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Fast track to success: the Yas Marina Events Centre

From F1 to the region’s highest-profile functions, Abu Dhabi’s Yas Events Centre means business

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The Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi
The Yas Marina Circuit, host to the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 

Yas Marina Circuit is known as the host of one of the most glamorous, exciting stops on the F1 calendar – the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Yet it is also home to the Yas Events Centre, one of the Middle East’s most complete business offerings.

Yas Marina Circuit’s offerings have been recognised by Business Destinations, which has awarded it Best Sporting Venue for Corporate Events, Middle East, 2013. Where else in the UAE can you hold a meeting in the morning and be zipping around an F1 circuit in a real F1 car by the afternoon?

Consolidating success
Yas Events Centre is both a consolidation and expansion of the circuit’s diverse and growing business event sector. With credentials that include planning and hosting some of the region’s highest-profile events such as the World Economic Forum’s Summit on the Global Agenda in 2011, and the Abu Dhabi Media Summit in 2012, Yas Events Centre is set to be Abu Dhabi’s newest business hub.

Since its inception, in time for the inaugural 2009 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit has been active in the business events arena. The recent launch of the Yas Events Centre underlines a commitment to partnering with international and local business communities. The Yas Events Centre team provides comprehensive meetings and conference solutions in a one-of-a-kind venue, with world-class personnel.

The venue offers incentives unrivalled by any other location in the region

In 2012, Yas Marina Circuit hosted 145 events, and in advance of a projected 200 events in 2013, the launch of Yas Events Centre has added a range of new services that build upon the circuit’s extensive offerings. Among these additions is in-house audio-visual support and in-house catering services, both available across the venue’s 34,000sq m of versatile space. The event planning team is also set to expand, as is a range of enviable incentives and team-building packages that include both on and off-track activity.

Yas Events Centre boasts facilities worthy of an F1 Circuit: conference rooms, announcement stages, rooftop cocktail lounges, dedicated multimedia control hubs, corporate suites (as used by Bernie Ecclestone et al), and team villas. If you want, you can even hire out the garages in the pit lane.

The recent launch of Yas Events Centre has seen the renaming of a number of key individual venues. It comes as Yas Marina Circuit prepares to welcome a projected 90,000 event attendees in 2014, as well as the Circuit’s largest ever event (outside of F1) in the spring of 2014, for American skincare brand NuSkin.

More and more members of the business community are coming to recognise Yas Marina Circuit’s unique offering, seeing that the venue offers incentives unrivalled by any other location in the region. From the thrill of drift racing to zooming down the drag strip, from
taking on the undulating turquoise curves of the circuit’s F1 track in a Formula Yas 3000 car to riding the exotic superyacht berths of neighbouring Yas Marina, Yas Events Centre boasts an enviable holistic offering.

Want to feel like Vettel, Alonso, Kimi or Hamilton for a day? Then what are you waiting for! Get in touch with the Yas Events Centre team for an unforgettable business event.

GP Halls
Formerly known as the Media Centre, the three distinct yet adjoining GP Halls are impressively equipped with a cafeteria, reception and check-in areas, and an array of back end offices. Covering a total 1,178sq m, delegates are treated to views of the circuit, Yas Marina and Yas Viceroy Hotel. The halls can be organised in a variety of ways with all three connected, or divided into three zones, each capable of seating 380 people theatre style.

Equipment includes three large 8m by 2.4m LCD screens, wi-fi, ISDN, isolated networks, hi-tech audiovisual functions including wireless mics, and a hi-fi sound system. The halls are also adjacent to a pre-function area, reception, keynote speakers waiting room and staff offices. The facilities boast a dedicated computer room for organisers and attendees, and a variety of adjoining offices available for seamless behind-the-scenes organisation. A first-floor cafeteria has indoor and outdoor seating and view over the Yas Marina.

Staff offices at the GP Halls in Abu Dhabi
Executives make the most of the office space

Organisers can also choose GP Hall 4 and its 125sq m of space. Previously known as the Press Conference Room, GP Hall 4 is equipped with modern technology, including versatile stages and platforms. It seats 82 people theatre-style and accomodates up to 120 for a cocktail reception.

From cocktails to business
The rooftop Luna Lounge can accommodate up to 430 guests banquet style, and 535 for a cocktail reception. It offers a large roof terrace lounge boasting modern décor, Italian furniture and three bars. Guests enjoy views over the track and marina, and a dancefloor with disco lights.

Alternatively, there are three corporate suites of varying sizes and layouts overlooking the start grid for the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. They can accomodate up to 360 people for a cocktail style reception but are also ideal for banquets and receptions.

The venue’s Business Centre, formerly known as the Photograper’s Room, provides an ideal office setting for work, meetings or functions. Its 378sq m holds 200 workstations equipped with internet and phone line capability, as well as multiple plasma television screens, a reception and separate office spaces.

The Paddock, at 783sq m consists of 12 corporate suites of varying sizes. It can be divided into 12 individual suites, each of which can fit up to 500 people. Clients can hire the whole space or any number of individual rooms and there are numerous kitchens, prayer rooms and a large rooftop terrace overlooking the track.

Corporate suite at the Yas Events Centre
Luxury corporate suites are available

Event organisers also have the option of the three Yas Central Meeting Rooms. These offer: access to a track-side terrace with magnificent views; function areas and a separate office spaces; large terraces overlooking the circuit that can be used for hospitality and entertainment; meeting rooms including two fully equipped boardrooms and two office areas; and small-scale dining and private lounge areas.

Trackside entertainment
The Team Villas, available in small and large, are 18 buildings of varying sizes that overlook Yas Marina on one side and the pit buildings on the other. Used to host teams during the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, each villa features a rooftop terrace, lounge and cocktail area elegantly decorated with luxurious Italian furniture, including sofas, chairs and a round table for dinners or meetings.

Each villa can accomodate up to 70 people for a cocktail-style reception. Guests will find their own kitchens and dining areas, which are all equipped to high hotel standards. There is even a dedicated staff available to meet all guest needs.

The main pits consist of six separate venues. Each main pit can be transformed into enthralling branded presentation areas or banqueting suites. They are each air-conditioned, featuring an invisible AC curtain, designed to prevent cool air escaping when the pit door is open.

Each garage has its own restroom and the buildings are kept in pristine condition, including a special formula on the floor that gives it a glass-like finish. Guests are also treated to direct access to the track.

For further information visit yasmarinacircuit.ae

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