Things to do this race weekend, that don't involve cars!
While the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is about race cars round a track, there are so many other things to get involved in if vroom, vroom, isn’t quite your thing.
Brunches
Race Weekend at Garage – Pink Party - W Abu Dhabi Yas Island
With four brunches running during the weekend, Garage is the perfect spot to fuel up while listening to the roaring engines on the racetrack outside – and you’ll get access to the after-race concerts too!
This pink themed brunch will give you access to every second of the races and will have an elevated DJ console on the terrace dropping the beats. There’ll also be magnum bottles of bubbles, crafted cocktails, an oyster trolley, caviar, a dessert art table, a roast carving station, and a sushi bar with plenty of seafood on ice.
The music through the weekend will be supplied by: DJ Flippside, DJ Nuff Said, and DJ Kristina, along with a saxophonist and percussionist that will keep the tunes fresh.
Garage Friday 18th November 1-4pm with DJ Flippside
Bubbles brunch: Terrace seating for AED1,400 per person
Bubbles brunch: Indoor seating for AED980 per person
House package brunch: Indoor seating for AED700 per person
Garage Saturday 19th November 12:30-3:30pm with DJ Nuff Said
Bubbles brunch: Terrace seating for AED1,400 per person
Bubbles brunch: Indoor seating for AED980 per person
House package brunch: Indoor seating for AED700 per person
Garage Saturday 19th November 4:30-7:30pm with DJ Flippside
Pink Party Brunch starting from: Bubble brunch: Terrace seating for AED3,000 per person
Bubbles brunch: Indoor seating for AED980 per person
House package brunch: Indoor seating for AED700 per person
Garage Sunday 20th November 4-7pm with DJ Nuff Said
Bubble brunch: Terrace seating for AED6,000 per person
Bubbles brunch: Indoor seating for AED2,400 per person
House package brunch: Indoor seating for AED1,500 per person
Terrace tickets include access to after-race concerts
Diablito’s – Yas Marina
Racegoers can enjoy the newly renovated Diabilito’s, and dine on tapas, Spanish-inspired mains and drinks while soaking in the 360-degree views of Yas Marina and Yas Island - a prime location for a birds-eye view of the race track.
Opening Times: 11:00am until 3:00am
17th November - happy hour from 12:00pm-6:00pm; followed by evening brunch, guests can choose from 4 starters, 1 main dish and unlimited beer and sangria for AED300.
18th – 20th November - Race Brunch from 12:00pm – 4:00pm, guests can choose from 4 starters, 1 main dish and unlimited beer, sangria, spirits and Aperol, followed by dessert for AED550.
Reservations: For reservations and table policies, please call +971 02 5651 175.
Aquarium - Yas Marina
Stop by for the freshest catch of the day at Aquarium, offering the finest seafood and an expansive à la carte menu. Dance the night away as the DJ spins tunes until the wee hours of the morning.
Opening Times: 1:00pm – 2:00am
Table Policy: Brunch packages as follows:
Thursday, 17th November: daily brunch packages from AED449.
Friday, 18th November: daily brunch packages from AED449.
Saturday, 19th November: daily brunch packages from AED599.
Sunday, 20th November: daily brunch packages from AED599.
Reservations: Advance reservations are recommended. For reservations, please call: + 971 2 565 0007 or +971 50 6969 357 or visit www.capitalmotion.com
Ishtar - Yas Marina
At Ishtar, you’ll find rich and flavourful cuisine, an authentic belly dance performance, and live DJ entertainment.
Opening Times: 1:00pm to 2:00am
Menu: A la carte.
Table Policy: Brunch packages as follows:
Thursday, 17th November: daily brunch packages from AED499 from 1:00pm – 5:00pm, with a minimum spend of AED300 per guest from 7:00pm onwards.
Friday, 18th November: daily brunch packages from AED499 from 1:00pm – 5:00pm.
Saturday, 19th November: daily brunch packages from AED599 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm.
Sunday, 20th November: daily brunch packages from AED599 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm.
VIP terrace with track view: VIP tables (seating six guests) for a minimum spend of AED2000 or a brunch package (highchair, one guest) AED5000 minimum spend.
Terrace facing marina: VIP tables (seating eight guests) for a minimum spend of AED1000 or standard tables (seating four guests) for a minimum spend of AED5000.
Indoors facing area: tables (seating four guests) for a minimum spend of AED1500, and a minimum spend of AED500 per guest Friday – Sunday, 7pm onwards.
Reservations: For reservations, please call: + 971 50 402 2293 or visit https://www.capitalmotion.com/ishtar-race
Other Dining & Nightlife options
Buddha Bar Dubai at Rush - W Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Buddha-Bar Dubai is coming to Abu Dhabi for race weekend with a special edition series of events.
Set at Rush in W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, you can expect the best of the best of this unique Dubai venue.
Starting from AED 500 per person, enjoy lounge access whilst sipping and dining on some of Buddha-Bar’s most iconic dishes and beverages. Buddha-Bar’s Seventh Heaven Brunch will also be making a special debut in Abu Dhabi on the 18th of November.
Brunch packages start at AED 1,400 per person, including French Bubbles.
When: 17th – 20th November, Rush
Where: Buddha Bar Seventh Heaven Brunch
Price: Starting from AED1,400 per person
For more info and reservations call or WhatsApp: +971 55 123 3697
Penelope’s - Yas Marina
Fancy a trip to the glam 1920s? Stop by Yas Marina’s newest resident, Penelope’s and spend an evening on their waterfront terrace. Born out of a love for French cinema, jazz and wine, Penelope’s Brasserie & Jazz Bar Américain oozes glitz and glamour and is offering a mix of live jazz performances, French Mediterranean cuisine and Bar Américain style cocktails.
Opening Times: All day
Menu: A la carte
Reservations: For reservations and table policies, please call +971 52 221 0097 or email reservations@penelopes.ae
Bazaar - Yas Marina
Partygoers are in for a treat at Bazaar this Race Weekend. Bringing one-of-a-kind Middle Eastern flair to the Yas Marina, the nostalgic staple in the Beirut night scene is guaranteed to keep you on your feet all night long.
Featuring eccentric disco designs, extravagant production, spectacular shows and fine dining, expect an experience like none other.
Opening Times: Friday - Monday, from 5:00pm to 4:00am.
Menu: A la carte.
Reservations: For reservations and table policies, please call + 971 55 1605 636 or email reservations@irisabudhabi.com
Stars ‘N’ Bars - Yas Marina
The capital’s popular American sports bar, Stars ‘N’ Bars, will be broadcasting all the action from the track, as international entertainment sensation Bagatelle takes over the Star Deck from 3:00pm – 2:00am on the Stardeck. Bring your friends and tuck into a brunch menu till late, and enjoy a flowing beverage selection and live entertainment, with bands and DJs hitting the stage daily.
Opening Times: 10:00am - late
Thursday, 17th November – DJ Mike from 8:00pm – late.
Friday, 18th November – Choose from Int Playboys Band (indoors) 8:00pm till late, or DJ Jay from 8:00pm till late on the Stardeck.
Saturday, 19th November – Brunch from 12:00pm – 4:00pm, featuring DJ Mike between 1:30pm – 5:00pm. Guests can also select from the following offerings on Saturday:
F1 Qualification from 5:30pm – 7:00pm
DJ Jay from 12:00am – 5:00am
DJ Mike from 7:00pm – 12:00am
Sunday, 20th November – DJ Mike will be spinning the decks from 12:00pm – 4:00pm, in addition to:
F1 Race viewing from 5:00pm – 7:00pm
DJ Jay from 7:00 – 11:00pm
FIFA broadcast from 9:30pm
Int Playboys band from 11:00pm till late
QTR vs EQ Bagatelle from 3:00pm – 2:00am Stardeck
Menu: A la carte and brunch packages available.
Reservations: For reservations and table policies, please call +971 02 5650 101 or email info@starsnbars.ae
Cipriani Yas Island - Yas Marina
Cipriani Yas Island celebrates Race Week in sartorial style, with a live DJ each evening and lunch and dinner menus inspired by culinary classics from Harry’s Bar in Venice. Diners can sip on Cipriani’s infamous signature Bellini’s while enjoying the spectacular views of Yas Marina.
Opening Times: Thursday – Sunday, from 12:00pm to 5:00pm.
Menu: A la carte.
Table Policy: Minimum spend as follows:
Thursday, 17th November: all day lunch and dinner for AED800
Friday, 18th November: lunch from 12:00pm – 5:00pm for AED 1000, followed by dinner from 5:00pm – 2:00am for AED 1600
Saturday, 19th November: lunch from 12:00pm – 5:00pm for AED 1000, followed by dinner from 5:00pm – 2:00am for AED 1600
Sunday, 20th November: all day lunch and dinner for AED 1600
Please note, this offer refers to price per person, and a 10% service charge applies.
Reservations: For reservations, please call: + 971 2 657 5400, or email yasisland@cipriani.com
Exclusive pop-ups at Yas Marina
For the seafood aficionados, this year, Yas Marina is hosting a pop-up in collaboration with G.H. Mumm et Cie and Dibba Bay Oysters, from 17th – 21st November from 12:00pm – 1:00am located along the main promenade. Racegoers can sip on champagne and tuck into fresh gourmet oysters harvested from the pristine waters of northern Fujairah.
Get your java fix at Cartel Coffee located adjacent to Building 1 from 17th – 21st November between 12:00pm – 1:00am for one coffee and water with seating.
Belassi is hosting an exclusive jet ski display from 17th – 21st November on the main promenade
Catch the laser show above Yas Marina and view the dynamic show as a laser maps the buildings from 17th – 21st November, from 8:00pm – 2:00am.
Snap an Instagram-worthy short at the garden wall fitted with bright neon hashtags from 17th – 21st November, located between Stars N Bars and Aquarium
This year, Yas Marina will host roaming entertainment to enjoy, including:
A brass band (trio) from 18th – 21st November, from 2:00pm – 8:00pm
A Mariachi band from 18th – 21st November, from 2:00pm – 6:00pm
A nightlife parade featuring LED performers from 18th – 21st November, from 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Visit the Yas Marina website at www.yasmarina.ae/raceweek for more details.
