• Yas Island in May 2007 was but four roads. All photos: Yas Marina Circuit
    Yas Island in May 2007 was but four roads. All photos: Yas Marina Circuit
  • In May 2007, Yas Island is barren but for a bridge leading to it.
    In May 2007, Yas Island is barren but for a bridge leading to it.
  • Construction begins on Yas Marina Circuit in 2007.
    Construction begins on Yas Marina Circuit in 2007.
  • An outline of the track begins to appear in August 2007.
    An outline of the track begins to appear in August 2007.
  • In August 2007, tractors dig up sand to make way for what will become the marina.
    In August 2007, tractors dig up sand to make way for what will become the marina.
  • In February 2008, buildings slowly begin to emerge around what will become the race track.
    In February 2008, buildings slowly begin to emerge around what will become the race track.
  • As the track is laid down in 2009, the marina slowly begins to take shape. Next, the remaining sand will be dug up and the area flooded with sea water.
    As the track is laid down in 2009, the marina slowly begins to take shape. Next, the remaining sand will be dug up and the area flooded with sea water.
  • Canopies begin to be hung up over the start and finish line as the outer shell of Yas Viceroy Hotel is built in 2009. Construction for a complex of hotels to the left of the Viceroy is also under way.
    Canopies begin to be hung up over the start and finish line as the outer shell of Yas Viceroy Hotel is built in 2009. Construction for a complex of hotels to the left of the Viceroy is also under way.
  • Seating stands rise out of the sand in 2009 at what will become turn seven of the Yas Marina Circuit.
    Seating stands rise out of the sand in 2009 at what will become turn seven of the Yas Marina Circuit.
  • Formula One drivers race around turn seven at Yas Marina Circuit.
    Formula One drivers race around turn seven at Yas Marina Circuit.
  • The start and finish line: now ready to welcome tens of thousands of Formula One fans.
    The start and finish line: now ready to welcome tens of thousands of Formula One fans.
  • Yas Viceroy Hotel, which began operating as a W Hotel in 2018, is hugged by the marina - where luxury yachts park for the race weekend.
    Yas Viceroy Hotel, which began operating as a W Hotel in 2018, is hugged by the marina - where luxury yachts park for the race weekend.
  • Yas Marina Circuit in all its glory at dusk, complete with new coastline.
    Yas Marina Circuit in all its glory at dusk, complete with new coastline.
  • The sandy island is transformed with grassy hills where Formula One fans can watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
    The sandy island is transformed with grassy hills where Formula One fans can watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
  • Formula One drivers get ready to begin the race at Yas Marina Circuit.
    Formula One drivers get ready to begin the race at Yas Marina Circuit.

UAE

Timeline: How Yas Island went from sand to spectacular — in pictures

Yas Marina Circuit releases photos of the racetrack construction to mark the tenth Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Anna Zacharias

November 20, 2018

  • English
  • Arabic

In May 2007, Yas Island was little more than a desert island dissected by a few strips of tarmac.

Just 30 months later and the island would be unrecognisable, having transformed into a venue for royalty, rockstars, film stars and 60,000 other fans who had come to Yas Island for one of the world’s most prestigious car races, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The calm waters around Yas Island were developed into marinas where F1 fans met for late night parties on superyachts. Bugattis and Lamborghinis rolled up to the Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, its amorphous silhouette covered in a grid of 5,000 glass panels and shimmering lights that caste colours across the marina and over the racetrack.

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Read more:

Three tonnes of paint and hundreds of plants: Abu Dhabi prepares for F1

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: F1 brunches to get revved up about ahead of the big race

Exclusive: Abu Dhabi F1 after party Amber Lounge will feature DJ Sigala and sparkling crystal theme

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In another year, the island would become home to Ferrari World, an indoor theme park devoted entirely to the Italian sports car company. The island has grown as an entertainment destination for the UAE, with Yas Waterworld opening in 2013 and Warner Brothers World Abu Dhabi opening in July of this year.

To mark the tenth Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit has released photos of the remarkable construction of the racetrack so fans can relive this modern piece of Abu Dhabi history.

Yas IslandFerrariAbu DhabiUAE