Souvenir from Abu Dhabi Formula 1

Alhamdulillah, I had a chance to witness the premier Abu Dhabi Formula 1, five years ago. Its been a while..  Let's traveltime to 2009. 

This place, Yas Island speaks for itself. A man-made island built from zillion $$$. That year, was probably the most anticipated mass event after long awaits to build the island. The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the Middle East’s biggest sporting event of the year, with Yas Island Abu Dhabi becoming the focal point for the unparalleled sporting and social experience. A realm of revellers, racing enthusiasts, residents, tourists, VIPs, celebrities or just a random expat like me :)

For me, having witnessed a vast sand-dunes turned into world class hotels complex, giant mall, world class concert arena, was absolutely not just an ordinary experience. Yas Island is a partially man-made island that is just off the main Abu Dhabi / Dubai road and lies around 45 minutes from Dubai. More less.. As with everything there in the Middle East, it has been planned and unfolded in various stages and has now emerged as an interesting spot in its own right.

This view was taken from Crowne Plaza Yas Island hotel's balcony. That brownie sand carpet, now turned into a green area for Golf.  A three academy course offering great short game practice. It is a narrow course though and also floodlit. Last tee off time in the evenings is around 9pm so there’s heaps of time to wind down after work.

And that's my dearest friends, is Yas Marina Circuit from the hotel's complex. I was surprise, to see this greenery view planted couple of weeks before the event took place. Thanks to those expats labor, they spend day and night to create this stunning landscape. 

The circuit, if you happen to see an aerial view of it, who was designed by Herman Tillke has pistol gun design with 1.2 km long.  

Before the racing started, I was captivated with exhibition stalls within the area. Test a taste for a virtual ride with the supercars. You can also sign up for one of the courses at their driving school. Drive and drift a Formula 3000 car or just hang onto your hat while you sit back and let the professionals take you for a spin around the track. 

Who says your kids can't ride a Porsche? Middle east has it. Personally it was my first experience to see such school for kids. MashaAllah, responsible parents please watch your kids carefully.. hehe..

Indeed as the main sponsor, Etihad has an extravagant exhibition stalls featured their Premier in- flight services. Very interesting, its like a mini flight interior down there.. with their latest technology invention. 

Drifting in between the stall and the moonlit. 

Shall I say its a 'Show off time'? :) Line of supercars making a pit stop at the plaza arena. The country itself, if you are a resident, surely knows if it is a place for any latest supercars. Often I saw Ferrari or Lamborghini racing between regular cars on Sheikh Zayed Road. The Dubai Police has those super-cars for patrol.. You can tell from the engine sounds. 

Free CONCERT! One of the best highlights of the event is the free music concert. Oh yeah, that night I blended between the ocean of people and sang along with Kings of Leon and Beyonce.. 

Thats one of the fanciest exhibition stalls owned by Mubadala. The Mubadala Development Company is a state-owned company of the Abu Dhabi government in the United Arab Emirates. Mubadala is practically the investment vehicle of the Abu Dhabi government. The picture speaks for itself no? 

Oh hello, my VIP pass. Thanks heaps for my dearest pall who lend this card :) 

One of the other notable  icons on the island, features of the Yas Viceoroy hotel, other than its vicinity to the track is that is also the first hotel to have a corridor that actually passes over a Formula One track.

If you hit the area this year, make sure you pencil your calendar in winter time of the middle east. November it is, a perfect time of the year to enjoy the weather and this exciting venue.