2012 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

When: Nov 02, 2012 to Nov 04, 2012

Where: Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Whether you are a first timer or an Abu Dhabi Grand Prix veteran, the 2012 event has something enticing for everyone. On-track excitement builds this year with the grit and grind of the Australian V8 Supercar championship kicking off the racing with that unique Australian spirit. We then hit some real pedigree with six world champions anticipated on the grid this season. Off track the buzz continues great concerts, family activities and lots of entertainment. 

DSF 2013 to begin on January 3

The 32-day Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) 2013 extravaganza will be held from January 3 to February 3, the Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (Depe) announced on Saturday.

The internationally acclaimed festival and one of the best shopping experiences in the world will again feature ‘Dubai at its Best’ as its marketing slogan, signifying that the vibrant emirate showcases the best across all its sectors and services during the festival, offering unparalleled experiences to visitors and residents alike.

Concerts for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

International pop-icon Kylie Minogue will open the Yasalam After-Race Concerts with a Friday, 2 November performance, followed by Canadian rock band, Nickelback on Saturday, 3 November, ensuring fans from near and far will be treated to first-class excitement, on and off the track, at the 2012 Formula 1TM Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Eminem has been unveiled as the final Yasalam After-Race Concert artist, bringing the F1™ weekend to a stunning climax at the du Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi in Sunday 4th November.

Tickets categories for the 2012 Formula 1TM Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix are available now at AED 1,875 (US$ 514) for two days and AED 2,080 (US$570) for three days through a wide range of outlets, including selected Etihad Airways shops, Virgin Megastores across the UAE and GCC, the Yas Viceroy Hotel and Yas Marina Circuit itself. They are also available from the 800 927 (YAS) call centre and from the website at www.yasmarinacircuit.ae. Other ticket options include Marina Club and South Club upgrades, and for corporate fans or groups, the Yas Viceroy Hotel Private Suites & Terrace Tickets and Marina Grandstand Boxes are also available.

New Jumeirah Sceirah @ Wild Wadi Water Park

Do you dare to try out the iconic ride in its latest avatar?

At around six storeys, the new adrenalin rush at Wild Wadi waterpark does what it is designed to do - push the most daring of thrill-seekers to the limit.

Height – 32m
Length – 120m
Speed – Over 80 km/h
Amount of water required – 600 gallons per minute
Designer – Whitewater West Industries 
Installed by – Hennessey

Enjoy the Ride ...

The Dubai Metro turns three today. Inaugurated on the 9th second, of the 9th minute at 9pm on September 9, 2009 and marking a historical moment for Dubai. Over 184 million passengers have used Dubai Metro since its inauguration. The Dubai Metro project is the brainchild of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. “The Dubai Metro is also viewed as an iconic addition to the landmarks and high-flying achievements of the Dubai Emirate, particularly as it used the cutting-edge technology of the rail industry and carved a niche for itself as the world’s longest driverless metro project.”

Fairmont Palm Jumeirah opening autumn 2012

Fairmont Palm Jumeirah Dubai, comprising 381 luxurious rooms and suites, is preparing to open its doors to the public this autumn. It will contain 2,600sqm of meeting space, outdoor leisure facilities with a beach restaurant and a private beach club, a pool complex and children's activity center, as well as a variety of dining facilities featuring sea, garden or pool views, and Willow Stream spa. Fairmont is allowing members of its 10-year-old President's Club to update their member profiles to reflect interest-based themes - Food & Drink, Arts & Entertainment, Sports & Adventure, Spa & Fitness, and Leadership & Philanthropy - with custom offers and experiences being marketed to each respective group.

Atlantis The Palm welcomes 100 baby seahorses

Atlantis, The Palm has announced the arrival of more than 100 baby seahorses at its The Lost Chambers Aquarium. Around the size of a small fingernail, the tiny Hippocampus Hystrix Seahorse newborns, known as fry, will help in the repopulation of the species, and will be released into the Arabian Gulf once they are mature enough to hunt. Steve Kaiser, vice president of marine sciences and engineering at Atlantis, The Palm, said: The birth of any threatened species helps us further our goal of educating and enlightening people about marine life and ecosystems. By releasing a number of these new seahorses into the Arabian Gulf, we hope to help bring their numbers back from the brink.” They are currently being raised at the aquarium’s nursery, where they will stay for two months, and fed on mysis shrimp, brine shrimp and Cyclops. Guests can get a rare viewing of them on the Behind the Scenes tour.

Jumeirah to launch new thrill ride at Wild Wadi

Jumeirah will launch a new thrill ride at Wild Wadi Water Park in Dubai on September 9. The new 'Jumeirah Sceirah' is being built on the site of the previous Jumeirah Sceirah, a slide, which was dismantled recently. Jumeirah has described the new ride as "wilder and scarier" than the old one.

Meydan Beach now open at Dubai Marina

Meydan has announced the launch of Meydan Beach, its new beachside experience in Dubai Marina. The only stand-alone beach facility of its kind in Dubai, Meydan Beach houses two infinity pools, a chill out lounge, boutique spa and gym and grooming facilities. It will also play host to renowned Milanese restaurant Giannino, the first venture for the brand outside of Milan, Meydan said in a statement on Wednesday. Alongside Meydan City and Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, the opening of the beach facility expands Meydan's leisure portfolio, it added. "Meydan is synonymous with a high-end lifestyle and every detail has been taken into consideration to ensure that Meydan Beach provides a world-class beach and dining experience to a discerning community."

Al Ain just became the coolest place in the UAE

Tamouh, Reem Island’s master developer headquartered in Abu Dhabi, announced the official opening of Wadi Adventure at Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain, the Middle East’s first man-made facility to offer white water rafting, kayaking and surfing. Apart from the three world-class white water rafting and kayaking runs adding up to a combined length of 1,133 metres, the adventure park features a surf pool that generates three-metre high waves every 90 seconds. The park also offers activities such as a challenging rope course, tough climbing wall and a zip line. Tamouh managing director Joe Ong, said the company was delighted to launch its “first foray into the entertainment sector”.“The region’s first man-made water park, the destination contributes to Abu Dhabi’s vision to position itself as a key tourist attraction,” he asserted.

Yas water park set to make a splash in Abu Dhabi

Expected to complete by the end of 2012 Yas Water Park will spread over 15 hectares, the water park will feature a thrilling range of 43 rides, slides and attractions. Four rides will be one-of-a-kind rides that have never been seen in a water park. Yas Water world Abu Dhabi's theme is based on a legend that represents local Emirati culture and heritage. Visitors will be able to enjoy attractions that follow the adventures of the water park’s main character Dana – a young Emirati girl in search of a legendary pearl that brought prosperity to her village. Building on the legend, the park will have a unique pearl diving attraction that showcases the role pearl diving played in the UAE’s rich history. Yas Water world Abu Dhabi on Yas Island is developed by Aldar Properties and will be operated by Farah Leisure Parks Management LLC.

Dubai Updates

Marvel theme park coming to Dubai in 2013

Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari Group (IMG) has announced the company's a new indoor family entertainment centre, Marvel Adventure, is scheduled to open its doors by the end of next year in the City of Arabia development on Emirates Road. The 1.2 million sq ft theme park will include retail outlets, restaurants and a range of interactive experiences featuring Marvel characters such as Captain America and the Hulk.