More than 60,000 people are expected to descend on Abu Dhabi to witness the racing action at this weekend’s Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Not a fan of fast cars? Well don’t be too hasty to dismiss the event as even if the roar of engines isn’t your thing, the entertainment just might be. World class performers, Grammy and MOBO Award-winners, platinum-selling artists and chart toppers will flood the capital from today until Sunday.
tabloid! breaks it down, providing the definitive guide for five days of world-class music to complement a world-class sporting event.
November 10
Beats on the Beach
In this order, catch Clarita de Quiroz, a classically trained pianist, Melissa from Lebanon, Destiny’s Child singer Kelly Rowland, UK artist Chipmunk and Tunisia’s Ahmad Al Sherif;
Where: Abu Dhabi Corniche, 7-11.30pm
Free entry
The Art of Racing
Ghaf Gallery, Villa 248-1, Al Khaleej
Where: Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi; 9am-1pm and 5-9pm; until November 14
Free entry
GO BECAUSE: You can stare in wonder at works of internationally-acclaimed painters, photographers and sculptors including Olivia Davis, Art Rotando, Ian Cook, Colin Carter and David Hyde. A section of the exhibition will be dedicated to Formula One.
November 11
Skybar
Ferry Corsten/Sean Paul/Fatman Scoop/Adam Clay;
Where: Flash Forum, Yas Island, 11pm-4am
Dh500 (table prices also available). Can be purchased at www.thinkflash.ae
Beats on the Beach
In this order catch Sho? from the UAE, Kamal Mussalam of Kuwait, the famous Lebanese singer Rola Sa’ad, The Beat from the UK, Melhem Zein of Lebanon and Grammy Award-winning Sean Paul.
Where: Abu Dhabi Corniche, 7-11.30pm
Free entry
Etoile
It’s the Red Bull F1 Race Night Bash and it’s always an eventful night. Simulators, drivers and huge, huge, prize giveaways are on the cards.
Where: Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, 10pm until late.
Free entry
November 12
Kanye West
Where: From 8pm, Yas Arena
Grand Prix ticket holders only.
For more information, visit www.yasmarinacircuit.ae.
GO BECAUSE: Ego aside, he’s uber-talented.
An Intimate Evening With... Gabrielle
Where: Longitude Bar at the Yas Hotel on Yas Island, 11pm-4am
Dh800 at www.thinkflash.ae
Chequered Flag Ball
Where: InterContinental Hotel, Abu Dhabi, 7.15pm
For more information about the event, go to www.chequeredflagball.com
GO BECAUSE: UK singer songwriter Beverley Knight will entertain for all the sports stars including Eddie Jordan, David Coulthard, Martin Brundle, Austin Healey and other celebrities.
Skybar: Basement Jaxx/Kelis/Tinie Tempah/Rudy
Where: Flash Forum, Yas Island, 11pm-4am
Dh500 (table prices also available), at www.thinkflash.ae
GO BECAUSE: We have it on very good authority the legendary Prince will headline this party, making it well worth the money.
Beats on the Beach
Catch Beat Antenna — from the UK originally but voted best rock band in Dubai last year, singer Sophie Ellis Bextor, American Fabolous and Haifa Wehbe, Lebanon’s queen of pop.
Where: Abu Dhabi Corniche, 7-11.30pm
Free entry
Mastering Motorsport
Community outreach programme bringing together Formula One experts from around the world to inspire, educate and inform students across the UAE. From medicine and fitness to business and sponsorship, the programme will give a unique insight into the world of motorsport.
Where: Yas Marina Circuit, November 12-13
Visit www.yasalam.ae for more information and to book.
Etoile
Jessica and Ashley Simpson will host the party, so it’s definitely one for the girls. Look out for a surprise performance by a double Grammy Award-nominated artist who’s already in town.
Where: Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, 10pm until late
Free entry
November 13
An Intimate Evening With...Sugababes
Where: Longitude Bar at the Yas Hotel on Yas Island, 11pm-4am
Dh800 at www.thinkflash.ae
GO BECAUSE: With an exclusive capacity, you’ll be metres from the girls, offering an unforgettable, intimate experience with the UK chart-toppers.
Skybar: Flo Rida/Chris Willis/Sander Kleinenberg
Where: Flash Forum, Yas Island; 11pm-4am
Dh500 (table prices also available) at www.thinkflash.ae
Beats on the Beach
Catch local boys Absolace, Cyrine Abdel Noor of Lebanon, all American Easy Star All Stars and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Kelis, followed by Lebanese Fares Karam.
Where: Abu Dhabi Corniche, 7-11.30pm
Free entry
The official F1 FanZone
An exciting Formula One-themed entertainment, which allows everyone to celebrate this year’s Grand Prix. Kids’ zone, modern and classic car displays, giant F1 helmet painting, game simulators, a kids’ driving school and remote control car racing. You can learn all about F1 cars, watch classic motorsport documentaries, enjoy live music throughout the day and night and meet the drivers at special autograph sessions.
Where: Abu Dhabi Corniche, 5pm-12am on weekdays and 2pm-1am on Friday and Saturday
Free entry
Allure Night Club
An exclusive DJ set by Colombian-American Erick Morillo, best known for the hit I Like To Move It, which he produced under the pseudonym Reel 2 Reel. Morillo officially launches Allure by Cipriani, the world-renowned New York venue.
Where: Yas Yacht Club, Yas Island, from 11.30pm.
The Ball
Where: The Palm Terrace, Yas Hotel, Yas Island, 8pm-1am
Table prices start from Dh25,000 for 10 people. single tickets are Dh3,500 per person.
Visit www.theball-abudhabi.com for more details.
GO BECAUSE: It’s the red carpet celebrity event of the year featuring Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Sarah McLachlan and British starlet Sophie Ellis Bextor. Leona Lewis, due to headline, was replaced by Sister Sledge. This exclusive gala dinner will welcome guests to a star-studded celebrity reception.
Etoile
World-renowned beat boxer Killa Kela will bring the house down. 2010 is really proving to be his year. Ashley and Jessica Simpson host the night.
Where: Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, 10pm-late
Free entry
November 14
Prince
From 8pm; Grand Prix ticket holders only
For more information, visit www.yasmarinacircuit.ae
GO BECAUSE: It’s Prince. Enough said.
An Intimate Evening With...Corinne Bailey Rae
Where: Longitude Bar at the Yas Hotel on Yas Island, 11pm-4am
Dh800 at www.thinkflash.ae
Skybar: Pibull/Alesha Dixon/Gary Pine/Vato Gonzales;
Where: Flash Forum, Yas Island, 11pm-4am
Dh500 (table prices also available) at thinkflash.ae
Galleria
Enjoy a breathtaking collection of photography as tribute to the striking imagery of last year’s inaugural race, alongside the sights and sounds of Yasalam 2009.
Where: Abu Dhabi Corniche Boardwalk, all day.
Free entry
Etoile
Jackass star Johnny Knoxville takes over the club with Bam Bam and a host of their celebrity friends, including the beautiful Kelly Brook. The American crazy man has also said he’ll be bringing along a number of his current F1 driving mates. It will be the party of the year, according to organisers.
Where: Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, 10pm until late
Free entry
GO BECAUSE: All the stars will arrive and drinks prices will remain the same as every other week at Etoile.
November 12 & 14
The Amber Lounge
Where: Hiltonia Beach Club, Abu Dhabi.
GO BECAUSE: Amber Lounge will see the F1 fraternity, royalty, movie stars and VIPs come together to celebrate the big race at an exclusive party. When the gig is organised by Sonia Irvine, sister of ex-F1 Ferrari driver Eddie Irvine, it’s no surprise the celebrities attend.
Getting to Yas Island
Much of the action will be on the island. If you’re travelling from Abu Dhabi, head to Zayed Sports City. From Dubai, head to Shahama, a town on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi. Free shuttle buses will operate to and from those venues and Yas Island.
Buses will run every 15-20 minutes. On November 11, they will operate from 12-7pm and on November 12 to 14 from 10am to midnight.
Parking on Yas Island is only for permit-holders.
Remember:
- Allow plenty of time for your journey as delays and queues are expected.
- Gates open at 10am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
- There are no petrol stations on or around Yas Island.
- The ticket hotline is 800 927.
- Check www.yasmarinacircuit.ae for updates.
