Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: our pick of the hottest parties

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As the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix rolls into town, the party people get ready to come out and play. Here’s our pick of the best post-race parties in town.

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Mad on Yas Island

Why Serious clubbers looking for A-list live acts.

Arguably the best purpose-built party spot on Yas Island – in the former home of O1ne – Mad Yas Island is the place for Urban music fans and to check some of the Beats on The Beach acts in more intimate surroundings. Rapper T-Pain will open things up on Thursday. The following night Sean Paul and Rita Ora will make appearances. Saturday will mark the arrival of Travis Scott, and US hip-hop star Future will be the race day headliner on Sunday night.

Mad Yas Island opens nightly at 11pm. For reservations, call 055 834 6262 or email reservations@madonyasisland.com

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Amber Lounge

Why Blowing the budget to rub shoulders with the rich and famous.

Regarded as the most exclusive F1 party in town, Amber Lounge is this year shifting up a gear to host two glitzy nights at the nearby Yas Links Golf Club. R&B star Jay Sean will be on the mic on both Saturday and Sunday. However, he is unlikely to be the most famous face at Amber Lounge, which is the renowned hangout for true VIPs – last year 20 F1 drivers and a smattering of celebrities were clocked at Sunday night’s closing, post-race party. You can join them, but it comes at a price.

Basic entry passes are US$825 (D3,030) for Saturday and $1,000 on Sunday, while tables go for between $6,600 and $23,600 – and beyond (ask them about the unpriced “ultimate package”). For reservations, email abudhabi@amber-lounge.com or call 055 291 4013

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VIP Room

Why Party people who want to grab a celebrity selfie.

Paris-born clubbing brand VIP Room is back in town. This year it will host three parties at Yas Island venue Cipriani, with Drake and Paris Hilton among the headline performers.

Rap superstar Drake will be at the venue for two nights, appearing on the mic for a club set on Saturday before playing official party host for the race-day party on Sunday.

Hilton will be behind the decks for Friday’s opening night, in-between sets from Ibiza legend Luciano (and his “friends”).

Hip-hop artist Gallet – better known as “Rihanna’s Brother” – will also play host at VIP Room on the Saturday and Sunday evenings, the latter being the same evening his sister entertains a rather larger audience at du Arena. More celebrity guests are promised, and resident DJs Mel Debarge, DJ Spade, 4korners and Chris Nati will also be on rotation over the three days.

The parties run from 11pm-3am nightly. Entry is guaranteed to everyone with a table reservation – otherwise you can try your luck at the door. For reservations, call 052 881 8888 or email bookings@viproom-dubai.com

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Podium Lounge

Why A more accessible way to soak up a whiff of post-race buzz.

Fresh from events in Monaco, Melbourne and Singapore, the other regular F1 party brand is also back for another go around, offering a more entry-level grand-prix experience.

It will take over Yas Viceroy’s Rush Inn, with music from regional stalwart MadJam, plus Erok, Miles Slater, Patrick Oliver, Skinny Loop and Tim Kay.

Friday to Sunday, 10pm-4am, admission is Dh200 for men while ladies get in free. For more details, visit ­www.podiumlounge.com

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Mobilee Records

Why Edgy left-field sounds.

In a welcome left-turn into edgier clubbing, hip Berlin dance music imprint Mobilee Records will host a pre-race party on Thursday, at Yas Viceroy’s Skylite Rooftop Lounge. Behind the decks for the event, part of the brand’s ongoing Mobilee Records Rooftop World Tour 2016, will be French headliner Agoria, alongside Mobilee Records founders Anja Schneider and Ralf Kollmann.

Early-bird tickets start from Dh499, with VIP packages available. For more details, visit www.abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net