Racing

F1 Abu Dhabi GP Weekend Guide: The Best of Yas Island Attractions

The Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is more than a race; it is the UAE’s most electrifying weekend of the year.

As the season finale unfolds at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island transforms into a world-class playground of dining, entertainment, nightlife, fashion, and lifestyle experiences. From celebrity DJ sets to Michelin-level culinary pop-ups and unforgettable after-race parties, this is the place where the excitement continues long after the chequered flag falls.

Whether you’re a motorsport enthusiast, a foodie, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, here’s your premium guide to all the must-visit attractions across the marina during the F1 weekend.

Nobu Exclusive Pop Up 

The world-renowned Japanese dining and hospitality brand Nobu is making an exclusive appearance at Yas Marina, offering a curated menu of signature dishes, premium beverages, and live DJ performances from December 1 to 7. The pop-up will provide an elegant indoor, outdoor, and private dining experience for up to 220 guests, featuring Nobu’s signature dishes, alongside decadent desserts and curated beverage packages. Guests can also choose from three free-flowing beverage packages available from 12 PM to 4 PM, Thursday to Sunday. 

  • Location: L2, Building 1, Yas Marina
  • Date: December 1 to 7
  • Timing:
    • Monday to Wednesday – 5 PM to 12 AM 
    • Thursday to Sunday – 12 PM to 1 AM
  • Entertainment: Live DJ daily
  • Terms & Conditions: 21+ after 9 PM and smart casual dress code

 

Club Iris Pop-Up at Bar Du Port

Adding to the excitement, Club Iris will bring its signature energy to Yas Marina with a special Club Iris pop-up at Bar Du Port, featuring international top DJs and an elevated nightlife experience throughout Race Weekend.

Guests can enjoy a dining experience along with a selection of free-flowing bubbly, house spirits, grapes, and hops.

  • Location: Ground floor, Building 1, Yas Marina
  • Date: December 6 to 7
  • Timing: 1 PM to 4 PM
  • Entertainment: Top international DJs

 

Brunch at Bla Bla Bar

Situated along the picturesque Yas Marina promenade, Bla Bla Bar has quickly become a popular social spot since its opening earlier this year. Known for its lively vibe, expertly crafted cocktails, and an exciting calendar of weekly events and brunches, the venue captures the spirit of Abu Dhabi’s nightlife.

During Race Weekend, patrons can enjoy Bla Bla Bar’s signature brunch from 12 PM to 4 PM, Thursday to Sunday. The experience promises an upbeat afternoon with delicious food, refreshing drinks, and live DJ performances, creating an unforgettable alfresco and energetic weekend at the heart of Yas Marina.

  • Date: December 4 to 7
  • Timing: 12 PM to 4 PM
  • Entertainment: Live DJ on Friday and Saturday

 

Brunch and À la carte Dining at Diablito Food & Music 

The Mediterranean-inspired Diablito Food & Music welcomes guests on a first-come, first-served basis from December 4 to 7. Throughout the Race Weekend, it will offer à la carte dining, while on Friday, December 5, guests can indulge in a lovely sundowner brunch from 12 PM to 6 PM, featuring three hours of free-flowing food and drinks.

Diners can indulge in Spanish and Mediterranean-inspired dishes and drinks. Diablito Food & Music is a two-storey venue offering spectacular views and a perfect spot to sip, dine, and socialise while watching the yachts lined up and the energy unfold across Yas Marina. 

  • Date: December 4 to 7
  • Opening Hours: 12 PM to 12 AM

 

Premium Hospitality Experience at Ishtar

Even without race tickets, guests can still catch all the racing action from Ishtar’s stunning vantage point overlooking Turns 8 to 11. In partnership with ZK Sports & Entertainment, Ishtar offers the Velocity Terrace, a premium hospitality experience that combines fine dining, entertainment, and exceptional track views. 

Guests can enjoy a premium open bar including top-quality bubbly, curated gourmet menus prepared by international chefs, and live entertainment featuring DJs, dancers, and racing simulators. The experience also includes lounge-style seating, VIP terrace access, and entry to the Yasalam After-Race Concerts from Friday to Sunday, featuring headline acts by global stars such as Post Malone, Metallica, and Katy Perry. 

Ishtar welcomes guests from 4 PM to 2 AM on Thursday, and until 3 AM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. A minimum spend of AED 500 per person applies after 8 PM, from Friday to Sunday.

  • Date: December 4 to 7
  • Opening Hours
    • Thursday – 4 PM to 2 AM
    • Friday to Sunday – 8 PM to 3 AM
  • Entertainment: Live DJ, dancers, and racing simulators

 

Brunch, Set Menu, and À la carte Dining at Mika 

Mika, the Michelin Bib Gourmand Modern Mediterranean hotspot overlooking Yas Marina, is gearing up for an unforgettable race weekend. The festivities begin on Thursday and Friday with à la carte dining, where guests can enjoy the restaurant’s refined, seasonal Mediterranean menu in one of the best waterfront settings on Yas Island.

The weekend steps up a gear on Saturday and Sunday with Mika’s signature Riviera Brunch from 1 PM to 4 PM — a five-course sharing-style experience paired with a choice of premium beverage packages. As the afternoon unfolds, the doors stay open for walk-ins from 4 PM to 6 PM, offering the perfect window to unwind with a drink and take in the electric race-day energy.

When evening arrives, Mika transforms once again. La Festa Mika kicks off from 7 PM, bringing a curated set menu and a vibrant after-party atmosphere that carries late into the night. DJ James sets the tone from 1 PM to 6 PM, before DJ Luca takes over the decks until 2 AM, turning Mika into one of the weekend’s unmissable celebration spots.

Mika encourages guests to dress to impress, reflecting the restaurant’s luxurious yet energetic ambience. 

  • Date: December 4 to 7
  • Timing: 1 PM to 2 AM
  • Entertainment:
    • DJ James | 1 PM – 6 PM
    • DJ Luca | 7 PM – 2 AM

 

Brunch and À la carte Dining at Stars N’ Bars

Families and groups of friends can look forward to an unforgettable experience at Stars N’ Bars, where the lively atmosphere of an American sports bar combines with the glamour of Monte Carlo. 

On Friday and Saturday, guests can enjoy a live stream of the practice, sprint, and qualifying sessions while indulging in a three-hour brunch featuring a three-course menu of hearty American and Tex-Mex favourites, accompanied by unlimited drinks, starting at AED 500 per person. 

On Sunday, racing fans and guests can continue the excitement with an à la carte dining experience, watching the race streamed live across multiple big screens. The atmosphere will be brimming with all-day live entertainment, a full race-day vibe, and the infectious energy that makes Stars N’ Bars a favourite among motorsport enthusiasts.

  • Experience:
    • Enjoy an energetic Race Weekend atmosphere with themed brunches, hearty menus and live streaming of the race at this Yas Marina icon
  • Timings: Friday & Saturday Brunch (1 PM to 4 PM)
  • Entertainment:
    • Live screening of the race throughout the weekend.

 

Ishtar, Yas Island
Ishtar, Yas Island

 

Race Weekend Culinary Pop-Ups at Yas Marina

This year, guests can explore a variety of refined food and beverage offerings thoughtfully positioned across the marina promenade, perfect for those looking to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere without a formal booking.

From gourmet grab-and-go bites to crafted refreshments, these outdoor experiences capture the spirit of Race Weekend, inviting visitors to indulge in the energy of Yas Marina from day to night.

Exclusive Blacklane and Careem Discount

Throughout Race Weekend, from December 4 to 7, guests visiting Yas Marina can enjoy exclusive ride discounts from Blacklane, a personal chauffeur service, and Careem, the popular ride-hailing platform.

Visitors can use the code YASMARINA15 to receive 15% off Careem rides, and a special discount will be automatically applied to journeys to and from Yas Marina when using Blacklane.

Wear That x Yas Marina: ‘Race Weekend’ Outfit Look Book

This year, Yas Marina has partnered with Wear That, the region’s leading personal styling platform, to deliver the ultimate fashion and lifestyle experience. Wear That has curated a lookbook of glamorous and effortless outfits for every occasion during Race Weekend, from brunches and yacht parties to after-race parties and paddock moments. 

Ladies can visit here to explore various outfits and shoppable looks curated for Race Weekend at Yas Marina, and use the special code ‘YASMARINA25’ to enjoy waived sign-up fees, valid until December 7.

With outstanding dining options, exclusive brand partnerships, and various on-ground activations, Yas Marina offers a range of exciting dining and lifestyle experiences throughout the Race Weekend.

From day to night, guests can savour a world-class dining experience while soaking up the special race weekend atmosphere. Visitors are invited to indulge, socialise, and make the most of the thrilling action on and off the track.