DUBAI // Formula One fans who bought tickets to the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix should receive them within the next week.

The extended race weekend at Yas Marina Circuit runs from October 31 to November 3.

“It is around this time every year we begin delivery of our 2013 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix tickets,” said Richard Cregan, chief executive of Yas Marina Circuit.

"This year, for our fifth anniversary, as well as going back to four nights of after-race concerts, we looked to do something creative with our ticket packaging."

As well as the qualifying and race day experience, fans will also be treated to evening concerts during the four-day event.

The entertainment will kick off on October 31 with evening concerts from the UAE’s Hussain Al Jassmi, Lebanon’s Elissa and Egyptian star Amr Diab.

Headlining on November 1 is American rap superstar Jay Z, rockers Muse perform on November 2, and British legends Depeche Mode close the weekend on November 3.

“This year’s ticket provides a fun souvenir as well as a reminder for our increasingly international audience,” Mr Cregan said. “We are expecting 42 per cent of visitors to be from outside the UAE this year.”

The ticket packages feature a pop-up design that highlights what is on offer across Yas Island during the F1 weekend, featuring the Yas Viceroy, Yas Marina, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and the new Yas Waterworld.

There are a range of new ticket categories this year, including Abu Dhabi Hill, the Trackside Terrace, Marina Boxes (on days two and three), Yas Marina Tower, Yas Marina Bay Suite and the first grand prix brunch.

The changes will increase available seats by 5,000, making the circuit’s total capacity 55,000.

A limited number of tickets are still available for the event. For more details visit www.yasmarinacircuit.ae

nhanif@thenational.ae