FLASH Entertainment, the region’s premier live events company, has revealed the programme of entertainment for Yasalam 2010 which will see a non-stop month-long calendar of once-in-a-lifetime experiences inspired by the passion, energy, and glamour of motorsport, as the entire UAE celebrates the 2010 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Last year, almost half a million people enjoyed the first ever Yasalam celebrations. This year the Flash-created programme will bring a wider range of events based on the three most popular elements of last year - Yasalam Live on Abu Dhabi Corniche (pictured), Yasalam Live Across the City and Yasalam Live on Yas Island.
The Capital will come alive with community programmes in universities and public locations, as well as live events, exhibitions and entertainment on the Abu Dhabi Corniche. Al Sahil Beach on the Corniche will be filled with party goers enjoying free concerts featuring many acts including US superstar Kelis and Lebanese stars Fares Karem and Nancy Arjam.
The best part about Yasalam Across the City and Yasalam Live on Abu Dhabi Corniche is that it’s all free to the public. The Yasalam party will culminate on Yas Island in the eagerly awaited after-race concerts, exclusively for F1 ticket holders and invited guests.
Flash revealed that, once again, Yas Island will be rocking during the race weekend, as hip-hop supremo Kanye West and the legend Prince add to the Linkin Park line-up, for the three nights of after-race concerts.
Flash will also be organising a series of after-parties on Yas Island after each concert for the public to enjoy. So, whether you have a race-day ticket or not, there will be some exciting parties going on across the island featuring DJs, acoustic sets and live performances.
Flash chairman, Ossama Khoreibi, said: “Yasalam was created to bring the many cultures and nationalities of Abu Dhabi together, to celebrate one of the region’s most significant sporting events. Yasalam remains a vital tool with which to project our growing ambitions as an international entertainment and leisure destination. We once again look forward to another spectacular month of celebrations across Abu Dhabi as we build up to one of our biggest sporting events on November 14.”
Richard Cregan, CEO of Yas Marina Circuit and Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management, talked about the importance of Yasalam and the race itself, adding: ““Many countries can bring F1 to their shores but few cities have truly embraced the glamour, excitement and passion of the sport quite like Abu Dhabi. Yasalam brings this energy to life in every corner of the city, bringing people together across the UAE.
“This is a historic sporting event for Abu Dhabi and the excitement should be shared by the entire nation, not just those who attend the races.”
Events and sessions in the Yasalam programme include: the F1 Fan Zone, providing a month of motorsport-flavoured entertainment; a photography exhibition, Beats on the Beach offering a mix of local and regional artists and the big events of Kanye West, Linkin Park and the legendary Prince performing for race goers.
Flash has also recently announced Yas Island Show Weekends which will see a ground-breaking programme of performances with global superstars and free events running across Yas Island.
Running for around a month from mid-November the Yas Island Show Weekends are set to attract visitors from across the region and beyond, as the Jonas Brothers, Nelly Furtado, Guns ‘N’ Roses, Creamfields Abu Dhabi 2010 and NBA Jamfest Abu Dhabi all head to the island.