< PreviousF1 guide 30 AUTUMN 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM Ready for action F1 guide TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM AUTUMN 2025 31 The most epic weekend on the calendar is nearly here. By Harriet Shephard R ace weekend is almost here, and you can already feel the buzz in the air. Every year, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix brings Formula 1 fans from across the world to Yas Island for an unforgettable week of star- studded parties, big-name concerts, electric vibes and high-octane racing action, and each edition just keeps getting better. Inviting you to enjoy a whirlwind long weekend filled with dancing, celeb spotting and very little sleep, it’s no exaggeration to say that it’s an experience of a lifetime. However, tickets and tables never stay available for long, and so it’s also a weekend that requires advance planning. Whether you’re a veteran F1 fan and a full weekend ticket-holder, or it’s your first year and you just want somewhere cool to dance and mingle, our guide to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025 will tell you all you need to know. The races Taking place from Friday December 5 to Sunday December 7, the first two days of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix feature practice and qualifying rounds, while the thrilling final concludes the event on the Sunday. Certain tickets also include access to the Thursday Pit Lane Walk, where you can get right up close to the world’s leading racing legends, and all passes get you into the five state-of-the-art fan zones, filled with entertainment, F1-themed games and experiences, pop-up bars, food trucks and so much more. Away from the track, four nights of ticket-holder-only concerts are hosted at Etihad Park (more on those below). At the time of writing, it’s still possible to grab ultra-luxurious hospitality tickets for Garden on Yas (the glamorous outdoor terrace of the W Hotel Abu Dhabi), Club 58 (featuring cuisine by Dubai-based Japanese restaurant Roka), Deck at Two by Dani Garcia’s LENA (another Dubai hot spot) and various other glittering spectator areas that all offer flawless track views and incredible food and drink to enjoy. F1 guide 32 AUTUMN 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM The concerts Benson Boone Race weekend opens with a high-energy set from trendy Gen Z heartthrob Benson Boone on Thursday December 4. Known for his theatrical showmanship (we’re talking backflips and other impressive acrobatics), he’ll be kicking off the celebrations with a storming gig to remember and performing hits Beautiful Things (a chart chopper in 19 countries), Pretty Slowly, and many more. Post Malone and Elyanna It’s been seven whole years since Post Malone last performed at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (how the time flies, eh?) and we are beyond excited for him to return for another amazing, genre-blending show. Whether you’re into pop, rock, hip-hop or country, Post has something for you and believe us when we say that his unique tracks (including Sunflower, Circles, Better Now and many others), all hit differently live. Providing a two-for-one experience, Palestinian-Chilean singer Elyanna will also be warming up the stage for our favourite tattooed rapper. Bringing a catchy Arab-pop sound, she’s sure to go down a treat. Metallica Inviting us all to unleash our inner metal head, the Saturday concert is shaping up to be nothing short of epic. Marking their first return to Abu Dhabi in 12 years, rock legends Metallica are gearing up to close out the day with the kind of performance that will shake the ground beneath your feet. Expect blistering guitar solos, thunderous drumlines and scream-along anthems that have defined the band’s career for more than four decades. From fist-pumping classics to newer tracks that prove they’ve still got fire in their veins, this is a set list built to blow your socks off – and probably your voice, too. Whether you’re a die-hard fan who knows every lyric or just someone ready for a good headbang, prepare for an unforgettable night. Katy Perry One of the top-selling music artists of all time, no one does shiny feel-good pop better than Katy Perry. Known for her incredibly catchy anthems (Firework and Roar are just some of the many iconic tracks we’ve got to look forward to) and quirky theatrical style, she’ll conclude the weekend in fittingly spectacular style on Sunday December 7. Expect jaw-dropping costumes, emotional moments, and no voice by the end of it. The brunches No race ticket? Don’t fret. These brunches will erase all feeling of FOMO. B.I.G Race Weekend Brunch Always the hottest place to be seen during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, you’ve never experienced a brunch quite like this extravagant affair. Made for those who want to splash out and quite literally go big in honour of the occasion (the top packages can set you back as much as Dhs6,000), it delivers a dreamy combination of uninterrupted track views, decadent global delicacies, free-flowing bubbly and absolutely lit live DJ sets. O Fri Dec 5 1pm-4pm, Sat Dec 6 12.30pm-3.30pm, 4.30-7.30pm, Sun Dec 7 4pm-7pm. From Dhs800- 1,600 (house beverages), Dhs1,080-2,500 (bubbly indoor seating), Dhs1,500- 6,100 (bubbly with terrace seating). W Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, wrevup.com (02 656 0000) . Café del Mar Abu Dhabi If you can’t watch the race inside the circuit, relishing every moment from the Ibiza- Katy PerryF1 guide 34 AUTUMN 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM inspired pool of Café del Mar is absolutely the next best thing. As glitzy as any of the hospitality terraces, you can spend the afternoon sipping classic mixed drinks, watching the on-track action on the big screen and admiring the sizzling F1-themed entertainment, all while in the swim-up bar. O From Dhs349 (house beverages). Dec 5-7, 1pm- 4pm. Yas Bay, Yas Island @cafedelmarabudhabi (050 402 2283) . Lock, Stock & Barrel Widely considered to be one of the wildest party brunches of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, LSB will be turning up the heat as usual and hosting a blowout to remember. Filled with live music, tasty bar bites and infectious fun, the only tricky part is remembering to pace yourself so that you can last through all the after parties as well. O Date TBC. Yas Bay, Yas Island @lockstockabudhabi (04 423 8308). Where to party Yas Bay Inviting you to bar hop from the spicy bites and beverages of Barbossa, to the Café del MarF1 guide TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM AUTUMN 2025 35 delightfully extra mixed drinks of Siddharta Lounge, the moody and intimate ambiance of Asia Asia and across more award-winning venues, the Yas Bay waterfront caters to every after-party mood. Just a walk from the concerts and Yas Marina Circuit, you don’t have to stress about finding a taxi to get there either. O Yas Bay, Yas Island, yasbay.ae. Yas Marina The ultimate place to be once the on-track action has concluded, Yas Marina truly comes alive during Race Weekend, with huge international DJs, stunning circuit and waterfront views, and packed dancefloors all available to enjoy until the early hours. Key hot spots include the wrap-around terrace of the slick and stylish Iris, Bla Bla Bar Abu Dhabi (a relatively new addition that’s bound to go all out for its first Grand Prix), and the superyachts themselves, all completed with luxurious dishes and music. O Yas Marina, Yas Island, yasmarina.ae. Yas Plaza Practically a stone’s throw from Etihad Park, Yas Plaza is the most convenient option for a post-race concert refreshment or two. Choose between extensive menus of European hops at Belgian Café, elegant Italian nibbles and trendy orange mixes at Filini Garden, extra-long happy hour deals at Y Bar and much more. O Yas Plaza, Yas Island, yasplazahotels.com . White Abu Dhabi Perfect for those who are looking for an extra late-night party, Abu Dhabi’s most iconic nightclub always delivers during the F1 weekend. Secret guest performances from global DJs and pop stars normally continue to be announced right up to the last minute, while every moment is elevated with stunning effects. O Yas Island, @whiteabudhabi (050 639 8934). Where to watch McCafferty’s Yas Island That Abu Dhabi spot that you just know will always be lively and busy, McCafferty’s is the ideal place for a pre- or post-race refuel, or some seriously fun F1 viewing. Offering heaps of different deals and offers throughout the weekend, it’ll be as casual and friendly as always, making it a great option for those who don’t feel like dressing up to the nines but want to catch the action. O Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, Yas Bay, mccaffertysyas.com (058 598 3623). Stars ‘N’ Bars An old favourite that never lets us down, all- American sports bar Stars ‘N’ Bars makes everyone feel welcome over race weekend. Offering tonnes of different screens, you won’t miss a second of the action. With various dining offers and live music, it’s got something for everyone, from families looking for an easy lunch to big F1 fans. O Yas Marina, Yas Island, starsnbars.ae (02 565 0101). Stills With multiple screens (including a large outdoor projector), Abu Dhabi’s longest bar is a top choice for those who are looking for a social place to catch every twist and turn. Offering a large terrace overlooking Yas Links, live DJs and some rather excellent pub grub, you’re not going to want to miss it. O Yas Island, Yas Plaza, @stillsyasisland (050 667 5815). Filini GardensLive music 36 AUTUMN 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM Lock, Stock & BarrelLive music TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM AUTUMN 2025 37 Mo o v in ’a nd g roo v in ’ Where to catch the best jazz and pop and even a little karaoke g roo v in ’S ome nights in Abu Dhabi aren’t meant for playlists and streaming apps. They’re made for bass that you can feel in your chest, for voices that hit notes you didn’t know were possible and for that electric moment when the whole crowd sings along to the catchy chorus like they’ve been rehearsing for weeks. Live music here is everywhere if you know where to look. One night you could be swaying to Latin rhythms under the stars on a rooftop. The next, you might be leaning over a pint while a rock band takes the stage and absolutely tears through a set of classics. There are jazz duos in candlelit lounges, acoustic sets that make you forget the world outside and full-on party FadoLive music TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM AUTUMN 2025 39 bands that keep the energy high and the atmosphere until closing time. But Abu Dhabi’s music scene isn’t just about sitting back and listening – it’s about stepping up to the mic yourself. Karaoke here is an art form, whether it’s an Irish pub where the crowd cheers you on for a free drink, a buzzing Filipino nightspot where every table is ready to jump in for a duet, or a K-pop booth where you can live out your idol dreams in full neon-lit glory. It’s a city where talent and enthusiasm get equal praise from fans. From long-standing pubs that have been home to live bands for decades to sleek new lounges bringing in international acts, from hidden gems in Al Ain to Yas Island’s big-hitters, Abu Dhabi’s music offering is as diverse as the people who live here. And whether you’re in the mood for an intimate acoustic session, a full-scale gig, or an all-out sing-along with friends, there’s a venue that’s ready to make your night one definitely one to remember. COYA While the food at COYA is top-notch, it’s the atmosphere that keeps us coming back again and again. Not only can you enjoy Peruvian flavours but if you head there on Saturdays, you’ll be able to enjoy live music from COYA’s resident DJ. Get ready to party. O Open Mon-Thu 6.30pm-11.30pm; Fri 6.30pm- 12.15am; Sat 7pm-12.15am; Sun 6.30pm-11pm. The Galleria Al Maryah Island, coyarestaurant.com (02 306 7000). Fado There’s a good reason to visit Fado every night of the week, from the pub quiz on Mondays to the ladies’ night on Wednesdays for two free drinks. And if you visit on Mondays to Fridays, you’ll be treated to a live band performing between 8pm and midnight. Keep your eye out for when different acts are announced. O Mon-Fri 8pm-midnight. Oryx Hotel, Khalidiya, @fadoabudhabi (02 692 2218). Hemingway’s A popular haunt for watching the sport, when the screens are blank you can head here for live music instead. The Once Duo band performs here throughout the week. If you’re into music, this is where to go. O Open Mon-Thu 4pm-2am; Fri-Sun noon-2am. Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Corniche (02 692 4999). COYA Hemingway’sNext >