The eagerly-awaited Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is racing closer, but there’s more to the fast and furious F1 weekend (October 31-November 2) than its ear-splittingly loud cars and spectator adrenaline. tabloid! has rounded up some of the most promising after-parties, pop-up clubs and F1-themed events for your pre-planning pleasure.
Pit-stop challenge by BURN
Where: JBR, in front of Paul’s cafe
When: October 24-26
Energy drink BURN — sponsor of the LOTUS F1 team — has three full days of pit stop challenges, where guests can fuel up for the coming weekend, and even witness an F1 car tyre change.
Tamara and Bernie Ecclestone meet fans
Where: Areej, Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi
When: October 31, 6.30pm
The British-Croatian socialite and her dad, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone will launch her hair-care range, Show, in the capital. They will be meeting fans, and there will be entertainment, free hair consultations and VIP gift sets.
Live painting by Armin Flossdorf
Where: Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi
When: October 31-November 3.
The German artist, who specialises in painting Formula 1 cars and action, will be painting live at the hotel from 6.30-10.30pm, while his recent works will be exhibited for sale at the newly renovated Le Meridien Hub.
The Podium Lounge
Where: Yas Viceroy Hotel
When: November 1-3
What: Over three nights, The Podium Lounge’s beats will be provided by a slew of international and regional DJs from the Netherlands, the UK and the UAE. The lounge touts a clientele of “drivers, celebrities, musicians, royalty, models, ambassadors and the ultra jet-set crowd”, making it a worthy contender among after-parties.
Pre-sale prices set between Dh500–2,500 per person. Reservations: robbie@podiumlounge.com / +65 9459 5211.
The Fashion Circuit
Where: Yas Viceroy Hotel
When: November 1-3
What: For the style and glamour fans who want a change of pace from the gritty races, you can enjoy elegance with a weekend of couture showcases from British luxury brand Zaeem Jamal. Bonus: a pop-up shop with pieces from London and LA-based boutiques.
Appointments on robbie@podiumlounge.com / +65 9459 5211.
Studio F’s F1 Weekend
Where: Yas Marina, Yas Island
When: November 1-3
What: If you’re keen to bump into models while enjoying celeb DJ sets, Studio F’s three-night yacht party might be the place to go. The yacht is nearly 200ft, and offers a unique experience on the water right in time for the pleasantly breezy Abu Dhabi winter.
Email reservations@studiof.ae.
VIP Room Comes to Yas Island
Where: The Ballroom, Radisson Blu, Yas Island
When: November 1-2
What: For the first time, Dubai’s VIP Room will put together a pop-up club at the F1, with “special guest performances” all weekend.
Call 052-8818888.
Cavalli Caffe at the F1 Races
Where: Nautilus Restaurant, Yas Island Viceroy Hotel
When: November 1-3
What: Preceding its launch in Dubai, Cavalli Caffe touches down in Abu Dhabi to give a taste of what’s to come. Guests can expect to be treated to chef Ernesto Tonetto’s selection of Italian and international cuisine, served a la carte. Call 04-3329260.
Cirque Le Soir
The Dubai club has two nights of fun at the F1 from its base at Rush, Yas Viceroy Hotel.
If you have a dilemma over where to be on November 1, look no further. Things are bound to heat up as Grammy-winning and critically-acclaimed rapper Nelly entertains the crowd at Cirque Le Soir’s kick-off event. Before the partying starts, guests have the opportunity to grab brunch between 2pm-7pm. Dh1,000 for all-day package. Call 056-1154507.
On November 2, be lonely no more. After the races, Senegalese sensation Akon takes the stage; start the day off with 2pm-7pm brunch, and then keep the party going until 2am. Pricing and contact as above.
CODE20 Afterparty
Where: Rush, Yas Viceroy Hotel
When: November 3
What: From the organisers of Grand Prix bashes around the globe, in conjunction with Dubai’s Cirque Le Soir, who will provide their performers, CODE20 has put together what it calls an “exclusive, extravagant event” where guests can expect possible celebrity and driver sightings, as well as VIP treatment.
Dh1,500 for all-day package; call 056-1154507.
Amber Lounge
Where: Yas Marina, Yas Island
When: November 1-3
What: Self-proclaimed “ultimate VIP Grand Prix experience”, the Amber Lounge boasts ten years of star-studded parties around the globe. This year, it promises guests a luxurious atmosphere, dining, private live performances and international DJ sets including one by Far East Movement.
Dh3,030 per day pass for Friday and Saturday; Dh3,673 day pass for Sunday; tables from Dh22,040. Call 055-2914013.
Mo*Vida
Where: The Ballroom, Radisson Blu, Yas Island
When: November 3
What: The Dubai club’s pop-up event on Sunday features a performance by Grammy-award winning rapper Wyclef.
Call 050-29111281.
O1NE Race Weekend
Where: O1NE, Yas Island
When: October 31-November 3
What: Four nights of celebrity performances as the new Yas Island club has its grand opening weekend. On Thursday, Ludacris and Rn’B singer Ciara will entertain, with UK star Labrinth and baby-faced sensation Sean Kingston set to burn up the dance floor the next night. Swedish House Mafia collaborator John Martin is on Saturday. On Sunday, German DJ Solumun will spin house hits to close out the weekend.
Packages and passes Dh300-Dh30,000. Call 052-7888111.
