SimplyAbuDhabi XII

O nce a year the high-octane glamour fiesta that is Formula One roars into AbuDhabi for a frenetic weekend of racing, mingling, entertaining and partying. It’s one of the most hotly anticipated events in the annual calendar with people clamouring to get trackside or to one of the associated events on Yas Island. The UAE’s glittering capital is a perfect fit for the Formula One and its epic entourage. Not for nothing is the Grand Prix referred to as a ‘great travelling circus’. It’s the greatest show on earth. But Abu Dhabi, with its world-class and ever expanding facilities, is poised to accommodate, and the city bends over backwards to make sure each and every guest has the time of their life. At the track alone, lines are repainted (using 15,000 litres of paint), the track is cleaned, supplies are ordered and the 140 freight containers of cargo for each race team are arranged around the site. The Yas Marina Circuit is one of the most modern and striking in the calendar. The custom-built track boasts twenty-one serpentine corners amongst the sandy flats and tight turns. As one of only two night races in Formula One, guests are treated to one of the UAE’s finest natural displays – sunset, in all its umber, raging glory. New hotels have flung their polished and buffed doors open around the city to host and entertain drivers, teams, celebrities and fans in five-star comfort for the duration of the weekend. Gleaming new shopping malls, museums, water parks, theme parks and fan zones are available for fans to unwind around the main event. 4 9 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I