FLASH Entertainment, the Abu Dhabi-based events company, launched one of the most diverse and ambitious city-wide entertainment programmes ever seen by a Formula 1 host city. Yasalam, meaning ‘wow’ or ‘amazing’ in Arabic, will introduce a host of activities across the city throughout the month of October leading up to the 2009 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Yasalam’s programme is based on three elements: Yasalam Live on The Corniche, which can accommodate approximately 30,000 people on the Abu Dhabi Corniche, will see two weeks of entertainment featuring free concerts and films. Beats on the Beach will offer a series of free concerts on the beach featuring UAE’s Hussein Al Jasmi and international hip-hop superstar Timbaland, along with regional artists Fares Karam and Myriam Fares and a host of DJs from around the world.
Cinema by the Sea will showcase motor-themed movies. The Arabic Culture Weekend will see Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage and Flash celebrate traditional Arabic food, crafts and music on the beach. The Corniche beach boardwalk will also showcase a permanent exhibition showcasing F1 and Abu Dhabi photography through the years.
Yasalam Live across the City will reach out to families and young students with The Art of Racing where Emirati and Arabic artists will customize replica F1 cars during live events as well as including an educational initiative – Mastering Motorsport, where F1 lovers will have the chance to learn more about the sport and chat to F1 professionals like David Coulthard.
‘Live on Yas Island’ will include four after-race concerts held at the Yas Island for Grand Prix ticket holders only featuring music celebrities like Beyonce and Aerosmith among others to be confirmed. No extra tickets will be sold for these concerts.
John Lickrish, managing director of Flash Entertainment said, “Yasalam has been designed to appeal to all ages, backgrounds and nationalities, so whether you’re a motorsport fan or not, from the UAE or overseas, there will be lots of exciting things for you to do in Abu Dhabi this October.”