The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021 is shaping up to be the family event of the year, with the Family Fun Pass returning, allowing up to four children under 12 to enjoy the racing action for free.
Returning to full capacity after the past two years of reduced access, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is opening up once more for a weekend of racing excitement featuring the world’s best drivers, not to mention the Yasalam After-Race Concerts from Khalid, Stormzy, Lewis Capaldi and Foo Fighters, who will be rounding off the weekend celebrations.
What is the Family Fun Pass and what do you get?
The Family Fun Pass allows free entry for up to four children under 12 accompanied by two adults with a Friday or three-day ticket to Yas Marina Circuit, as well as access to the Yas Island theme parks on Friday, December 10.
On that day, families can gather at the top of Abu Dhabi Hill for incredible views, as drivers including Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz hit the circuit to practice and perfect their lap times ahead of the main race on Sunday, December 12.
Families with the pass can also take advantage of free access for children to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi.
Adult Family Fun Pass ticket holders will be able to attend Friday’s Yasalam After-Race Concert, featuring the multi-Brit-Award-winning rapper Stormzy.
Thursday's Track Walk and ticket upgrade options
For those wishing to head over the day before, Family Fun Pass ticket holders will have access to Thursday’s Track Walk which takes place along the entire circuit, providing plenty of Instagrammable moments.
There’s also the opportunity to upgrade to a Super Parks Pass, offering unlimited five-day access to the three theme parks from Thursday to Monday, December 9 to 13.
“We’re delighted that the updated government regulations mean we can once again offer the Family Fun Pass and welcome families to the Friday of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix week to experience the exhilarating track action,” said Saif Al Noaimi, acting chief executive of Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management. “They’re guaranteed family-friendly thrills throughout the day between the drivers taking to the circuit and this year’s Oasis area serving up incredible all-day entertainment, delicious F&B and F1 merchandise.”
On-track drama, off-track safety
Covid-19 precautions remain in place with temperature checking, venue sanitisation and social distancing. Masks are to be worn at all times and spectators will need to show a Green Pass through Al Hosn app and a negative PCR test within 96-hours to enter the venue.
With the potential championship decider between Mercedes’ Hamilton and Red Bull’s Verstappen at this season’s final race, enthusiasts are sure to see history in the making at this year’s milestone event.
The track has also been reconfigured with modifications made for more dramatic racing and increased opportunities for overtaking.
More information is available at yasmarinacircuit.com
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Racecard
6.30pm: The Madjani Stakes (PA) Group 3 Dh175,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m
7.40pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,600m
8.15pm: Handicap (TB) Dh190,000 (D) 1,200m
8.50pm: Dubai Creek Mile (TB) Listed Dh265,000 (D) 1,600m
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh190,000 (D) 1,600m
The National selections
6.30pm: Chaddad
7.05pm: Down On Da Bayou
7.40pm: Mass Media
8.15pm: Rafal
8.50pm: Yulong Warrior
9.25pm: Chiefdom
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
