F1 weekend starts with parties in Capital

Abu Dhabi - World-class performances played all over the Capital with more expected today.

Excitement raced across the nation's capital as Yasalam's 2016 race weekend was given the 'green light' with a crowd stomping performance by Pitbull - 'Mr.Worldwide' - at the du Arena, Yas Island after the 2016 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Pit Lane Walk earlier in the day at Yas Marina Circuit.
Supported by local and global talent gracing the Beats on the Beach stage and an epic showdown to crown the Emerging Talent Competition winner, the annual event now in its eighth year, started off in a rap-tastic style following the dazzling launch parade on the Corniche last week.
Pitbull gets the party started
US rap megastar, Pitbull, started the party with his energetic performance including a medley of chart-topping hits.  Opening the show alongside with a stage filled with flamboyant dancers, the showman aptly belted out 'Don't Stop the Party' followed by the fitting 'International Love'.  Performing to an enthusiastic crowd of over 10,000, fans of the music-maker danced and sang-out loud to instantly recognisable catchy-tunes including dancefloor favourites Time of Our Lives, and Greenlight. Dressed to impress in all black and sunglasses the unmissable weekend started in style with fans begging for more.
Beats on the Beach kicks off Day 1
Meanwhile across the city the rush of energy sped to the Corniche, lifting fans to their feet for an exhilarating night of entertainment to jump-start three non-stop nights of free music on Abu Dhabi's West Plaza for the opening night of Beats on the Beach festival.
The carnival atmosphere roared into life with a fly-pass RAF Red Arrows to signal the start of the live entertainment as tens of thousands fans and residents flocked to 'The Yasalam Hangout', a new addition for 2016 filled with tempting food trucks and chill area to relax and revive pre-concert.
The ultimate weekend festival celebrated its opening night with a carnival atmosphere as over 30,000 fans savoured an eclectic mix of music from a variety of global acts featuring Filipino sensation Yeng Constantino who performed her top hits, South London urban duo Krept & Konan, and local performer Shamma Hamdan. There was also a special performance by last year's Emerging Talent Competition winners S.O.S.
More entertainment, more family activities, more to see and do, more incredible artists, the Corniche is expected to be a sea of activity as the festival goes full throttle across the weekend. This year's Corniche festivities are in full swing including the crowd pleasing F1 FanzoneT bringing the rush of the ultimate F1® fan experience to residents and visitors. Budding artists checked out the Urban Art Zone brought to you by Yas Mall, complete with interactive workshops and impressive art displays. Meanwhile, energy was abound as trampoline acrobatics matched the music at the Bounce Experience on the beach. Those wanting to recharge the Yasalam Hangout to tuck into tasty food treats from the myriad of outlets.
Second Annual Emerging Talent Competition Crowns New Winner - Hasan Malik
Not only did the crowds roar for well-known artists, but also celebrated rising local talent by cheering on the top three finalists from this year's Emerging Talent Competition: Hasan Malik, Rashed Al Nuaimi and Jamil Jabbour. Belting out a series of sensational tunes, the finalists took to the Beats on the Beach stage to impress the judges one last time at the start of the evening. Following tense suspense and excitement in the air, the crowds went wild to witness Hasan Malik named the 2016 Yasalam Emerging Talent winner. Speaking after his success Mailk said:
"I just got off stage and this like a dream come true. I really can't believe I've won especially with so many talented people involved. This is exactly the break I was hoping for and Yasalam is the perfect stage to perform on. I am so thankful to FLASH, to all the mentors and everyone connected with Yasalam. This is just great. It's the start of a new journey for me. I cannot wait to get back on that Beats on the Beach stage on Saturday night!"
Yas Mall takes on The5
Across town earlier in the day, visitors to Yas Mall also went into a frenzy as they headed to the Virgin Megastore to catch a glimpse of Arab boyband sensation, The5, who made a special appearance during the evening. Eager fans were delighted to get to see the well-loved quintet ahead of their Beats on The Beach performance tomorrow.
Coming up
Abu Dhabi Corniche

Friday 25 November will have the much anticipated international A-list artist Sean Paul who is set to deliver a pumping music set. Plus Michigan-Native rapper Big Sean,  X-Factor Arabia hit-maker, Adham Nabulsi, will also be delighting thousands of attending fans and, the UAE is raring to see own home-grown talent Esther Eden as she too, brings beats to the beach!
Yas Island
In what looks to be a non-stop stream of lightening hot entertainment and music, The Chemical Brothers are mixing up a chemical combination of awesomeness at du Arena for the Friday After-Race Concert. Appearing ahead of them will be Arcade 82 - Dubai's latest live electronic band set to take the music world by storm with their unique live show production the famous robots.
After-Race Concert wristband collection:

All race ticket holders will need to collect a wristband from the Information Points at Yas Marina Circuit each day to access the evening concert. The concerts are exclusively for race ticket holders:
- Present your F1 ticket at one of the Information Points within each Oasis and an After-Race Concert wristband for that day will be attached by customer service representative to your wrist
- Present this wristband and your ticket at the du Arena to gain access to the After-Race Concerts

In the warm-up for the After-Race Concerts, music lovers will be treated to an outstanding array of activities within The Village area at the du Arena.  Concert goers will have a chance to hear local and regional artists play live on stage with food and beverage options. The Village opens tomorrow and each night of After Race Concerts.

At Yasalam After Hours, Sean Paul and Rita Ora will be raising the roof at MAD while Paris Hilton performs alongside the legendary Luciano at VIP Room and HVOB and Mahmut Orhan take on Iris, with Kaytek + Solomun hitting at the Crystal Group.

Once again this year, Y1 Access provides race ticket holders with a unique package of value-added benefits. As part of Y1 Access all race ticket holders receive a 20% discount on specific ticket categories offered for selected FLASH events until February 2017.  This includes the 3-day action-packed Mubadala World Tennis Championship, which is back in December for its ninth year.

The race will be held at Yas Marina Circuit from Friday, 25 November to Sunday, 27 November. For race tickets call 800 YAS (927), visit www.yasmarinacircuit.com or go to Virgin Megastores and Etihad Airways Shops across the UAE.