Formula 1 in Abu Dhabi: what to do this Sunday

It’s race day at last! After an intense qualifying yesterday, the last dash to the final finish line of the year is only hours away. The lights go out for Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at 5pm this evening, under a setting Arabian sun. The race will finish under the floodlights and, despite Lewis Hamilton having already sewn up the championship; will he close 2015 in style?

Here’s how we think you should spend the last day.

Breakfast

Cafe Bateel

Café Bateel is, from an appearance point of view, a more up-market take on the breakfast experience. It’s a strong brand for sure, but despite its aesthetic finery it is still reasonably priced. There are three locations across Abu Dhabi: Galleria Mall on Maryah Island, Nation Towers Mall, and at Yas Mall.

The menu is well-stocked with an excellent blend of mature mene fonts and decent food. Eggs are in plentiful supply and come with nearly every conceivable dish. What to try Eggs Royale all day long. Poached eggs on toasted English muffins and Scottish smoked salmon, sautéed spinach, asparagus, and hollandaise sauce. Location We recommend Nation Towers Cost for two Dh120 Timings 10am to 11pmdaily Phone 02 635 9145 Website Bateel

Dinner

La Boulanger

Don’t let the name fool you; it is not French, but very, very Arabic. Situated in a unique location overlooking the Breakwater, there is no other restaurant in the capital that offers views of the skyline quite like this. There is plenty of seating, most of which is outside and climate controlled depending on the time of year.

While the menu is seemingly endless, and full of simple favourites like burgers and pasta, I suggest you order a selection of hot and cold mezzes so that you and your dining guests can pick at the lot. Try and hommus with meat and pine nuts; a simple dish but instantly pleasing. Ask for their special Arabic bread, too. It’s also one of the best Shisha café’s in the city. Location Ras Al Ahkdar on the way to Marina Mall. Park opposite next to the Emirates Palace Hotel Cost for two Dh80 Phone 055 428 5371 Timings 8am to 2am daily

Night time

F1 Podium Lounge

Having hosted sell-out, celebrity packed events at the Yas Viceroy since 2013, the high octane Podium Lounge event is moving over the road to the Du Forum. The venue has undergone a dramatic transformation into a glamorous ultra lounge featuring a dazzling overhead catwalk and VIP balcony suites offering a magical party experience with the racing community for up to 3,000 guests per night.

Recognised as the ultimate A-List party for the racing community in Singapore, Melbourne and Monaco, and situated within walking distance of the track and in close proximity to The Paddock Club, The Podium Lounge hosts Formula 1 drivers, teams, royalty, celebrities, ambassadors, supermodels and the glamorous personalities of UAE's jet-setting party elite each year.

Come on, surely you fancy paying this a visit! Especially as Lewis Hamilton might be there!

Tickets Dh400 in advance, Dh500 on the door (although on the door tickets cannot be guaranteed). VIP packages are available Timings From 8pm Phone 056 113 4626 Website Podium Lounge

Explore

Yas Beach

There are many beaches around Abu Dhabi’s coastline, and they each have their own charm. However Yas Beach offers something different. You can either laze around on the sand or rent a shaded cabana for the day, which comes with waiter service and complimentary water. There is a licensed restaurant and bar as well as a DJ booth playing chill-out tunes while you sunbathe, swim, or play volleyball.

Timings All day Entry Weekdays Dh50, weekends Dh100; cabanas are Dh300 Age note Groups of under-21s not permitted unsupervised Phone 056 242 0435 Website Yas Beach

F1 Schedule