The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023 is zooming into the capital later this month, and suffice to say, we’re excited.
But not only for the on-track action – we’re just as buzzed about what’s happening across Yas Island over the F1 weekend, with plenty of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023 events lined up.
Planning your weekend out? Here’s where you need to be heading.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023 events
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Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023 events: Brunches
Amerigos
A Latin duo and live DJ will keep the F1 atmosphere alive at Amerigos’ brunches over the weekend. Dig into Mexican delicacies (and sip on Mexican mixed drinks) with chef specials including arroz a la tumbada rombo, barbecued lamb chops and ceviche.
Dhs325 (house beverages). Fri Nov 24 7pm-11pm; Sat Nov 25 12.30pm-4.30pm. Park Inn by Radisson Abu Dhabi, Yas Plaza, @amerigosyasisland (02 656 2000).
Art Market
Putting the breakfast back into brunch this F1 weekend, Art Market will be putting on three F1 brunches between 9am and 1pm. Expect to dig into the brilliant plates that ensured the café was Highly Commended for Best Breakfast at our latest restaurant awards, all paired with house beverages.
Dhs199 (grape, hops and short drinks), Dhs249 (selected mixed drinks), Dhs99 (all mixed drinks and bubbly). Fri Nov 24-Sun Nov
Asia Asia
You can try Asia Asia’s brilliant spice route brunch – which was Highly Commended for Best À La Carte brunch at our Restaurant Awards – on both Saturday and Sunday between 2pm and 5pm. Expect pan-Asian plates, top service and free-flowing beverages.
Dhs275 (soft drinks), Dhs375 (house beverages), Dhs475 (sparkling). Sat Nov 25-Sun Nov 26 2pm-5pm. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, abudhabi.asia-asia.com (02 235 8663).
Café del Mar
Popular beach club Café del Mar will be hosting three F1 brunches over the weekend. You’ll enjoy a poolside barbecue with free-flowing house beverages and live entertainment in the form of dancers and a beachwear fashion show, and there will be live screenings of the F1 action between 4pm and 7pm.
Dhs499 (house beverages). Fri Nov 24 3pm-6pm; Sat Nov 25 2pm-5pm; Sun Nov 26 1pm-4pm. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, cafedelmarabudhabi.com (050 402 2283).
Central
Fun for the whole family is guaranteed at Central’s brunch, which includes burgers and other bites as well as gaming credit to use on the arcades.
Dhs250 (soft drinks), Dhs300 (house beverages), Dhs150 (kids six to 11), Dhs200 (kids 12 to 21). Sat Nov 25 1pm-4pm. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, central-uae.com.
Diablito
On Friday November 24, you’ll be able to grab a sharing-style tapas platter, plus your choice of main course, alongside unlimited house beverages for Dhs550. Spanish restaurant Diablito will then be offering à la carte dishes throughout the rest of the weekend.
Dhs550. Fri Nov 24 1pm-4pm. Yas Marina, diablitofoodandmusic.ae (02 565 1175).
Éla Éla
This brand new opening (seriously brand new – Éla Éla opened its doors in late October) is putting on F1 brunches throughout the weekend, running daily between 1pm and 4pm. It’s a great way to try the Greek eatery’s plates, with a selection of mezze such as tzatziki and harissa labneh followed by starters including grilled octopus and zucchini fritta. For mains, there’s chicken souvlaki, grilled prawns and Greek potatoes. Finish your feast off with baklava ice cream and loukoumades.
Dhs599 (house beverages), Dhs799 (premium beverages), Dhs1,299 (French bubbly). Fri Nov 24-Sun Nov 26 1pm-4pm. Yas Marina, Yas Island, elaela.ae (056 603 7500).
Filini Garden
World-renowned chef Nicola Fossaceca will be taking over the kitchen at Filini Garden over the Grand Prix weekend. The à la carte menu includes cicoria e cicale di mare, ravioli di ricotta and triglia in skapece espresso. “But why is this in the brunch section?” we hear you cry – that’s because you can get unlimited house beverages between 5pm and 7pm daily for just Dhs200. Better still, there will be live entertainment including dancers, a DJ and a saxophonist, throughout the weekend. We’ll see you there.
Dhs200 (house beverages). Thu Nov 23-Sun Nov 26 5pm-7pm. Radisson Blu Hotel, Yas Plaza Hotels, Yas Island, @filinigarden (02 656 2000).
Garage
If you didn’t manage to get F1 tickets, that’s okay, because the hottest ticket in town just might be the brunch at Garage. Directly overlooking the on-track action (W Abu Dhabi is the only hotel over an F1 track in the world), you’ll feast from live cooking stations dedicated to different dishes including the meat vault, the steam table, and nikkei house and the mezze bar, all paired with house beverages. Prices vary based on the date and time of the brunch, as well as if you sit on the terrace or not, and can go up to Dhs6,000 (including bubbly). But watching the racers speed past with a glass of bubbly in hand is practically priceless.
Dhs700 (house beverages, inside seating, Fri or Sat afternoon, Sat evening), Dhs980 (bubbly, inside seating, Fri or Sat afternoon, Sat evening), Dhs1,400 (bubbly, terrace seating, Fri or Sat afternoon), Dhs3,000 (bubbly, terrace seating, Sat evening), Dhs1,500 (house beverages, indoor seating, Sun evening), Dhs2,400 (bubbly, indoor seating, Sun evening), Dhs6,000 (bubbly, terrace seating, Sun evening). Fri Nov 24 1pm-4pm; Sat Nov 25 12.30pm-4.30pm, 4.30pm-7.30pm; Sun 4pm-7pm. W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, wrevup.com (02 656 0000).
Graphos Social Kitchen
Another option for those who didn’t manage to get Abu Dhabi Grand Prix tickets, Graphos Social Kitchen is offering up a French bubbly brunch on Saturday or Sunday alongside three-day Grand Stand tickets, or three-day suite tickets. Brunch and access to the city’s most exciting annual event? We’re in.
Dhs2,800 (French bubbly brunch on Sat Nov 25 or Sun Nov 26, plus three-day Grand Stand ticket, per person), Dhs4,450 (French bubbly brunch on Sat Nov 25 or Sun Nov 26, plus three-day suite ticket, per person), Dhs5,600 (French bubbly brunch for two on Sat Nov 25 or Sun Nov 26, two three-day Grand Stand tickets and one car parking spot for day of brunch), Dhs8,900 (French bubbly brunch for two on Sat Nov 25 or Sun Nov 26, two three-day suite tickets and one car parking spot for day of brunch). Sat Nov 25-Sun Nov 26. Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island (052 547 6318).
Hickory’s
Yas Links pub Hickory’s will be putting on F1 brunches on its outdoor terrace overlooking the golf course. The buffet brunch will have a number of live cooking stations, and there will be a live DJ and saxophonists. You’ll be able to watch the F1 races on screens post-brunch, with happy hours on selected house beverages from 11am until 4pm daily.
Dhs229 (soft drinks), Dhs499 (house beverages), Dhs150 (kids seven to 12). Fri Nov 24-Sun Nov 26 12.30pm-3.30pm. Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Yas Island (02 404 3077).
Ishtar
Dig into Middle Eastern and North African plates at the heart of the action at Ishtar. There will be a live DJ keeping the atmosphere electric, and you can pay extra for seats with racetrack views.
From Dhs499 (house beverages, Fri), Dhs750 (house beverages, Sat or Sun). Fri Nov 24-Sun Nov 26 noon-4pm. Yas Marina, Yas Island, ishtaryasmarina.com (050 402 2293).
Lock, Stock & Barrel
Famed party spot (and Dubai export) Lock, Stock & Barrel will be putting on brunches on both Saturday and Sunday over the F1 weekend. Expect live music and LSB classics like flatbreads, wings and onion rings.
Dhs225 (soft drinks), Dhs275 (house beverages), Dhs325 (sparkling). Sat Nov 25-Sun Nov 26 2pm-5pm. Yas Bay Waterfront, lsbabudhabi.com (04 423 8308).
Penelope’s
We can hardly believe that Penelope’s has only been open for just a year now. The French restaurant and jazz bar burst onto the scene just before last year’s F1, and has more than proven its foodie credentials, having been Highly Commended at our last Restaurant Awards for Best European Restaurant. If you’re still yet to try it, there’s no better time than this year’s F1. There will be F1 brunches daily throughout the weekend, with each running between 1pm and 4pm. Expect dishes like oysters, burrata and pasta paired with house beverages and Yas Marina views.
Dhs699 (house beverages), Dhs899 (premium beverages), Dhs1,299 (French bubbly). Fri Nov 24-Sun Nov 26 1pm-4pm. Yas Marina, Yas Island, penelopes.ae (050 204 2475).
Stars ‘N’ Bars
Bound to be popular, Stars ‘N’ Bars will be running its F1 brunch on Saturday November 25. While this definitely requires pre-booking, Stars ‘N’ Bars will be operating on walk-ins only for the rest of the weekend.
Dhs399. Sat Nov 25 noon-4pm. Yas Marina, Yas Island, abudhabi.starsnbars.ae (02 565 0101).
Stills
You can catch all the F1 action at European restaurant Stills, with real-time coverage on screens throughout the bar. There will be a brunch on Saturday November 25, with live barbecue stations and more. And, if you’re heading down during the evening, you can get a two-hour house beverage package between 5pm and 7pm for Dhs200. Plus, there will be a live band, DJ and dancers. Now that’s what we call a party.
Dhs200 (two-hour house beverage package), Dhs325 (brunch with house beverages and mixed drinks). Thu Nov 23-Sun Nov 26 5pm-7pm; Sat Nov 25 12.30pm-4.30pm. Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, @stillsabudhabi (02 656 3066).
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023 events: Parties
Aioka at Palm Garden
For celebrity spotters and those who love to party, this is one of the top Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023 events. Aioka will once again be taking over Palm Garden, right in the center of action. While the artists for this year are yet to be announced, previous years have seen performances from the likes of Busta Rhymes, Craig David, Ashanti, Rick Ross and Akon. Book now, because this will definitely sell out.
Dhs300 (ladies, Fri or Sat), Dhs400 (ladies, Sun), Dhs750 (general access, Fri), Dhs900 (ladies, weekend pass), Dhs1,000 (general access, Sat), Dhs2,000 (general access, Sun), Dhs3,250 (general access, weekend pass). Open 1pm-2am. W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, aioka.com.
Bagatelle at WET Deck and Skylite
Over at W Abu Dhabi’s rooftop pool WET Deck and lounge Skylite, Bagatelle will be taking over for an epic F1 party. Expect a special menu of French Riviera favourites that’s perfect for sharing as well as a party atmosphere.
Open Thu Nov 23-Sun Nov 26 11am-7pm (pool party), 8pm-late (skylite). W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, bagatelle.com (04 354 5035).
CÉ LA VI at Luna Lounge
Italian restaurant CÉ LA VI will once again be hosting a pop-up at Luna Lounge, overlooking Turns 14, 15 and 16. On Sunday, the space will have a live performance from CLAPTON, and general admission starts from Dhs300, which is fully redeemable on house beverages.
From Dhs300 (general admission), from Dhs4,000 (table for four). Sun Nov 26 9pm-3am. Luna Lounge, Yas Marina Circuit, bit.ly/ClaptoneOnlineBookings.
Easy Tiger at RUSH
Popular bar Easy Tiger will be once again taking over RUSH nightclub over the F1 weekend. With unrivalled views of the track and a pumped up atmosphere, this is another of the top Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023 events you won’t want to miss.
From Dhs599 (Fri brunch, 3pm-8pm), Dhs799 (Sat brunch, 2pm-7pm), Dhs1,499 (Sun brunch, 1pm-5pm), Dhs3,199 (all brunches). W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, easytiger.ae.
Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar
Swing by Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar for an F1 after-party featuring Darko De Jan on the decks on Saturday November 25, and DJ Try-Ky on Sunday November 26.
Fri Nov 24-Sun Nov 26 5pm-2am. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, siddhartalounge-abudhabi.com (050 601 1194).
Soho Beach
Opening for F1 weekend, Soho Beach will be throwing two huge parties on Friday November 24 and Sunday November 26. Originally launched in Dubai, the brand is famed for its nightclub venues in Meydan Racecourse, and we imagine the first Abu Dhabi venue will be equally party-centric. On Friday, you can expect a Music On showcase headlined by Italian electronic music and DJ Loco Dice who will be joined by Loco Dice, and Mason Collective, while on Sunday, Artbat, a Ukrainian electronic music group will be performing. Tickets are Dhs150 a pop, and you’ll be able to book your spot through Platinum List.
Dhs150. Fri Nov 24; Sun Nov 26. Yas Island, @sohobeach.yasisland.
The Irish Vicker’s at Central Plaza
Popular pub The Irish Vicker’s will be taking over Central Plaza at Yas Plaza Hotels. The pop-up will feature a huge screen with live race coverage, and the grub that earned the OG branch the title of Best Pub Food. But the real reason to visit is the entertainment line up, with bands including The International Playboys and ToneDeaf, singers such as Clodagh Bradley and Joe Girvin, and lots of DJs. This spot is walk-in only, so head down early if you don’t want to miss out.
Thu Nov 23-Sun Nov 26. Yas Plaza, walk-ins only.
White Abu Dhabi
The iconic night club on Yas Island is playing host to some big names over the F1 weekend. On Friday November 24, Ja Rule will perform, while on Saturday November 25, Black Coffee will be hitting the decks. Ticket prices are still yet to be announced, so watch this space.
Fri Nov 24-Sat Nov 25. Yas Island, @whiteabudhabi (050 639 8934
Y Bar
Popular haunt Y Bar recently reopened just in time for F1 weekend. For the occasion, the outdoor terrace and hops garden will be playing host to a pop-up activation from a Belgian hops brand, and there will be live DJs and entertainment throughout the weekend. Food-wise, you can order plates with South American and Asian influences. This venue will be open until 3am, and we don’t think you’ll ever want to leave.
Thu Nov 23-Sun Nov 26 noon-3am. Yas Island Rotana, @ybar_yasislandrotana (02 656 4000).
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023 events: Dinners
Angar
Indian restaurant Angar (which was shortlisted for Best Indian Restaurant earlier this year) will be playing host to celebrity chef Vicky Ratnani on Saturday and Sunday over the race weekend. Expect a number of special dishes, which can be ordered à la carte.
Open Sat-Sun 6pm-11pm. W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, wrevup.com (02 656 0000).
Belgian Café
Big fan of Max Verstappen? Then you need to be heading to the Orange Zone at the Belgian Café. The only Dutch fan zone on Yas Island, there will be a selection of special dishes on offer, including wagyu burgers topped off with truffle, foie gras and gold, 265-day aged meats and lots and lots of cheese (they had us at cheese, to be honest). A live DJ will keep the atmosphere pumping, and there will also be a pop-up from a Belgian hops brand in the outdoor space.
Thu Nov 23-Sun Nov 16 12.30pm-3am. Radisson Blu Hotel, Yas Island, @bbcyasisland (02 656 2000).
Blue Grill
Meat and seafood lovers need to make a beeline for Blue Grill at Yas Island Rotana over the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend. There, you’ll find a curated à la carte menu on offer, as well as a Ferrari sparkling grape pop-up out on the terrace.
Thu Nov 23-Sun Nov 26 5.30pm-1am. Yas Island Rotana, Yas Island, @bluegrill_yasisland (02 656 4000).
Central
On Sunday, head to Central for their roast dinner. For Dhs125, you’ll get all the trimmings as well as one house beverage, while kids will dine for Dhs75 including a soft drink and Dhs30 in gaming credit.
Dhs125 (adults), Dhs75 (kids). Sun Nov 26 noon-10pm. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, central-uae.com.
Cipriani
Italian restaurant Cipriani will have two-hour seatings with minimum spends that change based on when you visit.
Dhs800 (minimum spend Thu lunch or dinner), Dhs1,000 (minimum spend Fri or Sat lunch), Dhs1,600 (minimum spend Fri and Sat dinner, Sun lunch or dinner). Open Thu-Sun noon-11pm. Yas Marina (02 657 5400).
Éla Éla
You can dive into a Greek tasting menu at Éla Éla, or dine here with a minimum spend of Dhs800. If you do opt for the tasting menu, you can try mezze like tzatziki and harissa labneh with pita bread, hot and cold starters including Greek salad, hamachi crudo and grilled octopus, mains such as grilled sea bream, followed by chocolate mousse or loukoumades for dessert.
Dhs650 (tasting menu), Dhs800 (à la carte minimum spend). Fri Nov 24-Sun Nov 26 7.30pm-1am. Yas Marina, Yas Island, elaela.ae (056 603 7500).
Filini Garden
Seafood lover? Then you’re going to want to check out chef Nicola Fossaceca’s special menu, including ravioli di ricotta in brodetto di crostacei and triglia is skapece espresso. You can order à la carte, or enjoy a special supper between 7pm and 11pm on Friday complete with house beverages for Dhs400. Throughout the weekend, there will be live entertainment including DJs, dancers and a saxophonist, as well as an Italian hops activation.
Dhs400 (house beverages including mixed drinks). Fri Nov 24 7pm-11pm. Radisson Blu Hotel, Yas Plaza Hotels, Yas Island, @filinigarden (02 656 2000).
Mr Moto
Ultra cool Japanese bar Mr Moto just opened and completes the complex that also includes Éla Éla and Penelope’s. Over F1 weekend, you can either order à la carte (with a minimum spend of Dhs600), or try the tasting menu which includes hot and cold starters like oysters, beef tataki and Nashville karaage, mains such as spicy udon carbonara and miso black cod followed by yuzu cheesecake.
Dhs450 (tasting menu), Dhs600 (à la carte minimum spend). Fri Nov 24-Sun Nov 26 7.30pm-1am. Yas Marina, Yas Island, mrmoto.ae (056 603 7600).
Paradiso
F1 ticket-holders can indulge in a set menu over at Paradiso. The Italian culinary journey includes bruschetta to start, penne arrabiata or margarita for mains and tiramisu for dessert. A soft drinks package will set you back Dhs100, or you can choose a house beverage option for Dhs250.
Dhs100 (soft drinks), Dhs250 (house beverages). Fri Nov 24-Sun Nov 26 noon-1am. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, paradisoabudhabi.com (050 437 2869).
Penelope’s
Chef Omer Jahangir has put together a two-hour gourmet tasting menu highlighting the French eatery’s best dishes this F1 weekend. You’ll share starters including calamari, tuna tartare and burrata salad, before choosing between roasted Canadian lobster linguini, sea bream with sauce vierge, or fillet mignon with a bordelaise sauce. You’ll also share desserts, including chocolate fondant with Madagascar vanilla ice cream. Prefer to go à la carte? There will be a minimum spend of Dhs1,000 per person.
Dhs850 (F1 tasting menu), Dhs1,000 (à la carte minimum spend). Fri Nov 24-Sun Nov 26 noon-2am. Yas Marina, Yas Island, penelopes.ae (050 204 2475).
Rangoli
Over at Rangoli, there’s something to suit all palates, with a menu featuring authentic Indian curries and traditional street food as well as side dishes from all over the country. Outside, there will also be a French bubbly pop-up and shisha.
Thu Nov 23-Sun Nov 26 5.30pm-1am. Yas Island Rotana, @rangoli_yasisland (02 656 4000).
The Lighthouse
Enjoy the sunshine at The Lighthouse’s terrace along Yas Bay Waterfront, and grab two bar bites and two house beverages from a special pitstop menu for Dhs120.
Dhs120. Fri Nov 24-Sun Nov 26 8am-1am. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island (02 236 7831).
Yas Acres Fan Zone
Yas Acres golf club will be setting up a fan zone with live race broadcasts on Saturday November 25 and Sunday November 26. Access will set you back Dhs100, and you can also get house beverage packages starting from Dhs120.
Dhs100. Sat Nov 25-Sun Nov 26 3pm-9pm. Yas Acres Golf & Country Club, Yas Island (02 208 7222).
