Why F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is a sell-out every year

Even before the lights turn green at Yas Marina Circuit for the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, UAE's capital will be abuzz with sporting and musical entertainment unrivalled by any international race host city.

Race goers need not wait till the action on track begins during the weekend of November 27-29 to lap up the excitement.

The Yasalam festival, produced and orchestrated by Flash, now in its seventh year promises to deliver  seven weeks of music, entertainment, health, community and UAE culture celebrations reaching a crescendo from November 19.

"A huge amount of work goes so that the festival grows and develops every year. The F1 Fan Zone will open one week before race weekend. It's always a fun area for families to come down and take part in interactive games and simulators," said Reeva Bains, VP marketing and communications of Flash at the launch of #Yasalam2015 at Yas Viceroy hotel in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

“We are delighted to once again be a part of the exciting Yasalam Festival and be welcoming an incredible set of international artists to Yas Island for the After Race concerts," said Clive Dwyer, director of Destination Management, Yas Island.

“The programme of events during race weekend, along with an unmatched programme of year-round events, theme parks, shopping, and unique experiences, makes Yas Island a world-class destination like no other, with something for every visitor,” he added.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has always provided a thrilling finale to the Formula One season and been a sell-out each year.

Organisers believe it will be no different this time and people are being urged to buy a ticket before it’s too late.

Ticket holders will be eligible to enjoy four electrifying days of world-class entertainment at the du Arena as Enrique Iglesias, Florence + the Machine and British band blur.

Some categories are already sold out, with limited availability in other areas, according to the organisers.

As well as purchasing tickets online from Yas Marina Circuit, race fans can also download the YasHUB app from Apple and Android stores.

For race tickets call 800 YAS (927), visit www.yasmarinacircuit.com or go to Virgin Megastores and Etihad Airways Shops across the UAE.

“The announcement comes on the back of very strong ticket sales to date thanks to a strong summer showing that saw massive demand from international markets,” explained Nick McElwee, Director of Sales & Marketing at Yas Marina Circuit.

“Such global interest is largely in part to the joint efforts and support from our partners and title sponsors Etihad Airways, as well as the global presence of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority.

“Even though capacity remains at 60,000 – the same as 2014 – interest in the UAE’s biggest and best sporting and entertainment weekend has proven even greater than last year with a record, sell out weekend expected once again.”

The development of Yas Island has enhanced the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, according to McElwee.

"2009 was our first grand prix. We sold out then and we sold out every single year. It's because Abu Dhabi Grand Prix brings new interesting innovations and experiences every year. The reason why we also see a large influx of international visitors as well as local fans attending the race year after year," added McElwee who has been associated with the race since the inception.

"So if we think back in 2009 there was no Ferrari World, there was no Waterworld or Yas Mall. We have that plus we have obviously the Oasis area activation around the grand prix itself, the after race artistes and Yasalam festival across Abu Dhabi. Really this grand prix has electrified Abu Dhabi and has got bigger and bigger every year," he said.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is not just about racing.

"I think the important thing is there is a huge momentum behind the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. We built and developed it over seven years. Abu Dhabi really comes to gether to deliver a citywide experience so it is more than a race. It's much more than a race I think," said McElwee.

"The important thing is Abu Dhabi appeals to racing fans and casual fans because they are coming for overall experience. But it's never really about what happens on the track from the competitive point of view because just seeing those cars out there racing is an excitement and spectacle in itself," he said irrespective of whether the title is at stake.

Briton Lewis Hamilton, winner in Abu Dhabi last year, is on course for a triple world title after notching his eighth win of the season to open up a 48-point lead over Mercedes team mate Nico Rosberg with five races to go. Ferrari's Sebastien Vettel's title hopes were all but killed off in Suzuka as the German now trails Hamilton by 59 points.
 
"If the championships is sewn up before hand, it is still a race. These are drivers at the pinnacle of their career and they go out to compete. So they are racing and competing regardless of whether the championship is decided or not. They still want to win the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. So we will see great track action," said McElwee on why Abu Dhabi promises another thrilling finale to the season.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.