SimplyAbuDhabi XII

7 8 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I The Amber Lounge tours the Formula One circuit, setting up at select races around the world to bring the Grand Prix’s best party to VIPs and celebrities. The best DJs, finest drinks, beautiful people, live performances and pitch-perfect service. This year it celebrates its tenth anniversary. It was born in 2003, the brainchild of Sonia Irvine, sister of the Ferrari driving star Eddie Irvine, when Maxi Jazz of Faithless played host to VIP guests including the F1 drivers, Helena Christensen, Heidi Klum, Wesley Snipes, Ronaldo, Rio Ferdinand, HSH Prince Albert of Monaco and Flavio Briatore. The premise was simple: to create a truly VIP party that reflected the glamour and exclusivity of one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world. Word quickly spread that the Amber Lounge was the hottest ticket in town and the following year saw Elle MacPherson, George Lucas, Lionel Richie, Naomi Campbell and Victoria Silvstedt walk the carpet. Over the years, Amber Lounge has carved a reputation as a unique venue where F1 drivers, celebrities, royalty and regular race fans can come together to enjoy a stylish, fun night out. Parties have been hosted throughout the world including Shanghai, Valencia, Barcelona and this year, for the first time, Austin. This year the party continued in Abu Dhabi, high on the success of Monaco and Singapore. The 10-year anniversary party took place at a new venue in the heart of Yas Marina, replacing the Corniche location of previous years and making it far more convenient for important guests to arrive from their yachts and trackside hotels or hospitality suites. Glitz, glamour and unrivalled entertainment are still as standard. Once again, F1 drivers, media moguls, models, VIPs and celebrities were out in full force and fine fettle. It proves itself the Amber Lounge is still the hottest ticket in town. Friday night was ladies night, where DJ and Drummer MckNasty were dropping the beats all night and getting the celebrations warmed up. But it was at the Sunday night after party that the party really came into its own. Nico Rosberg, Felipe Massa, Sergio Perez, Daniel Ricciardo, Esteban Gutierrez, Jules Bianchi, Giedo van der Garde joined Sir Christopher and Lady Sara Hoy, Ben Aislie, David Haye, Jessica Kahawaty and celebrated the end of the race at the Amber Lounge, enjoying the club’s exclusive entertainment and popping bottles until dawn. LA-based group Far East Movement gave a dynamic performance of modern, mash-up, speakers rattling live music thrilling partygoers and sending the dance floor pumping.