salad starter, with a main course of charcoal-grilled silver cod or wok-fried Wagyu rib-eye beef, and chocolate fondant with banana ice cream for dessert. It’s available for dinner over the weekend for Dh528 per person. Pearls & Caviar at the Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, is offering a three-course seafood menu with live screening of the F1 events for Dh330 per person. On a more casual scale, McGettigan’s at Al Raha Beach Hotel is offering a full Irish breakfast with a bus to Yas Island daily over the weekend for Dh99.
atomlinson@thenational.ae