Yas Island can often seem abandoned and unappealing outside of amusement parks, malls and Ferrari World. But all of that changed dramatically for one long weekend when the Formula 1 circuit came to the island. The eyes of the world were on the Yas Marina Circuit as the season reached its final race to determine the drivers’ championship. But there’s nothing quite like being there. The engine in the car may not be as screeching as it used to be, but all the thrills are still abundant. And Lewis Hamilton thrilled the crowd by taking the lead at the first corner after an excellent start.
The race unabashedly targets high-profile crowds and there are not any bad views on the circuit from the main grandstand to the hill. The weekend starts with practice, then qualifying and the race itself. Things heated up for three days as the crowds grew thicker and the thrill increased. But there’s more than simply racing. The entertainment was non-stop. The villages around the stand offer merchandise, music, dancing, art displays, car showrooms and interviews with experts and former drivers amongst other attractions so there’s never a dull moment during the day. After the race session ends each night, the crowd moves to du Arena for concerts by Armin Van Buuren, then Pharrell Williams, and then The Mighty Who embark on their 50th anniversary world tour after the race itself, thrilling the crowd with their greatest hits. The island never sleeps, packed until the early hours of the morning with nightclubs that keep you going all night. Coupled with the presence of the UAE royal family Prince Harry cheering on his compatriots, F1 legends like Niki Lauda, Mark Weber and Damon Hill and pop stars like Nicole Scherzinger and Gerri Halliwell could not be more glamorous. Dan Lewis maintained his winning streak in the race, winning the title and opening a non-alcoholic fizz that replaced champagne for this event. This is really a “must see” event for anyone in the UAE and beyond. Apparently when Bernie Ecclestone first saw the Yas circuit, he said, “It may be equaled, but it will never be better.”
