- City Fajr Shuruq Duhr Asr Magrib Isha
- Dubai 04:32 05:49 12:21 15:48 18:47 20:04
Al Tareq Al Ameri (centre), CEO of Yas Marina Circuit, addressing a press conference on Sunday at the official launch of the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. (Supplied)
Yas Marina Circuit officially launched the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, announcing that tickets are now on sale.
They are available online at www.yasmarinacircuit.com and through the Yas Marina Circuit Call Centre (800 927) or +971 (0) 2 659 9800, as well as through all Etihad Shops and Virgin Megastores.
Those booking before May 31 can take advantage of the 20 per cent ‘Early Bird’ discount, with a special 30 per cent ‘Early Bird’ discount for Marina Grandstand tickets.
Demand is expected to be at an all-time high following 2014’s record-breaking, sell-out race weekend.
Last year saw more than 60,000 fans enjoy a spectacular finale to a nail-biting season and a race-weekend that generated 1.9 billion twitter impressions for the ‘#AbuDhabiGP’ hashtag, and which trended number one worldwide on race day.
The weekend also recorded the highest customer satisfaction scores to date, with an unprecedented 99 per cent of racegoers surveyed saying they had enjoyed their overall experience.
With capacity remaining at 60,000 for 2015, this year’s tagline is ‘Go Beyond’ and reflects the expectations of an even more fulfilling experience for race goers across all aspects of the weekend.
Fans will enjoy a greater selection of entertainment options, enhanced hospitality including the new Marsa Boxes for corporate guests, as well as all-new individual ticket packages, including the introduction of a one-day roaming ticket for Friday.
Returning to Yas Marina Circuit on November 27, 28 and 29, the world’s only twilight race will be the last of the 2015 season, and could potentially decide the prestigious F1 driver’s championship title once again.
“Last year was a tremendous success and we are looking to build on that in 2015,” said Al Tareq Al Ameri, CEO of Yas Marina Circuit. “Our ‘Go Beyond’ ethos means that we are constantly aiming to improve our visitor experience and that the race weekend is about more than what happens on the track. This is our seventh Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and we keep going from strength to strength. Since we started in 2009 our weekend has become a signature event, not just on the Abu Dhabi calendar but on the international sporting stage.”
Local culture will form a backdrop to the motor racing drama as the UAE’s biggest and best sporting and entertainment weekend will kick-start the UAE National Day celebrations in the Emirates, a major theme of this year’s Grand Prix.
This will be reflected in an increase in heritage-related, off-track activities, affording the many thousands of international visitors an authentic taste of Emirati tradition and history.
Away from the racing action, visitors are guaranteed a packed programme of entertainment, including world-class, A-list musical artists at the after-race concerts, and Oasis areas in all public sections boasting a wide range of exhibitions, challenges and games to keep the whole family amused.
Foodies are in for a real treat this year with the promise of a celebrity chef showcasing his culinary flair in the corporate boxes, while individual ticket holders can savour a sumptuous brunch as the tension mounts ahead of the daily racing action.
A range of celebrity meet-and-greets exclusive to those enjoying corporate hospitality in the Marsa Boxes and Suites will wow those attending as they get the chance to rub shoulders with global stars, as well as the chance of spending time with F1 racing legend Mark Webber – guaranteed to make your weekend an unforgettable experience.
Fans will be immersed in an interactive, digital experience in the run up to, and during the weekend.
With the ‘#AbuDhabiGP’ hashtag making a welcome return in 2015, organisers are promising a more enhanced, integrated digital proposition.
This includes a new improved YasHUB smartphone app allowing visitors to plan every element of their race weekend and stay up to date with the latest race news and information, as well as virtual reality experiences.
Faisal Al Sheikh, Events Bureau Director at Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, said: “We’re confident that this year’s F1 weekend will attract a higher proportion of international visitors drawn by the wider global appeal that Abu Dhabi offers as a destination, and entice them to stay on after the race to see more of the emirate’s attractions and enjoy Yas Island’s array of luxury hospitality options and leisure facilities.
“As one of the world’s fastest growing tourism hubs, Abu Dhabi offers guests from around the world a complete visitor experience set against the glamour and excitement of Formula 1 racing.”
Shane O’Hare, Etihad Airways’ Senior Vice-President Marketing, said: “As title sponsors of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since its inauguration in 2009, we are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with Formula 1 and Yas Marina Circuit. Signing the contract extension in 2014 signals our belief and commitment in what has proved an extremely successful partnership.
“As this unique event grows so does Abu Dhabi’s global reputation as a world-class hub for the aviation industry. Our extensive airline network offers visitors from across the globe the chance to experience for themselves the prestige and excitement of the UAE’s must-see sporting weekend.”
To ‘Go Beyond’ for more information, please visit:
To maximise your F1 weekend experience, download the YasHUB smartphone app: https://www.yasmarinacircuit.com/en/formula-1/yashub-app
Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.