Yasalam’s Live on the Corniche is back and bigger than ever

The largest city-wide entertainment programme of any Formula One host in the world saw more than 100,000 people descend on the beach for Live on the Corniche last year and this year is set to be even bigger.

One participant in the Get Driver Fit challenge looks to be crying for help as she navigates the obstacle course on the Corniche. Christopher Pike / The National

ABU DHABI // Families who turned out at the Cornicheon Friday were treated to the sight of people being turned upside down in cars to promote road safety and others taking part in an obstacle course, all as part of this year’s Yasalam.

The annual event, which is the largest city-wide entertainment programme of any Formula One host city in the world, drew more than 100,000 people to the beach for Live on the Corniche last year and this year is set to be even bigger with several new activities available until November 23.

Abu Dhabi mother Sara Al Suwaidi took her children aged 5, 7, 8 and 10 to the art zone, which is part of the Yasalam set-up at the Corniche’s west plaza.

She said: “The event is really nice. The kids got the chance to race and draw and it’s all on the beach.

“I have attended Yasalam before and the staff are also helpful and encourage the kids, who learn so much without even realising it.”

Dubai resident Wesam Badran said: “We really enjoyed the experience. We are from Dubai but are in Abu Dhabi to visit our family.”

“There is a great recreation – there are many things for children to do and learn,” said Muna Oqal, also from Dubai. “There is something for all ages and the atmosphere is also great because it is outdoors at the beach.”

Another mother, who was happy to let her five-year-old daughter exhaust herself with all the beach activities, was Babita Karkera. “These events happen only sometimes and so I got my daughter here as it is a good change for us,” she said.

Among the new activities at Yasalam 2014 were the art zone and the obstacle course, which is part of the Get Driver Fit challenge, where teams compete to see who is as fit as an F1 driver.

“The obstacle course on Abu Dhabi Corniche is new and it embodies Yasalam’s commitment to giving back to the community with health and fitness activities in the heart of the city,” said John Lickrish, chief executive of Flash Entertainment, the organisers of the event.

“In fact, the concept of Get Driver Fit is also refreshed and extended in 2014.

“The Urban Art Zone is also new and we expect the long-term positive impact of that project to extend into the future.”

Furniture artist Patrick Seaman was flown in from the UK to take part in the art zone, which also involves community workshops and live art stations where old shipping containers are transformed into works of art.

“We took broken furniture and are repairing and up-cycling it,” Mr Seaman said.

“We are painting different pieces of furniture like chairs or bookshelves. This section is very popular and many people are interested in watching us. It is also an educational experience because they get to know more about recycling.”

Fatima, one of the artists involved, is painting a design on a car that will be completed by the final day of Live on the Corniche.

“I love painting and many people enjoy watching someone paint on a fascinating object or something different,” she said.

“Also, the car is relevant to the event and it made sense to paint on it.”

Talking about Yasalam as a whole, Mr Lickrish said: “Beats on the Beach is always popular with international, regional and local performers attracting the crowds over three nights of shows.

“The F1 Fanzone draws huge numbers of passionate race fans and those just looking for a bit of fun with the family.

“Children are welcome to all the activities on the Corniche in the coming weeks.”

In addition, Live on the Corniche has a fitness zone where people can exercise and an F1 racing simulator where one can experience what it is like to drive an F1 car.