Preparations on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi have moved into top gear with the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix programme now only days away. With Max Verstappen’s recent win and McLaren’s double disqualification in Las Vegas, the drivers' championship still holds excitement, making the finale at Yas Marina Circuit one of the most anticipated events of the season.

The race, scheduled to take place from December 4 to 7, marks the 24th and final race of the year. After months of planning, the finishing touches are now being added across the island as all 10 F1 teams and 20 drivers prepare to arrive directly after the Sunday race in Qatar.

Last year’s edition welcomed 192,000 spectators over four days, and organisers expect the 2025 event to surpass that number. Fans from 105 countries are travelling to Abu Dhabi, reflecting the global appeal of a race that has become a bucket-list experience for motorsport enthusiasts.

Saif Al Noaimi, CEO of Ethara, shared, “Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the most anticipated weekend on the region's sporting calendar and the one we prepare for the whole year. The 2025 event promises to be remarkable, with more fans, more racing, more entertainment, and exciting new experiences on and off the track. We cannot wait to welcome everyone in Abu Dhabi.”

Beyond the on-track action, the event is known for delivering one of the finest entertainment experiences in Formula 1. Concerts, afterparties and access to top attractions across the city make the weekend even more special.

This year, the Yasalam presented by e& programme is set to be the most ambitious in its history. Fans can look forward to four nights of After-Race concerts headlined by Benson Boone, Elyanna, Post Malone, Metallica and Katy Perry. The official After-Parties will feature international names like Calvin Harris, Idris Elba and Keinemusik.

David Powell, Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer at Ethara, said, “The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has become our region's Super Bowl. It is not only a season finale, it is an entertainment powerhouse. From concerts and parties to fashion and celebrities – it is the destination event that draws UAE residents and international visitors for an unforgettable weekend.”

With a potentially title-deciding battle and a world-class entertainment lineup, the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix promises an electrifying experience for fans from around the world.

Hilton has strengthened its footprint in Bengaluru with the launch of Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Whitefield, adding another key property to its expanding India portfolio. This opening marks the group’s seventh hotel in the city and reflects its commitment to building a strong multi-brand presence in South India.

Developed in partnership with Minerva Executive Apartment Private Limited, the hotel sits in the centre of Whitefield, a major business and technology hub that houses multinational companies, IT parks, shopping zones, and popular dining spaces. With 223 rooms, the property is designed for both corporate and leisure travellers who prefer convenience and modern comfort. Its location also offers quick connectivity to well-known business districts such as International Tech Park, Prestige Shantiniketan, and the Export Promotion Industrial Park (EPIP).

Speaking about the launch, Zubin Saxena, Senior Vice President and Regional Head, South Asia, Hilton, said, “Bengaluru continues to be one of Hilton’s strongest growth markets in South Asia, driven by its thriving technology sector and expanding business travel demand. The opening of Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Whitefield reflects our deep commitment to this city, where we will extend Hilton’s signature hospitality to the heart of the city’s tech corridor, offering guests a modern stay experience backed by Hilton’s trusted hospitality.”

The hotel offers thoughtfully designed guest rooms balancing style and functionality. Guests can choose from three dining venues, an all-day dining restaurant serving a mix of international and local favourites, a vibrant bar perfect for casual conversations, and a warm lobby lounge for informal catch-ups. The property also provides 7,000 square feet of event and meeting space, a fully equipped fitness centre, and an outdoor swimming pool that is scheduled to open by March 2026.

Jenny Milos, Vice President, Brand Management, Suites & Focused Service, Asia Pacific, Hilton, added, “As one of Hilton’s fastest-growing brands, Hilton Garden Inn is designed for today’s discerning travellers who seek a comfortable, high-quality stay that delivers exceptional value. With its thoughtful design, modern amenities and Brighthearted hospitality, Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Whitefield is set to strengthen the brand’s presence in the vibrant Bengaluru region.”

Sharing his thoughts, Samir Shah, Director, Minerva Executive Apartment Private Limited, said, “Whitefield sits at the heart of Bengaluru’s thriving tech and commercial ecosystem, and with growing demand for quality accommodation, we are pleased to once again partner with a globally trusted brand like Hilton. Combining Hilton’s global expertise with our local knowledge, we are confident that Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Whitefield will set new benchmarks for hospitality in the area.”

Hilton currently manages nearly 100 trading and pipeline properties across South Asia, with over 70 in India. The company’s long-term plan aims to grow its presence to 300 trading hotels in the coming decade. Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Whitefield joins the brand’s expanding network in cities such as Pune, Lucknow, Delhi, Trivandrum, Surat, Jabalpur, and Mumbai. The hotel also participates in Hilton Honors, Hilton’s award-winning guest loyalty programme.

Six Flags Qiddiya City, the landmark theme park at Saudi Arabia’s upcoming entertainment district Qiddiya City, is building strong visibility in India ahead of its grand opening on 31 December 2025. Positioned as the world’s first destination built around the Power of Play, the park recently hosted an energetic curtain-raiser in India for trade partners and media.

Just 40 minutes from Downtown Riyadh and surrounded by the dramatic Tuwaiq Mountains, Qiddiya City is set to transform the region’s entertainment scene with a mix of adventure, culture, and sports-driven experiences.

At the India preview, the team offered a closer look at the park’s headline attractions. Six Flags Qiddiya City will feature 28 rides, including three global record-breakers:

• Falcons Flight – the world’s tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster

• Iron Rattler – the world’s tallest tilt coaster

• Spitfire – the world’s tallest inverted coaster

Alongside these marquee thrills, the park will offer 18 family-friendly rides, global dining options, and exclusive retail stores with Six Flags merchandise.

Tickets start at SAR 325 for adults and SAR 275 for children, while kids under four enjoy free entry. The ticket includes access to all rides. Guests can also upgrade to the Unlimited GoFast Pass for priority access. Pre-bookings have opened online.

Designed with inclusivity in mind, the park features facilities for people with special needs and senior citizens, who can avail discounted entry starting from SAR 75.

Highlighting the park’s vision, Brian Machamer, Park President, Six Flags Qiddiya City, sai“Six Flags Qiddiya City not only opens its door to the public for the first time, it starts to showcase everything Qiddiya City stands for: bold imagination, unforgettable experiences, and a new benchmark for global entertainment. With flexible and inclusive ticketing options, guests can look forward to an unforgettable experience filled with world-class thrills and non-stop fun.”, 

Visitors can reach the theme park via car, taxi, or shuttle. Complimentary transport will be available from the designated parking area. The park will operate daily from 4 p.m., while free shuttle services from Jeddah Metro Station will start at 3 p.m. Metro schedules can be accessed on the Riyadh Public Transportation website, and entry to shuttles is restricted to guests with valid tickets.

With its innovative attractions and growing engagement in key markets like India, Six Flags Qiddiya City is set to become one of the most significant entertainment openings of 2025.