Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
With the title already decided, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is something of a dead rubber (often the curse of being the last race), but there will still be a big party weekend in the capital.
If you want to see the race in style, booking the Viceroy Lounge at the Yas Marina track is the way to go. It costs AED13,695 per person for the full three days. This gets you a suite with private balcony, inclusive of all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, track side views, Yas Viceroy Hotel day pass, after-race concert access and Thursday pit lane walk.
Viceroy Lounge at the Yas Marina track.
But as well as the race and big gigs in the arena next door, there are lots more to do. Below are the parties worth going to. But first off, you’re in the capital – perhaps for the first time in a while – and there are now lots of great places to eat in Abu Dhabi. It’s worth getting there early to have a big lunch, or evening meal before heading out to one of the events.
Here are seven restaurants in Abu Dhabi that are worth visiting. And they also have a branch of La Petite Maison, if that’s your thing.
Now you stomach is well-lined, here’s the pick of the events:
The Rich List event at Yas Viceroy
There are three concerts taking place over the weekend at the hotel’s Palm Gardens Nightclub. Friday has Busta Rhymes live on stage, Craig David will by DJing on Saturday, and Sunday sees Rick Ross make his Abu Dhabi debut. For tickets go to platinumlist.net
MAD on Yas Island
The huge indoor nightclub hosts British rapper Stefflon on Thursday; Friday sees Iggy Azalea and Don, Ty Dolla $ign will be performing on Saturday, and rapper Wiz Khalifa rounds off the weekend on Sunday. For more see their website.
El Chiringuito
Getting Balearic on Yas Beach with an El Chiringuito pop-up event from 11.30am Friday morning until 4am Saturday, the lineup includes techno DJ Sven Vath, Apollonia and DJ Tini. If you make it through the night then you might want to hang about and have their party-edition of La Famillia brunch. Sunday run from 11.30am to 7pm and will be a more sedate affair. For details see their site.
Amber Lounge
It’s been the global grand prix after-party of choice since launching in 2003 and ffollows the season around the world providing a premium place for post-race revelries. This weekend it’s being hosted at the Yas Links Golf Club. Ella Eyre will headline both the Saturday and Sunday night parties which run from 11pm until 4am. See their website for details.
Amber Lounge, Abu Dhabi.
Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE
The Blue Marlin event is being hosted on the rooftop observation deck at Diablito Yas Island on Sunday from 1pm until 10pm. Their resident DJs Frederick Stone, Sam Starks, Michka and Mario Bazouri will be be in residence. For more info see their Facebook page.
Then for breakfast the following morning…
With more than one of the events going on until 4am, for some of you there’s really no point going to bed – at least not for more than a quick disco nap. You’re well advised to head out for a good breakfast before making your way home. Here are a couple of places you might want to try…
Café D’Alsace
IF you want to stay on Yas Island then Café D’Alsace do a range of big breakfasts including one with a choice of eggs with hash brown potato, grilled tomato, bacon, mushroom and beef sausages. Their pancakes and waffles are also worth noting. cafedalsace.ae
Jones the Grocer
The capital stalwart can sort you out with a great eggs Benedict, or an avocado toast topped with poached eggs and pesto or many other things that you may be craving right now. They also serve nitro coffee, which is probably going to be in order as well. Website for details.
