Sports enthusiasts in Abu Dhabi and the tourism industry across the country have a lot to be excited given the schedule of events set to follow in the next few weeks.
While the Fifa Club World Cup takes precedent in December, this month’s 2017 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix over the weekend of the 24-26, in its own right, will capture the attention of those within and outside the country's borders.
From its debut in 2009, Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit has become one of the most iconic settings for the season finale of the world championship calendar.
While defending champion Lewis Hamilton has already retained his crown this season with his win at the Mexican GP two weeks ago, the final race will still generate as much lustre as it has in the past. While the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is broadcast to millions around the world, it is safe to say that the two-hour race will act as a commercial advertisement for Brand Abu Dhabi and the wider country. For example, the 2016 race saw a peak audience of 4.99 million viewers in the UK who watched Nico Rosberg clinch his first ever Drivers’ Championship at the event.
“We have been in both positions when the race went to the wire and when it was already decided and, on both occasions, the response was pretty much the same. It did not take anything away from the event itself,” pointed out Al Tareq Al Ameri, the chief executive at Yas Marina Circuit, during the launch of the 2017-18 calendar in September.
Now in its ninth year, Abu Dhabi has reaped the benefits of joining forces with Bernie Ecclestone, the former chief executive of the Formula One Group, which manages Formula One and controls the commercial rights to the sport, and part-owns Delta Topco, the ultimate parent company of the Formula One Group. As such, he was commonly described in the media as "F1 Supremo". The association helped the emirate garner much positive global PR while showcasing it as a major poster event for the city and the country as a whole.
As Liberty Media looks at invigorating the sport by making it more accessible to fans while potentially bringing in new followers, there is no hint that plans could include greater fan access to the drivers, which is a common sight across the Indy Car series in the United States.
While new innovative ways of engaging with the fans are being considered, officials at Yas Marina have got a few tactics up their sleeves to keep them entertained.
"Not only do our fans get all the on-track action, but off-track they will get to experience A-list after-race concerts, the chance to get the best-access to the after-race concerts with our Golden Circle up-grade packages, fantastic entertainment in our Oasis Areas, a 'Kids Go Free' offer this year on the Friday for the first time which allows an adult three-day Grandstand ticket holders to bring up to four children under 12 to the event and finally, easy access to Yas Island entertainment including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Yas WaterWorld," Nick McElwee, the director of sales and marketing at Yas Marina Circuit, tells The National.
The sold-out event brings in huge number of spectators from across the region and beyond, primarily from Europe. And with the influx of spectators comes a boost in revenues for businesses in Abu Dhabi with some hotels achieving 100 per cent occupancy rates.
“We are lucky to have both our hotels, Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi Yas Island and Park Inn by Radisson Abu Dhabi Yas Island hotels run a strong occupancy throughout the year, around the mid-80s. During the race weekend, we will have 100 per cent occupancy in both hotels,” says Stephen Kamat, the communications director at the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group.
For Mark Griffiths, the regional vice president and managing director at Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi - the only hotel located atop an actual F1 track - this event is key and "really an asset to hold on to".
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Read more:
Abu Dhabi welcomes more than 3.5 million guests so far this year
Formula One is a cash king with big appeal
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"We have seen the F1 weekend grow year-on-year and we are pleased to report that 2017 is pacing well ahead of last year for rooms, hospitality and restaurants," he says.
However, there is more to consider than just the usual hospitality hotels in the vicinity offer. To reap the benefits and create a larger brand value, hotels have to think about innovative ways to keep their guests entertained - and wanting to come back.
“We have some big and exciting after-race parties for everyone at our restaurants & bars," Mr Kamat tells The National. "Filini Garden, a stylish sophisticated new lounge that will launch very soon, will have an exciting line-up of international DJ's and live performances. For Latin music lovers, Amerigos Mexican Bar & Restaurant will be offering an F1 themed street party brunch and live music. Then Belgian Beer Cafe Yas Island, which was quite the popular venue last year, will have a DJ and saxophonist playing house tunes. On top of that, we plan on having a pop-up nightclub set up in our ballroom open for all party goers."
Yas Viceroy will continue to be the social hub for Formula One from day to night, with an option for everyone, whether looking for relaxed trackside dining or a party vibe.
"For the fifth year running, we have partnered with Rich List Group, however, this year we will making it even bigger and better by hosting a series of world-class acts in the Palm Garden," says Mr Griffiths. "American rapper and producer, Busta Rhymes will be performing on Friday November 24, British singer and song writer Craig David will be giving his first TS5 DJ set in the UAE on Saturday 25, with rapper Rick Ro$$ marking the grand finale on Sunday."
But for F1 in general, there is a cloud hanging over the sport, which has come under heavy scrutiny surrounding the sale of Formula One Group to Liberty Media Corporation earlier in the year.
The boss of the UK's Serious Fraud Office (SFO) this summer promised to carry out a "thorough examination" of bribery allegations in F1 following a tip-off by the British policymaker Damian Collins.
The London SFO director David Green is considering whether the Concorde Implementation Agreement, which underpins F1, broke the Bribery Act.
The contract was signed in 2013 by F1's governing body, the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and rights holder Formula One World Championship (FOWC). The agreement sets out how the rules that govern F1 are made.
In 2013 it was changed at the expense of the four smallest teams by giving votes to the top six teams, with the FIA and FOWC also getting six votes each. The contract says the FIA will be paid US$5 million for signing up. Mr Collins said in July "the SFO is reviewing materials pursuant to allegations of bribery and corruption". All parties deny any wrongdoing.
Christian Sylt, the publisher of F1's industry monitor Formula Money, provides some insight on how the investigations could alter the way sponsors look at their investments within the sport now.
"If the fraud investigators conclude that there are reasonable grounds to suspect serious or complex fraud, sponsors could claim that it damaged their reputation, giving them reason to pull out," he tells The National. "Similar to what happened at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, when the Renault F1 team lost a number of sponsors in the wake of it being implicated in a race-fixing scandal."
While any negative conclusions from the investigation might not have an immediate impact, in the long term, the organisation of the sport as is could be cast in doubt.
"The focus of the investigation is not on the races so it isn't likely that it will directly affect the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. However it could indirectly affect it as it could have an impact on the future of the owners and management of F1," Mr Sylt says.
"This is because the UK authorities may move from a pre-investigation to an investigation, which would be a criminal investigation and would carry commensurate penalties,” he adds.
Meanwhile, officials at the circuit are working tirelessly to create a modern fan experience while making sure safety comes first. Few realise the effort that takes place behind the scenes to keep the event functioning smoothly.
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Read more:
Behind the scenes: Yas Marina Circuit prepares for Abu Dhabi GP – in pictures
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"We have a rolling 12-month planning programme that sits under a long-term and ongoing strategy to position Abu Dhabi as a world-class, leading Grand Prix," says Mr McElwee. "As a promoter, we work tirelessly to update and improve the overall Abu Dhabi Grand Prix fan experience from every aspect – including safety – and it's important that after every Grand Prix we wrap up with a comprehensive understanding of what worked well and where we can innovate for the future."
As the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is on a rolling contract, the race's long-term future in the city looks secure.
"F1 has boosted the profile of Abu Dhabi on the international stage but, crucially, it is part of a wider local entertainment complex featuring the various theme parks around it along with a Warner Bros indoor theme park with a Sea World park also on the horizon," points out Mr Sylt. "This could potentially rival Dubai Parks & Resorts and could even attract visitors from Orlando, which is known as the theme park capital of the world. The benefit of the race is that it showcases this to an estimated 154,000 spectators who visit annually."
Mr Kamat and Mr Griffiths agree the race has expanded visibility for their respective hotels and Abu Dhabi in general.
“Since the first race in 2009, the capital has received huge media exposure, both locally and internationally, which helped in positioning it as a tourist destination," says Mr kamat. "Hosting the race in Abu Dhabi has also helped create additional demand in the city and while the Yas Island hotels may close 100 per cent [full] over the race days ... and the city hotels also achieve high occupancy levels, which directly shows the success this event brings.
"But beyond the race weekend the whole event in tandem with the fantastic leisure attractions such as Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Yas Mall and the many exciting new leisure and cultural projects being developed, all helps raise awareness of Abu Dhabi as a leading leisure destination."
Mr Kamat says the unique architecture of the Yas Viceroy has been key in boosting the venue's visibility globally.
"The hotel’s distinctive design ensures it is instantly recognisable on TV screenings of the racing and it has quickly become an icon in the UAE.
"However, Yas Viceroy is far more than just the race weekend, and has experienced tremendous growth in recent years from the local and international markets across leisure, MICE and other sectors. The race weekend is an excellent platform to showcase the hotel to an international audience and demonstrate our ability to host large-scale events and functions."
And similar sentiment is echoed by Mr. McElwee, whose team aims to make sure that Abu Dhabi’s status remains in the global conscience after the F1 race weekend.
"We now have tens of thousands of people from more than 170 countries attending the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix each year and this year we are on track to see 65 per cent of attendees being non-UAE residents," he says.
"That is because we not only provide world-class motor sport action on track but great value, and unmatched world-class entertainment off the track, too.”
So it seems the future's bright for F1 in Abu Dhabi, the perfect mix of sophistication and raw power.
The specs
Engine: 3-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 400hp
Torque: 475Nm
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Price: From Dh215,900
On sale: Now
The biog
Favourite food: Tabbouleh, greek salad and sushi
Favourite TV show: That 70s Show
Favourite animal: Ferrets, they are smart, sensitive, playful and loving
Favourite holiday destination: Seychelles, my resolution for 2020 is to visit as many spiritual retreats and animal shelters across the world as I can
Name of first pet: Eddy, a Persian cat that showed up at our home
Favourite dog breed: I love them all - if I had to pick Yorkshire terrier for small dogs and St Bernard's for big
Business Insights
- Canada and Mexico are significant energy suppliers to the US, providing the majority of oil and natural gas imports
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- US domestic suppliers might benefit from higher prices, but overall oil consumption is expected to decrease due to elevated costs
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City's slump
L - Juventus, 2-0
D - C Palace, 2-2
W - N Forest, 3-0
L - Liverpool, 2-0
D - Feyenoord, 3-3
L - Tottenham, 4-0
L - Brighton, 2-1
L - Sporting, 4-1
L - Bournemouth, 2-1
L - Tottenham, 2-1
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Qyubic
Started: October 2023
Founder: Namrata Raina
Based: Dubai
Sector: E-commerce
Current number of staff: 10
Investment stage: Pre-seed
Initial investment: Undisclosed
How to register as a donor
1) Organ donors can register on the Hayat app, run by the Ministry of Health and Prevention
2) There are about 11,000 patients in the country in need of organ transplants
3) People must be over 21. Emiratis and residents can register.
4) The campaign uses the hashtag #donate_hope
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
Company%20Profile
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Farasan Boat: 128km Away from Anchorage
Director: Mowaffaq Alobaid
Stars: Abdulaziz Almadhi, Mohammed Al Akkasi, Ali Al Suhaibani
Rating: 4/5
WHAT%20IS%20THE%20LICENSING%20PROCESS%20FOR%20VARA%3F
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Is it worth it? We put cheesecake frap to the test.
The verdict from the nutritionists is damning. But does a cheesecake frappuccino taste good enough to merit the indulgence?
My advice is to only go there if you have unusually sweet tooth. I like my puddings, but this was a bit much even for me. The first hit is a winner, but it's downhill, slowly, from there. Each sip is a little less satisfying than the last, and maybe it was just all that sugar, but it isn't long before the rush is replaced by a creeping remorse. And half of the thing is still left.
The caramel version is far superior to the blueberry, too. If someone put a full caramel cheesecake through a liquidiser and scooped out the contents, it would probably taste something like this. Blueberry, on the other hand, has more of an artificial taste. It's like someone has tried to invent this drink in a lab, and while early results were promising, they're still in the testing phase. It isn't terrible, but something isn't quite right either.
So if you want an experience, go for a small, and opt for the caramel. But if you want a cheesecake, it's probably more satisfying, and not quite as unhealthy, to just order the real thing.
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
TO A LAND UNKNOWN
Director: Mahdi Fleifel
Starring: Mahmoud Bakri, Aram Sabbah, Mohammad Alsurafa
Rating: 4.5/5
Mobile phone packages comparison
A timeline of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language
- 2018: Formal work begins
- November 2021: First 17 volumes launched
- November 2022: Additional 19 volumes released
- October 2023: Another 31 volumes released
- November 2024: All 127 volumes completed
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
The Bio
Hometown: Bogota, Colombia
Favourite place to relax in UAE: the desert around Al Mleiha in Sharjah or the eastern mangroves in Abu Dhabi
The one book everyone should read: 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. It will make your mind fly
Favourite documentary: Chasing Coral by Jeff Orlowski. It's a good reality check about one of the most valued ecosystems for humanity
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Company%20Profile
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Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The specs
Engine: Direct injection 4-cylinder 1.4-litre
Power: 150hp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: From Dh139,000
On sale: Now
Our legal consultants
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Cry Macho
Director: Clint Eastwood
Stars: Clint Eastwood, Dwight Yoakam
Rating:**
Fast%20X
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Louis%20Leterrier%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Vin%20Diesel%2C%20Michelle%20Rodriguez%2C%20Jason%20Statham%2C%20Tyrese%20Gibson%2C%20Ludacris%2C%20Jason%20Momoa%2C%20John%20Cena%2C%20Jordana%20Brewster%2C%20Nathalie%20Emmanuel%2C%20Sung%20Kang%2C%20Brie%20Larson%2C%20Helen%20Mirren%20and%20Charlize%20Theron%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
Engine: 2.9-litre, V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: seven-speed PDK dual clutch automatic
Power: 375bhp
Torque: 520Nm
Price: Dh332,800
On sale: now
A new relationship with the old country
Treaty of Friendship between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates
The United kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates; Considering that the United Arab Emirates has assumed full responsibility as a sovereign and independent State; Determined that the long-standing and traditional relations of close friendship and cooperation between their peoples shall continue; Desiring to give expression to this intention in the form of a Treaty Friendship; Have agreed as follows:
ARTICLE 1 The relations between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates shall be governed by a spirit of close friendship. In recognition of this, the Contracting Parties, conscious of their common interest in the peace and stability of the region, shall: (a) consult together on matters of mutual concern in time of need; (b) settle all their disputes by peaceful means in conformity with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations.
ARTICLE 2 The Contracting Parties shall encourage education, scientific and cultural cooperation between the two States in accordance with arrangements to be agreed. Such arrangements shall cover among other things: (a) the promotion of mutual understanding of their respective cultures, civilisations and languages, the promotion of contacts among professional bodies, universities and cultural institutions; (c) the encouragement of technical, scientific and cultural exchanges.
ARTICLE 3 The Contracting Parties shall maintain the close relationship already existing between them in the field of trade and commerce. Representatives of the Contracting Parties shall meet from time to time to consider means by which such relations can be further developed and strengthened, including the possibility of concluding treaties or agreements on matters of mutual concern.
ARTICLE 4 This Treaty shall enter into force on today’s date and shall remain in force for a period of ten years. Unless twelve months before the expiry of the said period of ten years either Contracting Party shall have given notice to the other of its intention to terminate the Treaty, this Treaty shall remain in force thereafter until the expiry of twelve months from the date on which notice of such intention is given.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned have signed this Treaty.
DONE in duplicate at Dubai the second day of December 1971AD, corresponding to the fifteenth day of Shawwal 1391H, in the English and Arabic languages, both texts being equally authoritative.
Signed
Geoffrey Arthur Sheikh Zayed
Jewel of the Expo 2020
252 projectors installed on Al Wasl dome
13.6km of steel used in the structure that makes it equal in length to 16 Burj Khalifas
550 tonnes of moulded steel were raised last year to cap the dome
724,000 cubic metres is the space it encloses
Stands taller than the leaning tower of Pisa
Steel trellis dome is one of the largest single structures on site
The size of 16 tennis courts and weighs as much as 500 elephants
Al Wasl means connection in Arabic
World’s largest 360-degree projection surface
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants
Biog
Mr Kandhari is legally authorised to conduct marriages in the gurdwara
He has officiated weddings of Sikhs and people of different faiths from Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Russia, the US and Canada
Father of two sons, grandfather of six
Plays golf once a week
Enjoys trying new holiday destinations with his wife and family
Walks for an hour every morning
Completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Loyola College, Chennai, India
2019 is a milestone because he completes 50 years in business
Heavily-sugared soft drinks slip through the tax net
Some popular drinks with high levels of sugar and caffeine have slipped through the fizz drink tax loophole, as they are not carbonated or classed as an energy drink.
Arizona Iced Tea with lemon is one of those beverages, with one 240 millilitre serving offering up 23 grams of sugar - about six teaspoons.
A 680ml can of Arizona Iced Tea costs just Dh6.
Most sports drinks sold in supermarkets were found to contain, on average, five teaspoons of sugar in a 500ml bottle.
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
Ticket prices
- Golden circle - Dh995
- Floor Standing - Dh495
- Lower Bowl Platinum - Dh95
- Lower Bowl premium - Dh795
- Lower Bowl Plus - Dh695
- Lower Bowl Standard- Dh595
- Upper Bowl Premium - Dh395
- Upper Bowl standard - Dh295