Your Abu Dhabi GP travel guide with Thomas Cook Sport

With the two situated around 90 minutes apart, most fans decide to share their time between both Abu Dhabi and neighbouring Dubai when heading to the United Arab Emirates for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Since its inception in 2009, Formula 1's first day-night race has become the staple end-of-season party to conclude the championship with a flourish. The 2019 race will be the eighth time in 11 years that the plush Yas Marina Circuit has held that particular honour.

Starting your trip in Dubai before heading off to Abu Dhabi means you can fit in some sight-seeing before the grand prix. Dubai's skyline is dominated by the Burj Khalifa skyscraper. Standing 829.8 meters tall and boasting 57 elevators, heading up the tower gives you a bird's eye view of downtown Dubai, and the world's tallest structure is also home to great bars, restaurants and shops.

Dubai Mall is the world's largest mall and is open for business in the city's downtown. Accessible by metro or car, the mall receives over 100 million visitors a year and includes a zoo, an aquarium, the SEGA theme park, a 22-screen cinema, a second theme park just for kids and over a thousand shops.

Then you could take time to recoup in Dubai's Miracle Garden, home to over 100 million planted flowers. The garden gives visitors a chance to get away from the busy downtown area for a day and surround themselves with some of the world's most beautiful flora. Easily accessible via public transport, the garden is the perfect place to relax during an otherwise high-octane trip.

After the short hop along the coast to Abu Dhabi, the go-to sight is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the country's key site of Muslim worship and an incredible feat of architecture. Completed in 2007, the $500 million building is adorned with 82 domes and receives 40,000 visitors during Eid alone.

No self-respecting Formula 1 fanatic would pass up the chance to immerse themselves in the world's first Ferrari-branded theme park. Ferrari World is a must-see when exploring Abu Dhabi. Spend the day riding the world's fastest rollercoaster, trying your hand on the flight simulators, or getting behind the wheel
 of Ferraris and a whole heap more.

Part of what makes these two modern-day cities so incredible is their stark surroundings. They stand alone in the middle of the desert, as if they rose out of the dunes themselves. Desert tours are available from both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with various options on offer for visitors to experience the sheer scale and beauty of the Arabian desert. Whether you want to ride dune buggies, be shown the sights in a 4x4 or maybe take it slow on a camel.

The tours usually run in the mild early evening temperatures and for the visitor they offer a welcome change of pace from the bustling city and the hectic days of action at the Yas Marina Circuit.

Fast facts

Flight time: 7hrs from Manchester & London
Currency: UAE Dirham
Time zone: GMT+3
Average temperature: 28 C

Ask the expert
The Thomas Cook Sport rep's view

What's your favourite part of the track?

The fast-flowing section through Turns 2, 3 and 4 is incredible. The drivers fly through this sequence at nearly 190mph and it makes for an amazing spectacle.

What's the best thing to do away from the track itself?

There is an abundance of activities. In Dubai, head to the Burj Khalifa, a sight to behold on its own but the view from the top is out of this world. The Atlantis waterpark, the Dubai Marina, Ferrari World or Yas Water World in Abu Dhabi - there's lot to do and see.

Is there any local food and drink that you would recommend?

Firstly, be prepared because alcoholic drinks can be quite expensive and can only be consumed in the hotels so you have to plan ahead on this front. When it comes to food, I would recommend stuffed camel. It's a famous Arab delicacy and you'll be blown away. It's hard to find this dish outside this region.

What's your top tip for this particular race and destination?

The UAE can be expensive so be ready with lots of spending money but it is completely and totally worth it. This is my favourite GP
 on the calendar.

Thomas Cook Sport Break Details

Flight, 4-night break London to Dubai, £1,149pp

Your booking includes:

Return from London to Dubai
4-nights accommodation in Dubai with daily breakfast
2-day general admission ticket
Return race day circuit transfers
Access to post-race concert featuring The Killers

For more info visit www.thomascooksport.com/motorsports

Or talk to an expert: 01733 224 573
@ThomasCookSport