All roads lead to Yas Marina as F1 fever grips Abu Dhabi

Spectators walk on the starting grid during pit lane walk ahead of the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last year. - KT file

Legions of F1 fans, along with thousands of tourists and residents, are flocking to the Capital this weekend as Yas Marina Circuit's Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix returns for its 10th edition.
Around 60,000 fans are expected to be in the city between Friday and Sunday, according to the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT). Hotels across Abu Dhabi are also reportedly fully booked during this period.
Saif Saeed Ghobash, undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said the F1 event is an opportunity for the Capital to showcase its diverse range of attractions, infrastructure and accommodation.
"We are also able to give our visitors a taste of our traditions, culture and heritage which make Abu Dhabi such a distinctive and desirable destination to visit," he said in a statement.
As many as 20 F1 racing stars are set to vroom through the Yas circuit, and a host of side activities during the race are just exciting. There will be public pit lane walks, meet-and-greets with stars like Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel and more.
Off the track, Yas Island is packed with star-studded performances scheduled till November 25. International artists and hit-makers like Sam Smith, The Weeknd, Guns 'N Roses and Post Malone are headlining the Yasalam after-race concerts this year. Concert-goers can even arrive in supercars like Lamborghini, Maserati, Corvette, Bentley, Rolls Royce or Mercedes through the 'Super Taxis' initiative.
More music performances and entertainment combined with 'Pit Stop' action are also happening at A'l Bahar Corniche.
To complete the leisure showcase, six shopping malls - Yas Mall, Marina Mall, Dalma Mall, Al Wahda Mall, Bawadi Mall and Al Ain Mall - have partnered with the DCT to run a series of Super Deals.
Theme parks such as Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, along with cultural wonder Louvre Abu Dhabi, are also ready to welcome guests of all ages.
How to reach Yas Marina Circuit
>Public bus service: Bus number 102 and 216
>Yas shuttle service: Pick-up stops and routes for shuttle are West (Y1), East Gate (Y4), Main Grandstand Bus Stop (CBA - Y2) and the Yas Kartzone/North Oasis (Y3). Pick-up locations are west gate, north oasis, central bus area and east gate service. The service is available every 20 minutes.
>For the mobility-impaired: A fleet of free-to-use golf buggies is available for easy access to Yas Marina Circuit. Buggies and staff will be stationed at Gate 7 at the Marina Grandstand, the West Gate at the Trackside Terrace, Gate 25 at the North Grandstand, at the Main Grandstand and at the Abu Dhabi Hill. A wheelchair-accessible MPV car will be stationed at the circuit's East Gate to carry customers to the West Gate main entrance.
>Careem is offering special discount coupon for rides.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com