Where to stay and dine at the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix this weekend

It's the 10th annual Abu Dhabi Grand Prix F1 race weekend and we've put together a list of the essential restaurants you need to visit if you're in Abu Dhabi this weekend. 

The Scene YAS

UK celebrity chef Simon Rimmer is known for creating British classics with twists at The Scene. Now he is launching The Scene YAS carrying across his favourite foundations of British gastro food based in Pier 7, as well as adding new elements including the botanist garden that serves gin-based cocktails with infusions, accompanied by live acoustic music.

Casa De Cuba

Candypants will be taking over Casa de Cuba for the F1 weekend festivities with their Grand Prix Garden concept. With events across the UK, Marbella, Dubai, Ibiza, Abu Dhabi, Miami and most recently Las Vegas, Candypants aims to offer customers a partying experience unlike any other.

1 OAK pop up

1 Oak is opening a pop-up at the F1 Paddock Club to enjoy the big race. Organisers expect a string of A-list celebrities to join in the fun across November 23 to 25, with Lewis Hamilton as a regular guest.  It will take over an exclusive suite at the F1 Paddock Club, offering views of the race track and top-cuisine. While the 1 OAK Suite also offers guests a daily meet and greet with former Lotus Team CEO Matthew Carter, as well as pit lane walks, garage tours and VIP parking. VIP packages are  priced at AED21,500 for two-day access and AED23,000 for three-day access.

Ray’s Bar at Jumeirah Etihad Towers

Ray’s Bar at Jumeirah Etihad Towers is offering 50% discount on beverages & 25% discount on food throughout the F1 Weekend.

Bagatelle

One of Dubai’s fanciest French restaurants, Bagatelle, is coming to Abu Dhabi for one night only during the F1 weekend. The venue will take over the rooftop terrace of Yas Marina bar Diablito. Known for its late-night party atmosphere, which sees diners swap their knives and forks for dancing on tables. The high-end brand is open from 2pm until 1am on Saturday, November 24. There will be DJs including Sam Starks and DJ Emir. 

Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE

Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE for race weekend is taking over the rooftop terrace at Diablito at Yas Marina on Sunday, November 25. Bringing 12 hours of food and  views, the music will be provided by Frederick Stone, Aidin Karami, Michka and Sam Starks. AED300 (ladies), AED500 (gents, including two glasses of bubbly). Nov 25 1pm-1am. Diablito, Yas Marina, Yas Island (05 611 3400).

Stay

Yas Hotel

Looking directly over Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Hotel at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The buffet is running every afternoon from November 22 to 25, and some packages even include entry to the after-race concerts. The Thursday brunch starts at AED450 for indoor seats. Outdoor terrace seats include entry to the Post Malone concert and are AED950, the Friday and Saturday packages start from AED650 for indoors, and terrace seats (including tickets to see The Weeknd on Friday and Sam Smith on Saturday) are AED950. Sunday brunch tickets start from Dhs1,550 indoors and terrace seats are AED4,150 and include access to the Guns N’ Roses gig. All packages include house beverages and bubbly. From AED450 (Thursday), AED650 (Friday and Saturday), AED1,550 (Sunday). Nov 22-24, noon-3pm, 4pm-8pm; Nov 25 3pm-8pm. Yas Marina, Yas Hotel (02 656 0600).

Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island

The hotel located next to Yas Beach and many rooms offer views of the Arabian Gulf. Opened in 2009, it’s a kilometre from Yas Marina Circuit for race day. It features a sundeck, an indoor swimming pool, a 25-metre outdoor pool and even some squash courts. A superior room for two adults for four nights from November 22 to November 26 costs AED11,500 including taxes.

Park Inn Radisson, Abu Dhabi Yas Island

It has 204 rooms, many with views across Yas Links golf course, Yas Marina and the Arabian Gulf. To stay here for four nights from November 22 to November 26 costs AED9,619 for a standard room with sea view and balcony.