Yas Marina Circuit
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix tickets will be red-hot in 2009 – not least because the emirate is making its Formula One debut in no less a race than the season finale.
The proposed Yas Island circuit is to be the Middle East’s second after Bahrain, and will have three distinct sections – high-speed straights with tight overtaking turns, plus street and marina sections.
In total there will be 20 corners, which will twist around the marina and wind through sand dunes. The 3.47-mile harbourside track is already under construction on the east coast of Abu Dhabi, just a few miles from the international airport, and will be accompanied by a marina, theme parks, residential areas and leisure facilities. New hotels will go up to accommodate the extra visitors the complex will bring in.
A Page & Moy Formula 1 tour is a great way to see the race and explore this fascinating state. On the surface, Abu Dhabi looks slick and businesslike, but head for the backstreets and you’ll see a more authentic picture of a culture that’s 3,000 years old. The Abu Dhabi Heritage Village showcases the country’s past, and shows you how the Bedouin used to live before oil money transformed the country beyond all recognition.
Many visitors like to take a buggy out onto the dunes and enjoy a barbecue dinner under the stars. Other options include watching an Arabian sunset from a dhow or luxury yacht, buying gold or carpets from a souk, playing golf, and visiting the Women’s Craft Centre.
Sun-worshippers should head for the public beach, Al Raha, a short drive from the city centre, or the ladies-only beach. There’s also the Abu Dhabi Corniche, which has a public swimming area plus a man-made island with a long stretch of beach.
How to book
View our complete list of F1 packages to the Abu Dhabi Prix this year.