The world is in its deepest recession, yet in the last quarter of 2009, we have seen, Dubai Metro, the longest driverless system in the world, open for business, and are eagerly awaiting Burj Dubai's opening in December 2009, the tallest tower in the world at 800m. For me, the best is arriving this coming weekend. Formula 1 will officially hit the United Arab Emirates this coming weekend and in true Emirati style, they are putting on a show! An enthralling schedule of international entertainment descends onto Yas Island come race weekend. To usher in the 2009 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the after-race concerts will feature some of the world’s most exciting musical talent, including Beyonce, Aerosmith, Kings of Leon and Jamiroquai. This is potentially the most highly anticipated project in the region and, the race, being the last of the 2009 F1 season is the focus of world motorsport attention and with an expected worldwide audience of 800 million+. This has been a driving force since commencement of the project. Last week, defying many sceptics, property developer Aldar Properties officially handed over the Yas Marina Circuit to venue operator Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management (ADMM). What has been created on Yas Island is truly spectacular, a 25km2 island strategically located between the coast and city of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which will host a range of world-class hotels, theme parks, golf courses, mega malls, apartments and villas, and much more. As a design consultancy we, more than most, look beyond the hype and appreciate some of the work that has gone in to creating this stunning development. The track will be unlike any track seen in the world today and will be a challenge even to the most experienced driver. The German Architect Hermann Tilke, the world leader in design of motor sport venues with particular emphasis on Formula One circuits worldwide, has incorporated high speed passes, varying elevations, slow cornering and a marina which all compliment this spectator friendly track. Entwined in the circuit is arguably one of the flagship projects and main architectural features of the development, The Yas Hotel, which will loom majestically over the Yas Marina Circuit. Designed by Asymptote Architecture, they envisioned an architectural landmark embodying various key influences and inspirations ranging from the aesthetics and forms associated with speed, movement and spectacle, to the artistry and geometries forming the basis of ancient Islamic art and craft traditions. At the centre of the Yas Island development sits the world's first Ferrari Theme Park, designed by Benoy. This in itself has presented great challenges architecturally, and the outcome is certainly iconic and one that reflects the Ferrari brand.
