How to enjoy an Abu Dhabi F1 weekend

The stands may have been half empty during the practice race at F1 on Friday but Yas Marina was buzzing with activity on the super yachts berthed there this weekend.

The 280ft Moonlight II, the biggest yacht at the F1, played host to a well-heeled set and a few celebrities. The former footballer Diego Maradona was on board as was the actor David Hasselhoff of Baywatch and Knightrider fame. The Hoff was gracious and stopped during his guided tour of the yacht to pose for a few quick pictures and brief chats with his fans before disembarking.

Aside from my all-too brief chat with the Hoff, I had the pleasure of meeting the charming Hugo Taylor, formerly of the UK reality show Made in Chelsea, who was enjoying the F1 action on the yacht with his girlfriend, the model Natalie Joel. He may have tried to steal my lighter a couple of times but I did my best to secure him and his friends passes to the Jay Z concert at du Arena last night.

A few yachts down, aboard the Majesty 88, brokered by Belevari Marine, I chatted to the Lebanese actor Oussama El Ali before the marina quieted down and the vast majority headed to the Jay Z concert. Post concert, though, the marina came alive again with DJs getting the yacht crowds dancing and the parties continued across the island, including the first Amber Lounge night of the weekend. This year the legendary Amber Lounge has taken over the premises of the former Allure club in Yas Marina and last night the guests were entertained by McNasty, Labrinth's brother while tomorrow the hip-hop group Far East Movement, from Los Angeles, are appearing at the closing party. Amber Lounge tickets start at Dh3,030, doors open at 11pm. For reservations, email [e-mail] or visit www.amber-lounge.com