As excitement continues to grow over the climax to the Formula One championship, Yas Marina Circuit officials have confirmed it is not too late to get tickets for next weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the final round of the season.
The title battle is delicately poised going into this weekend's penultimate race in Brazil, with Ferrari's Fernando Alonso leading the championships on 231 points, 11 ahead of Mark Webber, the Red Bull-Renault driver.
Webber's teammate Sebastian Vettel and both the McLaren-Mercedes drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, can also still be crowned world champion, and it looks increasingly likely that the winner will be decided in Abu Dhabi.
With final preparations being completed ahead of the F1 circus arriving in town next Tuesday, Peter Rae, the director of communications at Yas Marina Circuit, explained what options are still available to people hoping to see the cars and drivers in action.
He said: "There are still tickets on sale but they are selling very quickly now.
"There are literally a handful of normal grandstand seats left at Dh1,800 for two days and Dh2,000 for three days. We also have a few hundred seats left in the Al Jood hospitality area of the North Grandstand. These cost Dh4,250 for the weekend and offer an air-conditioned suite, balcony seats, large-screen TV, plus a food and non-alcoholic beverage service.
"The advice to any fans who still do not have tickets is to buy now."
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix begins on November 12 with two 90-minute practice sessions, with qualifying on November 13 and the race on November 14. On November 11, there is a pit lane walk for people with three-day tickets.
Tickets can be bought by visiting www.yasmarinacircuit.ae
gcaygill@thenational.ae
ADCC AFC Women’s Champions League Group A fixtures
October 3: v Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC
October 6: v Hyundai Steel Red Angels Women’s FC
October 9: v Sabah FA
The Year Earth Changed
Directed by:Tom Beard
Narrated by: Sir David Attenborough
Stars: 4
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
The bio
Studied up to grade 12 in Vatanappally, a village in India’s southern Thrissur district
Was a middle distance state athletics champion in school
Enjoys driving to Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah with family
His dream is to continue working as a social worker and help people
Has seven diaries in which he has jotted down notes about his work and money he earned
Keeps the diaries in his car to remember his journey in the Emirates