The Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will see a return to full capacity for spectators at Yas Marina Circuit, organisers have announced.
Aligned with the latest government regulations, a maximum attendance will get to see the action from December 9-12 at the last race of the season.
The event will showcase motorsport’s biggest stars, including Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Valterri Bottas, and Lando Norris, taking on the newly reconfigured track for the first time.
Modifications have been made to set up more dramatic spectacle and increased opportunities for overtaking, with Yas hosting what could be the championship decider between Mercedes’ Hamilton and Red Bull’s Verstappen.
Fans attending this year’s event can also look forward to the return of after-race concerts. Grammy nominated artists Khalid and Lewis Capaldi are the first to be announced.
Al Tareq Al Ameri, CEO of Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management, said: “On behalf of everyone at Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management and Yas Marina Circuit, I think I can safely say we are thrilled that the latest update in government regulations allows us to safely return to full capacity at the venue and announce that additional tickets are now on sale.
“We look forward to welcoming back fans for what’s set up to be a fantastic weekend of sport and entertainment at Yas Marina Circuit. The boost in spectators to be a full crowd present on race day will play a special role in creating the atmosphere and buzz we have come to associate with the event as a highlight of the UAE’s sporting calendar.
“We will continue to work closely with Formula One and all key stakeholders to ensure all relevant safety procedures are implemented to guarantee the safety of everybody present, including the requirement for all in attendance to be vaccinated and present a Green Pass on the Al Hosn app.”
John Lickrish, CEO Flash Entertainment, said: “The return to full capacity is wonderful news and is testament to Abu Dhabi’s rapid, coordinated response to the pandemic and a progressive approach to recovery.
"We always ensure we deliver unmissable experiences to the highest safety standards and we can’t wait to bring an exciting weekend of world-class sport and live entertainment."
A selection of precautionary measures will remain in place, including temperature checking, venue sanitisation and social distancing. In accordance with government regulations, masks will be required at all times and all spectators will need to present a green pass through the Al Hosn app and a negative PCR test within 48-hours.
Tickets can be purchased via www.yasmarinacircuit.com
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Chatto & Windus
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THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo
Transmission: seven-speed dual clutch automatic
Power: 169bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: Dh54,500
On sale: now
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What drives subscription retailing?
Once the domain of newspaper home deliveries, subscription model retailing has combined with e-commerce to permeate myriad products and services.
The concept has grown tremendously around the world and is forecast to thrive further, according to UnivDatos Market Insights’ report on recent and predicted trends in the sector.
The global subscription e-commerce market was valued at $13.2 billion (Dh48.5bn) in 2018. It is forecast to touch $478.2bn in 2025, and include the entertainment, fitness, food, cosmetics, baby care and fashion sectors.
The report says subscription-based services currently constitute “a small trend within e-commerce”. The US hosts almost 70 per cent of recurring plan firms, including leaders Dollar Shave Club, Hello Fresh and Netflix. Walmart and Sephora are among longer established retailers entering the space.
UnivDatos cites younger and affluent urbanites as prime subscription targets, with women currently the largest share of end-users.
That’s expected to remain unchanged until 2025, when women will represent a $246.6bn market share, owing to increasing numbers of start-ups targeting women.
Personal care and beauty occupy the largest chunk of the worldwide subscription e-commerce market, with changing lifestyles, work schedules, customisation and convenience among the chief future drivers.
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Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.