The who’s who of the country’s corporate community and their mothers-in-law seems to be going to the Yas Marina Circuit tomorrow to witness the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix.
So it’s apt that we remind you that while unlimited fun of the need-for-speed kind is, definitely, in store, there are a few restrictions that you must keep in mind while attending the event.
Abu Dhabi’s F1 Higher Security Committee, mandated to supervise, control and develop the security plans related to the Formula-1 Grand Prix, has announced a list of items not permitted to be brought into the Yas Marina Circuit during Formula 1 in Abu Dhabi tomorrow.
According to adverts run by the Committee in today’s papers, among the list of such banned items are firearms and ammunition, and non-firearm weapons including swords, daggers and batons etc. Also not allowed are laser devices, loud speakers, and banners or clothes bearing political, religious or ethnic slogans.
So far, so good. But the list also features a few seemingly innocuous items, including baby carriages (prams and strollers), long umbrellas, cold boxes and helium balloons.
And the adverts conclude with this warning: “This list does not include all the hazardous items. During personal search, policemen may refuse or allow bringing in any other items which are not included in this list. This is left to their own discretion.”
Here’s a list of prohibited and restricted items, courtesy the Abu Dhabi Police website.
PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED ITEMS
Prohibited items are those forbidden under the laws of the UAE e.g. firearms, explosives and other weapons. Contravention of the law in any way is a very serious matter.
Restricted items are those not permitted to be brought to the Circuit for various reasons. Restricted items are not illegal and you will be asked to return such items to your car. There is no “check-in” facility provided so please check what you are bringing before attempting to enter Yas Marina Circuit.
The following is a list of things that you must NOT bring to the circuit:
i. Any alcohol, food, beverages, glass bottle or container, any metal flag or banner pole, any flag or banner pole longer than 1 metre, chairs, benches, stools, any cooler box or hamper or helium balloons;
ii. Pets or animals (other than a guide dog used to assist a Patron with a disability);
iii. Any item that could be used as a weapon or firearm (whether imitation or not);
iv. Golf buggies, bicycles, scooters, skateboards and roller blades/skates, fireworks, laser pointers, frisbees, prams and strollers, musical instruments and/or amplification equipment including public address systems, distress signals, whistles, loud hailers, horn or bugle, electronic equipment or other broadcast equipment;
v. Any other item for which a Patron does not, in the opinion of ADMM [Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management], have an ordinary and reasonable use and which may be used to damage or deface property, buildings or any part of the Circuit and surrounding areas, hinder, obstruct or interrupt the Race or adversely affect public safety, any goods or Tickets for the purpose of sale or commercial distribution, any dangerous goods and any other item prohibited by law.
NO SMOKING POLICY
For the comfort of all ticket holders, please note that smoking is not permitted in any Grandstand or inside any building on Yas Marina Circuit.
(https://www.adpolice.gov.ae/hsc/ProhibitedItemsEN.pdf)