Yas Marina Circuit will set the scene for the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on November 25-27, the last stop on the top race’s world tour this weekend. The race takes place the last weekend of November every year. It’s a good time to visit, temperatures finally sink down into the double digits and the glitterati are in town
The race serves as the Formula 1 series finale with celebrations to match. As the last race of the season, parties are in overdrive— populated by F1 drivers, ultra-wealthy VIPs and royalty. Prince Harry has been known to attend, and two years ago Princess Beatrice held a private party aboard a yacht in the marina. For a club-like scene, hit up the Amber Lounge, which travels with the Formula 1 Series around the world. It is ground zero for high-energy parties with live performances. This year, Rihanna and Lionel Ritchie will perform following the 55-lap race on Sunday, November 27.
Perhaps the best place to stay for proximity to all this fun on Yas Island is the Yas. The ultra-modern hotel’s rates top $2,000 a night, but it’s close to the action, overlooks the famed Yas Marina & Yacht Club and is situated on a stretch of the Yas Marina Circuit, where the big race takes place.
But there are many other options too, including Jumeirah at Etihad Towers which offers a sleek, state-of-the-art experience in one of Etihad’s five gleaming towers. The Jumeirah hotel boasts a sky-high 63rd floor observation desk, its own beach, spa and multiple five-star restaurants including Rosewater, which offers the best brunch in Abu Dhabi, Tori No Su (award-winning Japanese), Bice, Li Beirut Brasserie Angelique and Ray’s Grill.
If you’re looking for a more gilded, old-world Middle Eastern experience, check out the opulent Emirates Palace just across the street. Indeed, staying here will make you feel like a member of the royal family, as this sprawling waterfront compound has views on the Persian Gulf, as well as its own golf course and a world-class spa resplendent with mosaics to make you feel like a sultan.
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