Abu Dhabi in pole position as it waits for the green light

With only a few days to go before Abu Dhabi welcomes to its streets the Emirate’s first ever Formula One Festival, the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and its partners are working hard to ensure the Saturday February 3rd event goes down in the history books.

The half-day event is free for the public and the action starts at 9.00am. Big crowds are expected to flock to the street circuit, which starts at the Emirates Palace and winds its way along Abu Dhabi’s waterfront to Marina Mall.

Local residents could not have missed the hundreds of safety barriers that have begun to be installed along the track. Construction is also underway on the VIP grandstand, where guests will enjoy prime viewing position for the “doughnuts” and exciting stunts set to be performed by the world-class drivers

“The F1 Festival is a credit to the people of Abu Dhabi as very few cities in the world would be able to create an event of this size and stature,” said His Highness, Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.

“It promises to be a truly memorable experience for the entire family, so we encourage people to set their alarm clocks and make sure they don’t miss a minute of the action.”

Designated parking areas will be set-up for the day at Marina Mall car park, next to the Hilton Hotel, and between the Intercontinental Hotel and the Al Bateen Marina. However, as road closures are expected to start taking effect from 9am spectators are encouraged to arrive early.

The F1 Festival action will start from 9am and eight giant screens are being placed along the route to make sure no one misses a moment of action.

Tens of thousands of earplugs will be given out to the crowd, and are set to be a much sort-after accessory once the F1’s start revving their engines. Oasis Water will be providing complimentary water to ensure the crowd doesn’t go thirsty.

International experts are working alongside local specialists, the police force, hoteliers, Marina Mall and many other organisations to create an unforgettable event. Everything is being planned to ensure maximum entertainment is delivered at the highest level of quality and safety for the thousands of spectators expected to descend on the Corniche, as well as the F1 drivers themselves. ACTUAE, the official FIA representatives in the UAE are set to provide all race officials for the demonstration.