The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend is finally here and we’ve been thinking about what you might want to do away from the circuit. Here’s what we suggest you check out on Friday.
Check out what's going on around the city here.
Breakfast
Nolu's
Nolu’s is located in Al Bandar at the Al Raha Beach complex, with another branch in Galleria Mall on Maryah Island. With superb views out over the water and Yas Marina it really will wake you up in the morning. It has a slight industrial theme to it, and the staff here is second to none.
The menu is a fusion of Afghan and European food. There are all sorts, from the standard-issue eggs Benedict to the delicious chicken and apple sausages. Top service is matched by a top selection of gluttonous cheesecakes too. What to try Get involved with the Shakshouka: eggs in a spicy tomato puree. Location Al Bandar Cost for two Dh100 Timings 8am to 11pm daily Phone 02 557 9500 Website Nolu's
Dinner
Fifth Street Cafe
Fifth Street Café opened over a year ago on the ground floor of the new Courtyard Marriott in Abu Dhabi. Although it’s located right in the heart of the city, the café itself is light and airy with colourful décor. It is no hotel lobby café, but a chilled out rest spot. It’s fully licenced, too, so you can enjoy a drink.
The menu is simple and includes such favourites as eggs Benedict, crepes and pancakes. The Courtyard Burger is nicely sized and good value. Service here is excellent, and it’s also connected to WTC mall so you can burn it all off with a walk afterwards. What to try Try the Courtyard Burger. Location Courtyard by Marriott, World Trade Centre Cost for two Dh120 (excl 16% taxes) Timings 10am to 10pm daily Phone 02 698 2222
Night time
Party with Akon at Cipriani
Two world famous luxury brands are coming together this race weekend to host the capital’s hottest Formula 1 after-party. Cipriani Yas Island, in partnership with VIP Room, will send your pulses racing over three celebrity-packed nights. On the Friday, the true party night, crack on with Akon..
What’s more, entry is guaranteed to everyone who books a table in advance. Just don’t oversleep and miss Saturday’s action. Phone+971 52 881 8888 Website Cipriani
Explore
Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque
You can’t come to Abu Dhabi without visiting its main tourist attraction. Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque was built 10 years ago and is the largest mosque in the UAE. There are a total of 82 domes, with the largest central dome standing 85 metres high and 32 metres wide. The minarets stand over 100 metres tall. Visiting men should avoid wearing vests and shorts, and visiting women are asked to collect a free abaya before entry.
Timings 9am to 10pm Saturday to Thursday; 4.30pm to 10pm Fridays – show respect at prayer times Entry Free Website Shaikh Zayed Mosque
F1 Schedule
| Time | Ends | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9.30am | Yas Marina Circuit gates open | West and East gates | |
| 9.30am | Yas Kartzone opens | Behind North Grandstand | |
| 10am | 10.45am | GP3 practice session | Yas Marina Circuit |
| 11.10am | 11.30am | Infiniti Red Bull Racing autograph session | F1 Village |
| 11.15am | 12pm | GP2 practice session | Yas Marina Circuit |
| 11.30am | 11.50am | Manor Marussia F1 Team autograph session | F1 Village |
| 1pm | 2.30pm | Formula 1 Friday practice 1 | Yas Marina Circuit |
| 3.10pm | 3.40pm | GP3 qualifying sessions | Yas Marina Circuit |
| 4.05pm | 4.45pm | Formula One Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk | Pit lane |
| 5pm | 6.30pm | Formula 1 Friday practice 2 | Yas Marina Circuit |
| 7pm | Du Arena opens for Enrique concert | Du Arena | |
| 7.10pm | 7.40pm | GP2 qualifying sessions | Yas Marina Circuit |
| 8pm | Yas Marina Circuit gates close | West and East gates | |
| 8pm | Yas Kartzone closes | Behind North Grandstand |
