Race weekend means Abu Dhabi turns into the Middle East’s capital of fun. Here’s the hot list of must-do off-track essentials

Cabin crew and guest

ONE

Check into the world’s only over-track hotel

Stay at the W Abu Dhabi -Yas Island, famed as the world’s only hotel to be intertwined with a race circuit. Expect amazing race track views and a buzzing party atmosphere from around the hotel as well as the glamorous yachts on the Marina. 

TWO

Dress up for the F1™’s coolest after-party
 

Having started as a post-race party after Monaco in 2003, Amber Lounge is now a prestigious, international club night that hosts parties at selected destinations on the F1™ calendar. The best of them is Abu Dhabi, and as it’s the final race of the year, expect to see plenty of drivers and celebs letting their hair down.

THREE

Hang with the cool kids at Saadiyat Beach Club

With a scene-y pool and access to Abu Dhabi’s best stretch of sand, Saadiyat Beach Club is where the pretty people can be found most weekends. Expect a bigger-than-usual party vibe come race weekend. Dress code? Riviera chic.

f1 rollercoaster

FOUR

Ride the world’s fastest rollercoaster

As Formula 1’s in town you need to go on Formula Rossa at Ferrari World – the world’s fastest roller coaster, which gets up to 240kph in under five seconds.

FIVE

Munch on Asian cheap eats at Mr Miyagi’s

Crazy decor, tasty Thai street food, thumping music, anything-goes dancing and karaoke all clash to create one of the most unforgettable eating-out nights you can have in Abu Dhabi, bang near the circuit. A quiet meal this isn’t…

SIX 

Go retail 2.0 at the Galleria
 

The Galleria Al Maryah Island had a massive makeover in 2019, making it a contender for the world’s most impressive mall: there are 250 more shops, a 21-screen IMAX cinema and three parks built inside it.

Cabin crew and guest

SEVEN

Drive the heights of Abu Dhabi’s desert

Go out on a desert safari as the sun sets over golden-hued dunes before settling down for a delicious BBQ feast beneath the starlit sky. Experience the rush of racing through the sand in your very-own dune buggy.

EIGHT 

Rock out at the After-Race Concerts
 

The excitement doesn’t end when the racing stops. At the close of each day, some of the world’s biggest acts take to the stage at the Yasalam After-Race Concerts. Each event is open exclusively to Abu Dhabi F1™ ticket holders, with entry included in your ticket price.

NINE 

Get a culture fix at the Louvre Abu Dhabi
 

The cousin of the world-famous gallery in Paris, Louvre Abu Dhabi is well worth a visit. You can even kayak around the surreal steel dome of the museum, seemingly floating on the water beneath.

f1 rollercoaster

TEN 

Get a serious race upgrade at the Paddock Club

If luxury is your thing, it doesn’t come much plusher than watching the race from the majestic surroundings of the Paddock Club. Set over the team garages, tickets get you pitlane walks, incredible food, premium drinks, tickets to all four concert nights at Yasalam – and a very high chance of spotting some celebs

Explore Abu Dhabi

yas waterworld

Ready for another take of Yas Marina Circuit? Check out our guide to tickets at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and join the crowds on race day.

ferrari world

Ready for another take of Yas Marina Circuit? Check out our guide to tickets at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and join the crowds on race day.

concert

Ready for another take of Yas Marina Circuit? Check out our guide to tickets at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and join the crowds on race day.