Wheels are turning

Hear that ticking? It's the countdown to the UAE's first ever Formula One race, set to roar into action on November 1, on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. checks out how things are shaping up on what's set to become the nation's most influential outer island.

Forget swine flu, the virus that's all the rage in the capital these days is race fever. Perhaps the most highly anticipated event of the year, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix stands to put the UAE capital on the global sports map for good.

It's not just the race that's got everyone tingling with expectation, though; soon non-GCC expatriates will be able to buy homes on Yas Island.

"The Yas Island development will provide diverse types of housing that include affordable and mixed-income housing, with accessible neighbourhood services," says Ian Mackie, senior development manager at Yas Island.

"Depending on the location, each residential precinct will have varying unique characteristics and amenities; from bustling waterfront avenues, to serene mangrove boardwalks to the west, and natural beaches in the north."

The permanent 5.55km-long F1 track will have 21 turns and run directly through the Yas Marina Hotel. In addition to the main event in November, which has been awarded to Abu Dhabi for a renewable seven year term until 2016, the circuit will also host an intensive programme of national and international motorsport events and serve as a major entertainment venue for shows, concerts and corporate shindigs.

What will the track and all its features mean for the residents of Yas Island? "The F1 track and other attractions and leisure districts will establish Yas Island as a year-round, open and accessible amusement destination," says Ian. "The first F1 race will live on in the memories of visitors and will attract new residents who may be drawn to the vibrant, energetic atmosphere."

Not a race fan? There's still plenty on offer at Yas Island, like the world's first Ferrari theme park, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, featuring the world's fastest roller coaster, plus the Warner Bros. theme park and Yas Water Park.

Golf lovers will find championship calibre golfing facilities, and die-hard beach bums will want to take advantage of the numerous hotels and resorts bordering the island's 32km of coastline which is dotted with six distinctive marinas.

Though none of the housing has been sold at this stage, the development promises to deliver a home and a destination all in one.

Even if you don't buy on Yas Island, visitors will be able to appreciate its many amenities. "Yas Island will hold a legendary status as one of the world's greatest amusement and leisure districts that offer visitors active and passive leisure and recreation activities," explains Ian.

"We anticipate year-round tourism and a vibrant festive atmosphere based on a calendar of seasonal events catalysing a variety of indoor and outdoor amusement, entertainment, and complimentary uses. A celebratory atmosphere would permeate the island and act to keep the momentum going post race day. The Yas Island retail mall will also service a very large catchment area."

Even better, Yas Island comes complete with its own public transport scheme. "The regional Metro line planned by the city of Abu Dhabi will connect Abu Dhabi residents and airport arrivals to Yas Island with a direct stop at the Yas Mall," says Ian.

"The train then loops back to the city through Saadiyat Island and Mina Zayed which makes it very convenient. Along with the local LRT and bus network, mass transit will make Yas Island very well connected, accessible and inviting. Yas Island is also ideally located midway between Abu Dhabi City and Jebel Ali, Dubai; and only 10 minutes away from Abu Dhabi airport."

Of course, the biggest question is whether all the construction will be finished in time to beat the clock. The answer? Ian says, absolutely.

"The first phase of this project will be delivered for the 2009 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on November 1, 2009. This will include seven hotels, the racetrack, The Links golf course and the Yas Marina, and all of the required infrastructure will be in place."

Though planned communities are the wave of the future in the capital, Yas Island is setting the standard. "The Yas Island development is unique in that it combines very high sustainability and liveability objectives for its communities while incorporating vibrant year-round, amusement, leisure and entertainment districts," says Ian. "Yas Island has a constraint of keeping low- to medium-scale in building heights, and maintaining low commercial use with a large amount of open space."

In other words, he says Yas Island will be the sort of community that blends every aspect of life in a way that's both enjoyable and good for the environment.

"We are endeavouring to deliver on the concept of 'complete communities' that provide 'live-learn-work-play' opportunities within diverse, mixed use, pedestrian friendly neighbourhoods wherever possible. We hope that other developments will similarly make it a priority to deliver pedestrian friendly, sustainable, and diverse communities."

Whether you're planning to buy here or not, one thing is certain - if you haven't gotten your tickets to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November, get them now. While there are still a few tickets available, they're going as fast as the leaders will be roaring down the straights.

F1 online
For more information about the Yas Island development, go to www.yasisland.ae.

For tickets to the 2009 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on 1st November 2009, check out www.yasmarinacircuit.com.