The F1 fans’ guide to off-track activities in Abu Dhabi and Dubai while attending the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit
- The 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is on December 6-8
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It may not be a long-haul journey to Abu Dhabi for most visitors but it may still feel a long way to travel for a long weekend, especially when there’s so much else to see and do while you’re here. Whether you’re staying on Yas Island itself, in downtown Abu Dhabi or even in Dubai, here are a few things to see and do if you’ve managed to arrange a few extra days in the Emirates.
The Best Things to Do in Abu Dhabi
No visit here would be complete without a stroll along the iconic Corniche; 8 kilometers of manicured beaches, boutiques, cafes, restaurants and hotels that’s the very essence of Abu Dhabi’s luxury lifestyle. Hire bikes cheaply for an alternative way to see the area, using the dedicated cycle lanes that run alongside the promenade.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Get a free complimentary guided tour of one of the world’s largest and most spectacular mosques (pictured above), which has a capacity for some 40,000 worshippers. Some say this gleaming edifice is a little ‘Disneyfied’, but it’s still a magnificent spectacle. Arrive at 4.30pm for a sunset tour. Click here for more information.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Opened in 2017, the Louvre Abu Dhabi takes inspiration from its sister museum in France, and is the first branch of the famous art museum to be opened outside of the country. Bridging the gap between Eastern and Western art, the museum is set within an impressive piece of architecture. Many artefacts are on loan from the original Paris Louvre. The museum is open from 10am every day except Mondays. Entry is 63 AED (15 EUR / 17 USD), with half -price entry for visitors aged 13-22.
Take a Helicopter Ride Over Abu Dhabi
For a suitably glitzy way to mark the beginning or end of your F1 trip, why not take a helicopter trip over the city? Flights take off every day (9-5pm) from Marina Mall Terminal and cover views of the Emirates Palace, the Corniche, Ferrari World and all the F1 action down on Yas Island. Shared trips in a six seater helicopter cost around 900 Dirhams (around €200) per person. Private trips cost significantly more.
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Desert Safari
For those chasing an adrenaline buzz, take a sunset trip out to the desert in a 4×4 for a roller-coaster ride over sand dunes. Excursions are led by experienced dune drivers and end with dinner and dancing in the desert. Also recommended are dune buggy trips where you get to do the driving yourself!
Camel Racing
Who said it was all about the F1 paddock in Abu Dhabi? Camel Races are held on Thursday and Fridays in the winter and offer visitors a chance to visit the camel paddocks as well as watch the racing itself. Entrance to races is free at the Al Wathba Camel Race Track, some 45 kilometres outside the city.
Emirates National Auto Museum
This one is an absolute must for any car fanatic. This public collection of over 200 cars belongs to HH Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, an incurable petrol head known as the ‘Rainbow Sheikh’. The collection has previously been featured on Top Gear, and is found in Al Gharbia, 45 kilometres south of the city. Entry costs 50 Dirhams (just over €10). You’ll find lots of off-roaders, the world’s largest truck, lots of classic American cars and the Sheikh’s Mercedes ‘rainbow collection’ – one in a different colour for every day of the week. Click here for more information.
The Best Things to Do in Dubai
Dubai is less than 2 hours by road north of Abu Dhabi and can also make a good base for your Grand Prix weekend. If you have a day or two extra in your trip itinerary, it’s well worth a visit. We’ve chosen some of the highlights below.
Burj Khalifa
The world’s tallest building and Dubai’s most incredible landmark is now home to the world’s highest viewing platform, a cool 555m (or 148 floors) up in the sky. The exclusive platform accepts just 50 visitors an hour and tickets cost a hefty 399 AED ($108.60 USD). If this is too steep, you can visit the ‘At the Top’ observation deck on the 124th floor for a more reasonable 179 AED ($48.70 USD). Prices are higher during the prime ‘dusk’ hours. Buy your tickets online up to a month in advance to avoid the queues.
Mall of the Emirates
Right next door to the Burj Khalifa, this massive shopping center has every kind of shop you can imagine (including all the world’s leading luxury brands, of course), plus restaurants, a cinema complex, and even an indoor ski slope! Click here for more information.
Jumeirah Beach, Dubai Marina & the Palm
Dubai is home to some of the whitest and sandiest beaches in the world, so don’t forget to plan for some down time on Jumeirah beach if you’re staying in Dubai. Sea temperatures are still a warm 22 degrees in November, too. Another good way to see the ‘new Dubai’ skyscrapers of Jumeirah is to take a cruise around Dubai Marina (see images below). The man-made Palm Jumeirah is also close by; take the monorail to check out the impressive Atlantis Hotel.
Jumeirah Mosque
Non-Muslims are not often allowed to visit mosques, but the ‘open doors, open minds’ project at Jumeirah Mosque is bucking the trend with its very popular organised tours for all. Explore the opulent and vast interior of this architectural wonder, and ask your guide everything you want to about Dubai culture and anything you don’t already know about Islam.
Hi,
I’ve just seen that Guns n Roses have been announced for this Abu Dhabi GP. Do you know if the ticket includes access to these concerts?
Yes, it does. But you need a valid ticket for the day of the concert.
Do you know if you can do a car f3000 experience around the same time as f1 looking to do both