Formula One Abu Dhabi

TESS were delighted to extend their relationship with Flash Entertainment in Abu Dhabi with a range of shows to celebrate the commissioning of the Yas Marina Circuit and the inaugural Etihad Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix.

The fact that Button and Brawn had already raised the championship trophies may have taken the shine off the track action a bit, but did nothing to diminish the success of the concerts and animations at the GP circuit and on the beach in downtown Abu Dhabi.  TESS fielded a three-person team of Tim Roberts, Simon James and Hannah Charlton to assist Flash with both production and public safety issues.  In all over 300,000 people attended the shows, ranging from Beyonce, Kings of Leon, Jamiroquai and Aerosmith at Yas Island through to the Wailers and an interactive F1 Fanzone on the beach.

The Yas Island show was easily the largest Rock and Roll spectacle in the Emirates, with a custom-designed stage and video installation nestling between two arms of the giant space frame of the Ferrari World theme park (due to open spring 2010).  TESS were heavily involved in the planning and management of crowd movements, working closely with Project Director Lee Charteris and Spark Security to handle the daily transition of the crowds from the circuit grandstands into the concert site.

Liaison and co-ordination with the Circuit operators ADMM and the various police, government and security agencies was a huge task, and Hannah lent her considerable skills to help Flash achieve a joined-up approach, which integrated the concerts into the overall F1 plan.

Meanwhile, down on the Corniche beach, Simon was looking after unprecedented crowds (up to 85,000 over the course of one day – with 42,000 peak attendance).  No surprises Simon, JC, Zoe and the rest of the team had little time for sunbathing or swimming!  Still, there was time for a consolation TESS paddle before the folks got the flight back to drizzle and a pile of email...