Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on a Middle Eastern Cruise
Updated: April 2024
Why The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2024?
The United Arab Emirates are lands of fascinating contrasts. Made up of seven distinctly different Emirates, each with their own unique traditions, it’s no wonder that this corner of the Arabian Gulf is so popular with cruisers looking for a mesmerising winter sun escape.
Abu Dhabi is the capital of them all, and is slightly more understated than its glitzy neighbour, Dubai. But with its more modest façade comes an array of Arabian traditions and customs to discover. There really is something for everyone to enjoy, and all within easy reach of the cruise port.
One of the standout attractions of the city is one of the world’s largest and most extravagant places of worship, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This mighty structure is made up of many bright white domes, visible from miles away as you approach.
Experience the traditional Arabian shopping culture at the many Souks across the city. Savour the local atmosphere, practice your bargaining skills, and absorb all the authentic sights and sounds of your surroundings. The city is also famed for its exciting Formula One circuit. The Grand Prix track can be found on Yas Island, where you’ll also find Ferrari World – the world’s largest indoor theme park. Here you can ride the fastest rollercoaster on the planet, and try out racing simulators, a go karting academy and much more!
If racing’s not really your thing, you can head to Yas Waterworld to cool off from the desert heat instead. This adrenaline-fuelled waterpark is home to some of the biggest water rides in the world, and the biggest children’s play area in the Middle East.
To experience the extreme landscapes that exemplify the Emirates, a 4x4 sand dunes safari is a fantastic excursion to take. Escape the bright lights of the city and take an off-road journey across the expansive desert. You could take a camel ride, try out sandboarding and enjoy a desert sunset.
Cruise to the dazzling and sunkissed port of Abu Dhabi on one of our Middle Eastern cruises, sampling the charm of ancient cities and modern meccas as you go.
My Guide to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Weekend*
Iglu Cruise Head of Marketing Natalie spent an incredible weekend at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Read about her experience below and get some top tips before you go.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is more than just a car race and you really don’t have to be a motorhead to enjoy the experience. I attended my first Abu Dhabi grand prix in 2011 and I enjoyed the whole experience so much I went back in 2014. If I could, I would go back every year as it is a weekend of fast cars, world class performers and fantastic hospitality throughout the event. Here’s my guide to the Grand Prix Weekend.
Day 1
The practice race doesn’t start until the afternoon so why not spend the morning at the largest water park in the world. Yas Waterworld is situated on Yas Island so only a short distance away from the Grand Prix circuit. The park isn’t just for thrill seekers, there are also plenty of sun loungers for you to relax on. After a few hours at the waterpark it is a quick journey to the circuit. You don’t need to worry about walking in the hot sun to get to your seats at the circuit, as the track has a complementary shuttle bus running all day to take you to your seated area. Don’t forget to take your wallet as today is the perfect opportunity to stock up on your F1 merchandise at the stalls. To save some money I would recommend taking some ear plugs rather than buying them on the day. After the practice, head on over to the free concert - the concert area is very large so you can sit back on the grass and enjoy. Alcohol is served at the race and concert but make sure you take some identification with you for the concerts. Without identification they won’t give you a wrist band which allows you to buy alcohol.
Day 2
The qualifying doesn’t start until the afternoon so spend the morning visiting Ferrari World. Home to the fastest roller-coaster in the world, you can experience what it might be like to be a Scuderia Ferrari driver. You don’t need to be concerned about getting all hot and bothered before the race as the theme park is indoors and if rollercoasters are not your idea of fun, there are plenty of interesting Ferrari themed experiences to explore. Ferrari World is next to the Grand Prix circuit and you can easily fit in all the rides in half a day. I would recommend upgrading the ticket to a fast track ticket to skip the queues. After the qualifying there is another complimentary concert to enjoy.
Day 3
Pack your camera and head off to the circuit a little earlier today as you will want to enjoy the build up to the race including the driver parade. However, if you get up early a trip to the beautiful Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a must. The race day also includes a free concert so enjoy the race and then head off to the concert to celebrate the end of a fun packed weekend and hopefully seeing your favourite driver on the podium.
Book Your Formula One Grand Prix Cruise in 2024 with Iglu Cruise Today
Browse all of our Formula One Grand Prix and Cruises 2024 packages here, including Abu Dhabi, Barcelona, Singapore packages and more! The perfect way to experience 2024's Formula One races, there's something for everyone, whether you're searching for Formula 1 MSC Cruises or another type!
*Natalie's experience was in 2016, therefore some references may refer to the 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.