Experience the Abu Dhabi GP

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Until a few short years ago Abu Dhabi was unknown to much of the Western World. Now it is seen as one of the most modern cities in the world with a city skyline to match anywhere. Not only are many of the buildings 'one of a kind' designed by the best architects in the world, they break new boundaries in city development. So to say Abu Dhabi is a modern city is just the tip of the iceberg.

It was with a great deal of fanfare the Abu Dhabi race was announced at the first ever Formula 1 Festival in 2007. This was the largest gathering of current Formula 1 cars and drivers outside of a Grand Prix. Later that year, Etihad Airways negotiated a three-year deal for them to become sponsors of the Grand Prix and after seven years it is still Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The inaugural race took place on November 1st, 2009 under floodlights as the race started at 5:00pm local time. It was won by Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull's new recruit from Toro Rosso. The following season was the start of the Red Bull's four-year domination of Formula 1 and gave the young German Vettel four consecutive World Titles, starting in 2010 in Abu Dhabi. World Champions: Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Raikkonen, and Fernando Alonso shared the rest of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix wins along with Nico Rosberg.

It isn't just a night race around a marina and under an incredible hotel in pleasant temperatures. It's the final race of the season. It is the evening Formula 1 let's its hair down. After 21 races the teams are ready for a rest, the championship has been decided and it will be four months before the Australian Grand Prix in 2017. Join us in celebrating at the Amber Lounge or on the back of a yacht or in one of the magnificent hotels that ring the circuit.

Yas Island, near the airport, is a frantic, red-hot center of adrenaline rides. Sit back, cling on and watch your knuckles turn white. Yas Water-world, which opened recently, is said to be the world's biggest water park, with a dizzying choice of raft rides, slides, terrifying ravines and endless wave machines.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the first theme park dedicated to the illustrious exotic manufacturer. The outstanding ride is the world's fastest roller-coaster, Formula Rossa which touches 150mph. The Du Arena is the island's other big feature, drawing such stars as Sting recently.

This prosperous emirate's latest bold plan is to bring some of the world's greatest art to its new cultural district on Saadiyat Island, a ten-minute taxi ride from the city center. Frank Gehry is repeating the gleaming silver sinuosity of his Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The Louvre Abu Dhabi, showcasing loans from its Paris namesake and other French museums. With the Zayed National Museum, and a vibrant wide-ranging series of exhibitions in two remarkable exhibition spaces, Manarat Al Saadiyat and the UAE Pavilion, Saadiyat Island is fast becoming the arts and culture hub for the region.

Is it safe? The UAE has never had a terror attack and is part of the western coalition of air strikes. It has less than a sixth of the U.S. homicide rate.

Grand Prix Tours has offered Formula 1 and Historic events weekend experiences to race fans for over 30 years. Their inside connections allow them to get the best rooms and the best viewing locations available, along with their knowledge of the each event location you will be sure to have an experience of a life time and a hassle-free weekend. Call Grand Prix Tours today at 1 800 400 1998 for more information on the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix or visit their website at www.gptours.com to see all the weekend experiences they offer.

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