Besides the thrill of the race and the Yasalam After-Race Concerts, there are plenty of exciting F1 Grand Prix events in Abu Dhabi. From brunches to dining experiences and parties happening across the capital, as well as lazy days soaking up the sun, here’s our pick of things to do, close to the circuit over Abu Dhabi’s F1 weekend.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Brunches 2022
What is a brunch?
In the United Arab Emirates, brunch is an all-you-can-eat, all-you-can-drink buffet experience, which usually lasts around 4 hours. They are generally in the afternoon or evening and take place at the weekend and on some special occasions, such as Eid, Christmas, Easter and during the F1 weekend.
Packages are priced according to whether you choose to have soft drinks only, house beverages or premium drinks. Brunches are a popular way of passing time at the weekend, and the Formula 1 weekend sees some of the biggest and most extravagant brunches of the year. Here are just a selection of the brunches available in Abu Dhabi over the big race weekend.
Don’t miss a minute of the FIFA World Cup action too! Check out these fan zones and pub venues in Abu Dhabi that will be screening the action live from Qatar in November/December
Buddha Bar’s Seventh Heaven Brunch at Rush, W Hotel
Where better to enjoy your F1 brunch than at the heart of the race track at the W Hotel. For one weekend only, you can enjoy Buddha Bar’s signature Seventh Heaven Brunch above the race track in Rush Bar. There will be a sumptuous range of delicious east Asian dishes, premium drinks, and, of course, a unique view of the action on the track.
- Prices start at 1,400 AED per person.
- From 1.00 pm-4.00 pm on Friday 18th November and from 4.00 pm-7.00 pm on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th November.
Pink Party at Garage, W Hotel
Replacing the ’Go Big or Go Home’ Brunch for the F1 weekend is the revved up Laurent Perrier Pink Party at Garage. Be at the centre of all of the action, whilst sipping on cocktails and indulging in a variety of tasty treats from around the world.
- Prices start at 700 AED.
- Friday 18th November 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Saturday 19th November 12.30 – 3.30 pm and 4.30 – 7.30 pm and Sunday 20th November 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm.
Amerigos at the Park Inn
Situated a stone’s throw from the racetrack at Yas Plaza, Mexican restaurant ‘Amerigos’ is offering a special race edition brunch! From 6 pm til midnight on Thursday, 17th and Friday 18th November, you can enjoy a variety of delicious Latin American-inspired dishes and drinks with live entertainment from the Fiesta Latin Duo and DJ Dave. So dust off your dancing shoes for a night to remember!
- Prices start at 299 AED for the soft drink package and 399 AED for house beverages.
- From 6.00 pm – Midnight on Thursday 17th and Friday 18th November.
Filini Garden at the Radisson Blu
Take in the sunset with a Michelin-star brunch experience designed by Chef Davide Pezzuto at Filini Garden at the Radisson Blu, Yas Plaza. The brunch brings you the best of Italy with crisp pizzas, delicious pasta options and a variety of antipasti and desserts. Mmmmm Bellissima!
- Prices start at 329 AED for the soft drink package and rise to 429 AED for house beverages.
- From 12.30 pm – 4.00 pm on Thursday 17th and Friday 18th November.
Stills at The Crowne Plaza
Enjoy the Al Fresco terrace at the ‘Funch Brunch’ at Stills this F1 weekend. From 12 noon on Saturday, the 19th and Sunday 20th, you can enjoy 4 hours of unlimited food and house beverages for 299 AED or upgrade to the bubbles package for an additional 100 AED.
The lively atmosphere will be augmented by Radio 1’s Sonya Mac, who will be pumping out the tunes at one of Yas Plaza’s most popular venues.
- Prices start at 299 AED for the soft drink package.
- Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th November from 12 noon until 4.00 pm.
Graphos at The Hilton Hotel
Yas Bay, Abu Dhabi’s newest entertainment destination, is around 10 minute walk from the Yas Plaza hotels. The focal point for the development is the Hilton Hotel, with their Saturday brunch being one of the best in Abu Dhabi.
Enjoy everything from paella to sushi in this amazing international buffet. Children are well taken care of with a phenomenal selection of kid friendly food – the highlight being Graphos’ famous chocolate shawarma!
- Every Saturday 1.00 pm – 4.30 pm
- Packages start at 269 AED for soft drinks, 379 AED for house beverages and 499 AED for Prosecco.
Fairways, The Westin
The Westin Hotel and Golf Resort are just a short taxi ride from Yas Island. Known locally for its lovely but non-pretentious atmosphere and excellent value for money across the board. The Bubbalicious Brunch is no exception.
The brunch is an international affair, with dishes from around the world, including roasts and grills, mezze dishes and sushi. There’s also an exquisite cheese room as well as a spectacular selection of desserts and sweet treats.
It’s also worth checking out the wonderful spa facilities and very reasonable afternoon tea options.
- Packages start at 195 AED for soft drinks, 350 AED for house drinks and 595 AED for bubbly. Children aged 6-12 pay 125 AED, and under 6’s are free.
- Every Saturday 1.00 pm – 4.30 pm
Safina, Saadiyat Beach Club
A 15-minute taxi trip down the Saadiyat Highway takes you to a little slice of paradise, the beautiful Saadiyat Beach Club. Here you can enjoy lazing on the tropical white sand, splashing around in the cool waters of the infinity pool, or sipping hand crafted cocktails on your sun-lounger.
The facilities extend to a gym and salon with separate jacuzzis, steam rooms, and saunas for male and female guests. All of this luxury is topped off by exquisite dining options, including an all-you-can-eat-and-drink brunch at Safina restaurant. Enjoy a range of international dishes, including an excellent selection of seafood as well as a superb selection of desserts. For families, there’s also a kids’ club to keep the little ones busy.
- The soft drinks package will set you back 299 AED, house beverages come in at 399 AED and the premium drinks package costs 499 AED per person. Beach day passes start at 200 AED.
- Brunch will be available from 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm from the 17th to the 20th of November.
Great Night’s Out During The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2022
There’s loads going on over the F1 weekend, so get ready to party the night away at one of these awesome events.
GET LIT at the W Lounge, W Hotel
Gear up to live entertainment over the F1 weekend with live musicians, dancers and international DJs taking the stage. Catch DJ Roger Sanchez from 8pm onwards on Saturday 19th November and Fatman Scoop and DJ Russke from 10.30 on Sunday 20th. There is a minimum spend of 350 AED per person and reservations must be made in advance.
For more information call +971 2 656 0000 or click here.
Bonito at Skylite at the W Hotel
Bonito is the ultimate F1 party. The Middle East meets Ibiza in this rooftop extravaganza. The evening promises a dining show experience alongside stunning cabaret-style shows. It’s definitely an experience not to be missed.
- Thursday 17th to Sunday 20th November from 9pm.
- Prices start from 500 AED per person.
Restaurants that you might like to try during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2022
If 4 hours of all-you-can-eat and drink isn’t really your thing, there are plenty of a-la-carte restaurants close to all of the race track action.
A-La-Carte Dining at the W Hotel
As well as the extravagant brunch options listed above, the W Hotel offers a number of A la Carte dining options. The Italian Amici is open 12 noon to 12 midnight on all race days. Be prepared for noise if you sit outdoors as the race cars will literally wizzing past as you eat.
Alternatively, head to the Brooklyn Chop House at Angar, where you can indulge in a juicy steak or some mouth-watering Asian dishes in this dynamic fusion concept. Remember to book early to avoid disappointment.
- The minimum spend at Amici 350 AED pp on Friday 18th, Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th November.
- The minimum spend at Angar 800 AED pp on Friday 18th, Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th November.
Restaurants in the Yas Plaza Hotels
If you love Indian food, Rangoli restaurant at the Rotana Hotel is well worth a visit. The truly tasty pan-Indian menu will be set off to Bollywood-style entertainment on Saturday the 19th and Sunday the 20th of November.
If steak and chips is more your thing, the Rotana is also home to the fantastic Blue Grill Steak House. To find out more call +971 2 656 4000 or click here.
For more local flavours, Barouk restaurant at the Crowne Plaza offers Levantine food, a live singer and belly dancing over the F1 weekend. To make a reservation or to find out more call +971 2 656 3064 or click here.
For a great selection of beers and food with a more European twist, the Belgian Cafe at the Radisson Blu might be just what you’re looking for. Click here for more information.
Eating out at Yas Bay
The brand new development at Yas Bay, within comfortable walking distance of Yas Marina Circuit and the Yas Plaza Hotels, offers a wide range of dining and entertainment options to suit every budget in this buzzing waterfront destination.
Central offers good family dining options whereas Asia-Asia is a great place for a romantic meal.
Al Fresco dining at Yas Marina
Yas Marina, encapsulated by the Yas Marina Circuit, is a great place to while away those after-race hours. There are a variety of eateries, from the Spanish flavours of Diablito to the burgers and wings of Stars and Bars.
There really is something to keep everyone happy at Yas Marina. Italian fine dining venue Cipriani is not to be missed with its well-crafted dishes and excellent views across the Marina and race circuit.
Dining options in the Al Raha Beach Area
Just across the water from Yas Bay is the residential area of Al Raha Beach. There are a number of good dining options available from Nando’s in Al Zeina to Emirati restaurant Meylas in Al Muneera.
Other options include Jamaican restaurant Kingston 21 (between Al Zeina and Al Muneera) and the wonderful Desert Lotus Thai restaurant in Al Bandar. The area is accessible by bus and taxi from Yas Island as well as a water taxi from Yas Bay.
Eating at Yas Mall
For a variety of budget-friendly options and some fancier eateries, head to Yas Mall. There’s a large food court with a variety of international favourites (KFC, McDonald’s, Burger King to name a few) as well as a premium burger joint, Shake Shack.
For those that love big portions, check out The Cheesecake Factory, or head to the cascade dining area where you will find the Texas Roadhouse, Rainforest Cafe and many other diverse places to eat.
Lazy F1 Days
Maybe you’re all raced out and fancy a day, or even a few hours away from the race track. Whilst sightseeing or shopping at one of Abu Dhabi’s many extravagant malls is always an option, here are some more relaxing options closer to the track.
Day Dream at WET Deck, W Hotel
Open from 8am until 8pm across the F1 weekend, WET deck is the place to be to soak up the sun in the midst of the action. There will be numerous DJs spinning the decks and cocktails, floaties and slushies to keep you cool. There is a minimum spend of 350 AED per person on food and beverages on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Reservations must be made in advance.
Cafe Del Mar, Yas Bay
Just a short distance from Yas Marina circuit is Yas Bay, a new dining hub centred around the Hilton Hotel. Here you will also find Ibiza-style beach club, Cafe Del Mar. Soak in the sun and enjoy finely crafted cocktails or cool off in the natural style infinity pool with its views over Yas Bay, whilst listening to chilled-out beats.
Over 21s only.
Yas Beach
A more economical beach club option can be found at Yas Beach. There is a large expanse of white coral sand dotted with sunbeds and cabanas with views over the water towards the mangroves.
There are bars and restaurants as well as sun-bed service. Most guests staying at the Yas Plaza hotels should receive complimentary passes for Yas Beach, otherwise, the fee is AED 100 for adults at the weekend.
Cultural Events over the F1 Abu Dhabi Weekend
Other than racing and dining, there’s a whole host of other things going on in the Capital over the F1 weekend. For more information about cultural events, festivals and performances taking place in Abu Dhabi this November, click here.
There’s much more to Abu Dhabi than all of the glitz and glamour that comes with the big race weekend. These are our top “mustn’t miss” cultural attractions in Abu Dhabi to et on your bucket list.
To find out more take a look at our homepage, where you will find links to what you really shouldn’t miss on your trip to Abu Dhabi.
Where to stay near the Grand Prix
Making last-minute plans still to attend the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2022?
There’s no denying, last minute bookings close to Yas Marina Circuit aren’t going to come cheap, but have a long around here for availability on the dates of your visit to Abu Dhabi:
Alternatively, staying in Dubai and travelling between the two cities is also a viable option, with taxis and private hire car services such as Get Transfer readily on hand to service your needs.
We have a complete guide to transiting between Abu Dhabi and Dubai here.
Whilst we can’t guarantee the thrilling season closer we got in 2021, we can promise you an incredible weekend of excitement as Abu Dhabi finally scrapped the last of the remaining COVID precautionary measures in early November, and tourism returns to the capital once more.
Before you go… Important things to consider planning a trip to Abu Dhabi
- Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack as well as top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Check the most up-to-date COVID entry rules for Abu Dhabi.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
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