Spotting a celebrity in the UAE has never been much of a challenge. But as the glitz and glamour which goes hand-in-hand with Formula One descends on the country, so too are the stars. Not spotting an A-lister this weekend could be the real challenge.
Apart from the drivers, few promises are being made but the events are renowned for drawing an A-list crowd and Abu Dhabi is sure to be no exception — especially as the event is not only the inaugural race for the capital, but also the final race of the F1 season.
The glitterati from Hollywood and Bollywood, as well as the music and sports worlds have all been invited with promises of first class hospitality from the minute they land. How could they possibly resist?
Special guests
Jet-setting all over the globe to attend the world's most luxurious parties, Formula One draws an A-list crowd. Of course there are exceptions, but it's often the same faces which pop up grabbing the off-track headlines.
Determined to impress, the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority has personally invited some of the biggest names in celeb circles.
Just a few names on the list include George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Daniel Craig, Zac Efron, Gerard Butler, Bill Clinton and Bill Gates, along with many more.
He lost his championship crown to Jenson Button this year, but Lewis Hamilton is still the driver most are desperate to catch a glimpse of. Probably helped by the fact the hot Brit is dating Pussycat Doll lead singer Nicole Scherzinger — spotting this pair scores you double.
Spotted leaving for Bahrain from London's Heathrow, the pair — who just last month were rumoured to be "on the rocks" — looked happy holding hands in Singapore last month.
F1 socialite Tamara Ecclestone and her sister Petra are practically part of the furniture throughout most of the series. Dabbling in television presenting from the track and even known to don a crash helmet, the girls — daughters of F1 supremo Bernie — are expected to make an appearance this weekend.
Celebrity sounds
We've heard all the names, but it doesn't make it any less exciting. Beyoncé should touch down in the UAE today with Jamiroquai, Kings of Leon and Aerosmith hot her heels.
Certain to soak up the F1 racing action, don't be surprised if the stars hit the hotel beaches and malls for a spot of retail therapy.
Timbaland is also in town, along with legends Soul II Soul and The Wailers, if it's the old classics which get you going.
And don't underestimate the strong Arabian following for local and regional boys Beat Antenna, Hussain Al Jasmi, Ragheb Alama, Danny Neville and Abri — just a few of the artists playing Beats on the Beach which runs daily over the next four days.
Not just in Abu Dhabi
With the F1 on the outskirts of the city, it's not just the capital that will host the big names. Roberto Cavalli is flying in to Dubai for his Halloween extravaganza and organisers say the fashion designer has not spared any expense — especially when it comes to the guest list.
The city's clubs and lounges are sure to be hosting a number of celebrities, many who have chosen to stay in Dubai and travel to the big race on the day.
The parties
The likes of George Clooney, Brad Pitt, the entire Beckham troop, as well as music stars Beyoncé, Jay Kay and the boys from the Kings of Leon have all been invited to VIP gatherings both on and off the track. tabloid! has the low down on the parties to be seen at.
- What: The Amber Lounge
- Where: The Hilton Abu Dhabi
- When: Saturday and Sunday.
- Entertainment: Internationally renowned DJ Jack.E is flying in from St Tropez.
Who: The drivers are the only people guaranteed, however this is the party the stars may flock to.
Don't be surprised: Just a handful of celebs who are renowned for attending Amber Lounge parties include Bono, Kevin Spacey, footballer Rio Ferdnand, Heidi Klum, Naomi Campbell, Wesley Snipes, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Richie, Elizabeth Hurley, Eva Herzigova and Rod Stewart.
Details: First held in Monaco in 2003, the Amber Lounge is a true favourite among drivers and celebs alike. An exclusive Grand Prix VIP nightlife event, this lavish beach-front party will be no different. Amber Lounge parties have become synonymous with the glamour and excitement of the Grand Prix and have built a reputation as the party venue of choice for the Formula One fraternity. Event founder Sonia Irvine, who is the sister of ex-Ferrari F1 driver Eddie Irvine, said: "The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is certain to set new standards for Formula One and it's a great honour to be part of the first ever race at this exciting new venue".
Signature white sofas and opulent furnishings are being shipped from the UK for the event and a sumptuous Moroccan-style "chill out" terrace has taken two weeks to construct.
Set you back: Prices start from Dh3,500 for individual passes. Tables, seating 8, are priced Dh23,000, Dh55,000 and Dh80,000 for VIP packages.
For more information, e-mail abudhabi@amber-lounge.com
What: Grand Prix Ball
Where: Abu Dhabi Golf Club
When: Saturday
Who: Indian tennis superstar Vijay Amritraj, platinum-selling North London singer/songwriter, Lemar, up-coming fashion-icon Kimberly Stewart (Scottish rock legend Rod Stewart's daughter), British racing duo Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton, Alicia Keys and Jamiroquai frontman, Jay Kay.
Highlight: Sir Richard Branson will auction a once-in-a-lifetime trip which includes first class tickets from anywhere in the world to California for the Virgin Galactic Spaceship launch in Palo Alto.
Entertainment: The Gypsy Kings
Don't be surprised: Keira Knightly, Will Smith, Kelly Brook and Lily Cole are all ambassadors for fresh2o — the charity the ball is in aid of. Many have been known to "pop in" and show their support for a cause they support.
Details: Billed as the event hosting the "who's who" of race week, this ball is laying claim to one of the best celeb auctions of the year. As well as the Virgin package, get your chequebook ready to snap up a private round of golf with five-time Major winner, Sir Nick Faldo, a private meet-and-greet with Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, which includes a tour of the Old Trafford training grounds, match day hospitality and a signed shirt from the entire 2009-10 squad, a $150,000 (Dh551,000) Platinum Vision home theatre system, identical to the one owned by the Beckhams, as well as a host of other major unique items from the world of sport, music, film and art.
Set you back: A table for 10, priced Dh25,000, can be booked by calling 04-3810549. Smaller bookings will be considered.
What: Abu Dhabi Chequered Flag Ball
Where: InterContinental Hotel, Abu Dhabi
When: Tonight
Entertainment: Platinum selling artist Lucie Silvas and award-winning UK band Lord Large featuring Andrea Britton.
Who: Slightly more low-key but nonetheless exclusive, this event will be hosted by F1 legends David Coulthard and Martin Brundle.
Highlight: Christopher Road, the official watch partner, designed a limited edition watch exclusively for the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Guests are in with a chance to win one of only 25 diamond-studded watches in a raffle draw.
Set you back: Even if you fancied this one, it's too late — tickets are sold out.
What: Jenson's private party
Where: An island... somewhere...
When: Sunday
Who: Jenson, of course, and 250 of his closest friends and family, not forgetting his winning F1 championship team.
Entertainment: Café del Mar will provide the best Ibiza grooves until the small hours.
Set you back: If you can get into this one, then you should really consider applying for the Secret Service.
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