Prince, Kate Moss, Linkin Park: the Formula 1 guide

No, the Abu Dhabi Formula One party doesn’t start on the weekend, it begins now. This very evening, with Kelly Rowland (ok, ok, we know), but over the weekend, there’s performances from Ferry Corsten, Haifa Wehbe, Sarah McLachlan, Erick Morillo and a certain purple person.

This is your day-by-day, save-and-print master list of events for the weekend, so make sure you check back regularly for updates. Before we go on, we’ve one question for the organisers, though. What does the Bollywood-loving crowd do?

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10

Kelly Rowland and Clarita de Quiroz
A varied bill of entertainment kicks off the free concerts at Abu Dhabi Corniche. Classically trained pianist Clarita de Quiroz is followed by Lebanese artist Melissa, Tunisia’s Ahmed Al Sherif, UK act Chipmunk and Destiny’s Child singer Kelly Rowland.
The details: From 7pm to 11.30pm, at Abu Dhabi Corniche. Free entry

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11

Rola Sa’ad and Sean Paul
It’s something for everybody again! UAE ska act Shu?, Lebanese singers Rola Sa’ad and Melhem Zein, UK act The Beat, and Grammy-winning “Dutty Rock” boy Sean Paul.
The details: From 7pm to 11.30pm, at Abu Dhabi Corniche. Free entry

Ferry Corsten and Sean Paul
DJ lovers, this is where you’re headed: Dutch master Ferry Corsten is joined by Fatman Scoop, Adam Clay and Sean Paul, who nips over after he’s done at the beach.
The details: From 11pm to 4am at Skybar, Flash Forum, Yas Island, tickets from Dh500, log on to thinkflash.ae

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12

Haifa Wehbe and Sophie Ellis Bextor
Kuwaiti jazz act Kamal Mussalam, Dubai rock band Beat Antenna, British pop starlet Sophie Ellis Bextor, US rapper Fabolous and multi-platinum Lebanese artist Haifa Wehbe, who’s perhaps better known for her amazing wardrobe.
The details: From 7pm to 11.30pm, at Abu Dhabi Corniche. Free entry

An intimate Evening with Gabrielle
The multi-platinum British singer is best known for hit singles "Dreams", "Rise" and "Out of Reach”, which propelled her to fame in the early nineties, but she's hard at work on a sixth album now, so expect at least one sneak preview.
The details: Show starts 11pm, tickets from Dh800, VIP tables for six priced at Dh7500, buy them at thinkflash.ae

Beverley Knight at the Chequered Flag Ball
The UK singer-songwriter Beverley Knight performs for an guest list that includes sports stars Eddie Jordan, David Coulthard, Jean Alesi and Boris Becker, plus a last-minute announcement: Kelly Brook and Hugh Grant! Swiss chef Jacques Rossel will prepare a special five-course menu, while items worth Dh300,000 will be auctioned off for the CLIC Sargent charity.
The details: From 7.15pm at the InterContinental Hotel, Abu Dhabi, more information at chequeredflagball.com

Kanye West
The American rapper and record producer, who MTV crowned the "Hottest MC in the Game" in 2008, has received a cumulative 12 Grammys. His shows are known to be variable, depending on whether he’s in a good mood or not, but we’re hoping the Formula One energy gets him revved up enough to give fans an unforgettable night.
The details: From 8m, open only to Grand Prix Ticket Holders, more information is at yasmarinacircuit.ae

Basement Jaxx and Tinie Tempah
Patrik Chukwuem Okogwu Jr is better known to fans as Tinie Tempah, and the boy from the South London borough of Plumstead has found himself a massive fan following over the last five years, with his debut record, “Disc-Overy”, going straight in No1 this year. UAE club regulars Basement Jaxx join him on the bill, as do Kelis and Rudy.
The details: From 11pm to 4am at Skybar, Flash Forum, Yas Island, tickets from Dh500, log on to thinkflash.ae

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13

Kelis and Cyrine Abdel Noor
Four acts take to the stage on Saturday: the UAE’s Absolace, Lebanon’s Cyrine Abdel Noor, American reggae outfit Easy Star All Stars and Grammy-nominated electro-R&B singer Kelis.
The details: From 7pm to 11.30pm, at Abu Dhabi Corniche. Free entry

An intimate evening with Sugababes
Sugababes, amazingly, have been named by The Guinness Book of World Records as the most successful female act of the 21st century. No, we can't understand it either, but they do have six UK number one singles and 18 UK top ten hits to their credit. The line-up consists of members Heidi Range, Amelle Berrabah and Jade Ewen.
The details: Show starts 11pm, tickets from Dh800, VIP tables for six priced at Dh7500, buy them at thinkflash.ae

Linkin Park
The American alternative rock band from California’s Agoura Hills has sold over 50 million records worldwide and their latest album, “A Thousand Suns”, has been compared to Radiohead and Pink Floyd. Fresh from their 2010 MTV Europe Music Awards win for Best Live Act, the band is now considered one of the hottest live acts in music, with stadium-sized performances and quiet, intimate performances from lead singer Chester Bennington.
The details: From 8m, open only to Grand Prix Ticket Holders, more information is at yasmarinacircuit.ae

Erick Morillo at Allure
The renowned American spinmeister headlines the opening of Allure by Cipriani, the newest of the region’s superclubs. It’s being run in partnership with the legendary New York venue, where things are known to get quite, err, adventurous. With so many adrenaline-loving characters in town this weekend, some of that Big Apple vibe may well be felt on Yas Island.
The details: From 11.30pm at the Yas Yacht Club, Yas Island. Email allure@cipriani.com for reservations

The Ball
Confirmed to attend are Kate Moss, Samuel L Jackson, Elizabeth Hurley, Claudia Schiffer and Jason Statham, so if you like breathing the same air as these A-listers, this one’s for you. Plus, Grammy-winning singer Sarah McLachlan headlines a bill that includes Sophie Ellis Bextor and Sister Sledge, who replace “X-Factor” singer Leona Lewis. With a four-course dinner and a special auction, proceeds from the event go to The Naked Heart Foundation.
The details: From 8pm to 1am at the Palm Terrace, Yas Hotel; table prices start at Dh25,000 for 10 people, details at theball-abudhabi.com

Flo Rida and Sander Kleinenberg
He may be obnoxious, but he does put on a good show. Flo Rida, we mean, not the Delft DJ darling Sander Kleinenberg. Chris Willis also performs.
The details: From 11pm to 4am at Skybar, Flash Forum, Yas Island, tickets from Dh500, log on to thinkflash.ae

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14

An intimate evening with Corinne Bailey Rae
The singer-songwriter and guitarist from Leeds might be better known for her MOBO and Grammy gongs, but in our book, it's respect for the Mercury Prize nom she won with this year's album, "The Sea". That's bigger than four million albums sold.
The details: Show starts 11pm, tickets from Dh800, VIP tables for six priced at Dh7500, buy them at thinkflash.ae

Prince
Expect the biggest crowds for His Royal Purpleness, the Grammy- and Oscar-winning singer and songwriter once known as "The Artist Formerly Known as Prince" or "TAFKAP". The pop icon plays his first show in the UAE.
The details: From 8m, open only to Grand Prix Ticket Holders, more information is at yasmarinacircuit.ae

Alesha Dixon and Vato Gonzales
She’s better known for “Strictly Come Dancing” than for her music, but we’re loving Alesha Dixon nevertheless. Only, we hope she turns in one of those fabulous dance routines instead of exercising her pipes at this closing event. She’s joined by Gary Pine, who replaced Bob Marley as lead singer of The Wailers, Pitbull and Latin DJ Vato Gonzales.
The details: From 11pm to 4am at Skybar, Flash Forum, Yas Island, tickets from Dh500, log on to thinkflash.ae

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