Who are you & your role: Sam / Sales Executive

Your trip: F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 204

What was your favourite part of Dubai?

This was my first trip to Dubai, and I was thrilled to experience the city first hand after hearing so much about it from colleagues and friends who had visited before.

Dubai is renowned for its luxury shopping, architecture, and a wide range of tourist attractions, including a vibrant nightlife and the world’s tallest freestanding building.

One of the highlights of my visit was the fountain show at the base of the Burj Khalifa. The shows, which take place every 30 minutes starting at 6pm, are each unique. Set to music and with the towering Burj Khalifa and surrounding buildings illuminated in the background, the 500-foot-tall fountains create a mesmerizing experience that makes you feel as if you’ve stepped into another world.

I also highly recommend visiting the Observatory. It offers stunning views of the Burj Khalifa, Old Dubai, and the fountains below. Once at the top, you can either ride a glass slide down the building or take a skywalk around the tower to enjoy even more breathtaking vistas.

What was your favourite part of the trip?

A major highlight of this trip was crossing off a bucket list experience by watching Hamilton race for the final time with Mercedes. I was also fortunate enough to spend Friday at the circuit in one of the North Grandstand premium lounges—an experience I never could have imagined having. It was an incredible way to enjoy the practice sessions and made the entire event even more memorable!

How was the race? 

As expected, the race was a thrilling spectacle from start to finish. While the drivers' championship had already been decided, the constructors’ title was still up for grabs, with Ferrari and McLaren battling it out for the top spot.

Qualifying gave McLaren the upper hand, with both drivers securing a front-row lockout. Meanwhile, Leclerc received a grid penalty and started the race from 19th, with his teammate Sainz in 3rd. McLaren seemed poised to claim their first constructors’ championship in 16 years.

The race unfolded with Leclerc making early moves, skillfully navigating his way through the pack, while Sainz kept up the pressure at the front. The Ferraris were looking fast. Unfortunately, Piastri’s race was effectively over after a collision with Max Verstappen on the first corner of the opening lap. It was then left to Norris to secure the win and clinch the constructors' title for McLaren. Under immense pressure, with both Ferraris chasing him in the final laps and his teammate back in 10th, Norris held his ground and crossed the finish line to give McLaren the victory. The celebrations were electric, with fireworks lighting up the sky and music filling the air—a perfect conclusion to an exciting season.

We must also congratulate Max Verstappen once again on securing his 4th drivers' championship—an incredible achievement and another dominant season for him.

What would you recommend doing in Dubai?

Dubai has something for everyone, whether you want to unwind at one of the many public beaches, book a beach club for the day, visit the iconic Burj Khalifa, or embark on a half-day safari in the desert. You can ride quad bikes, camels, and even try sand surfing down the dunes—there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy.

Another must-see is the Old Town, a completely free experience. Strolling through the bustling Gold and Spice Souks offers a glimpse of a different side of Dubai, and you can even take a small boat ride across the creek for a unique perspective of the city.

Thanks to the efficient metro and public transport system, getting around is quick and easy, with major stops along the way, including various shopping malls for those looking to tick off their Christmas shopping list.

Overall, Dubai and the Grand Prix made for an incredibly enjoyable trip. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to escape the cold and enjoy some winter sunshine along with exciting sporting action!

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