Benson Boone to perform at Yasalam Abu Dhabi 2025
To the Boone and back!
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025 is eight months away, but the excitement is already building, not just for the zooming action out on the tracks but also for the Yasalam After Race Concerts. Last week, we broke the news that American singer-songwriter Katy Perry is closing the four-day exhilarating weekend in Abu Dhabi, and now… we have the name of the second artist: Benson Boone.
For our Gen Z readers, you'll surely be familiar with Benson Boone. He's the American singer-songwriter behind some mega TikTok tunes, including Beautiful Things, In The Stars, Sorry I'm Here For Someone Else, and Slow It Down.
Benson Boone first appeared for an audition on American Idol Season 19, and so, in a way, will find himself reunited with Katy Perry – one of three judges who gave him a resounding 'YES' on the televised singing competition.
However, they will be performing on different days (see below), with Benson Boone opening for the Yasalam After-Race Concerts in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, December 4, 2025.
During his American Idol audition, Lionel Richie praised the young singer after his performance, calling him 'gifted' stating, 'I'm just calling it natural talent!'
Benson did not go on to win American Idol, and his stint was rather short, as the young artist claimed he wanted to know himself as an artist before getting that large of a platform for his singing. While his fans at the time may have been sad to see him leave, his departure propelled him into becoming not just a great singer but also snapping up a number of awards in 2024 and 2025. He also performed at the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards in February this year.
During his performance in Abu Dhabi, you can expect his smooth vocal style backed with plenty of jazzy costumes, sweet dance moves, and maybe some cool backflips. Would it be too much to ask for a bit of piano too, please, Benson?
Want to see him perform live on stage? You will need Abu Dhabi Grand Prix tickets. Read on…
Benson Boone in Abu Dhabi, Yasalam After-Race Concerts / Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Etihad Park, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Dec 4, @etihadpark Your guide to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the final race on the gripping F1 calendar. In 2025, it takes place from Thursday, December 4, with the final (and arguably the biggest) race of the season taking place on Sunday, December 7, 2025.
Tickets for the races in Abu Dhabi are of various rates, so take your pick based on your budget and your availability. But don't ponder too long, as tickets are selling out quick. Here are the ticket prices for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
There are different grandstands located at various locations across the circuit. Before you make a false start on your purchase, take some time to have a good look at the grid to see what experience you will enjoy the most.
There's the Main Grandstand, which offers views of the paddock and is right next to the start and finish line. Ticket prices to see the celebratory action start from Dhs3,010.
The North Grandstand, South Grandstand, and West Grandstand may not offer you views of the F1 cars crossing the finish line, but you will get some epic views of the thrilling action, including jaw-dropping overtakes (with a dash of drama).
The North Grandstand offers premium views of Turn 5 (the hairpin). PS. Turn 5 is considered one of the best overtaking zones at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Prices start from Dhs1,695, with a premium grandstand option also available.
The West Grandstand has a stand that is one of the fastest points of the track. And due to the sudden sharp turn on Turns 6 and 7, you can expect some intense braking action. Tickets start from Dhs2,355.
The Marina Grandstand offers views of the tracks a little past Turn 8. Besides yacht-watching, you can also see a large part of the circuit, including the turns around the marina. Tickets start from Dhs2,350.
The South Grandstand will offer you views of turn 9, and if you get a high enough seat, you can see cars zooming their way through turns 10 and 11. And if you're really lucky, you can even spot some spectacular overtaking just before the cars zoom off to complete their lap. But not before they weave their way through some sharp turns, 10 through 13. Prices start from Dhs2,350.
For those on a budget, there's the Abu Dhabi Hill, where you can see views of Turns 2 to 6. Prices start from Dhs1,025 for a Family Pass (two adults and two children). You will be able to see the action on a spot on the grass and on a TV screen. Head here early to secure the best spot.
We aren't done yet. Don't forget, there are Hospitality Suites, too, where you can elevate your race-watching experience to another level. The prices here vary depending on how you want to enjoy your Abu Dhabi Grand Prix experience. Prices start from Dhs6,990.
With all those numbers doing doughnuts in your head, take a deep breath, call, and discuss with mates before you have yourself an ' inchident '.
Weekend ticket holders will get to enjoy exclusive access to top attractions, including Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros World plus cultural landmarks like Qasr Al Watan and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Tickets are available on abudhabigp.com Need a refresher? Here's everything you need to know about the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Where do the races take place?
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix takes place at the Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island. It is one of the most technologically advanced tracks in the world.
When the drivers take their positions, they race around the circuit for a total of 58 laps around the 5.281-kilometer circuit, providing motorsport fans with (close to) two hours of action. Why is it a big deal?
All of the F1 races are a pretty incredible spectacle, but Abu Dhabi is particularly exciting because it is the last race of the F1 calendar before the drivers race off into the sunset for a much-needed break.
Last year, drivers were battling to snap up the Constructors Champion title up until the very last race in Abu Dhabi. It's still too early in the season to know if this will happen again this year. The title was won by McLaren, who scooped up a total of 666 points throughout the season — their first win since 1998 (well done, Team Papaya!).
Trailing behind them were Ferrari, who were shy of winning by just 14 points. The battle for the title between the two teams meant that the race was a nail-biting race experience, with fans left on the edge of their seats until the winning team finished the final lap to receive the checkered flag.
The slate is wiped clean at the start of each season, so for 2025, all the teams start from scratch with zero points. Currently, we have witnessed four GP races (waking up at too-early-for-the-weekend o'clock here in the UAE for the first three), but the battle for the Constructors Champion title in 2025 has just begun.
As for the F1 World Champion, the announcement takes place depending on where the driver's individual points are at. Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing is the current reigning World Drivers' Champion, winning the title in 2025 with a whopping 437 points.
Will 2025 be the year Verstappen snaps up his fifth title in a row? Or, will Ferrari ( finally ) get it together and allow Lewis Hamilton to nab his eighth title? Or will it be little Lando Norris or our gentle warrior, Oscar Piastri, who will swoop in for the win? It's hard to say at this point, so all we can do is wait…
Oh, and speaking of stars, can we take a moment of your time to talk about the rookies? Six new drivers have joined the grid this year, and after just three races (at the moment), we are mighty impressed with Kimi Antonelli from Mercedes, Isack Hadjar from Racing Bulls, and Ollie Bearman from Haas – we have no doubt they are up-and-coming World Champions. Watch out, veterans… they're coming for you. After-race concerts
After the adrenaline-pumping action on the tracks, Formula 1 fans can either retreat back home, but why would you when there are some cool after-race concerts to catch? It's the perfect way to end the night for roaring, motorsport-mad fans. These take place at Etihad Park, close to the Yas Marina Circuit, and feature top artists that add an extra sparkle to the racing weekend.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: To be able to see any of these performers, you will need to have tickets to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025. Now we know the race is all the way in December, but seats are selling out fast, so make your bookings asap. Artists announced so far Katy Perry
Katy Perry is set to perform on Sunday, December 7, 2025, and is sure to add to the loud cheers post the glittering Firework (s) that will go off on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi on the final day of the racing action at the Yas Marina Circuit. A perfect way to end the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025. The American pop singer is known for some huge belters, including Hot N Cold, The One That Got Away, I Kissed A Girl, Teenage Dream, and many other hits.
Already have your Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025 seats booked? Great! You can upgrade your tickets to the Golden Circle and unlock priority access close to the stage on abudhabigp.com.
Benson Boone is the second artist to be announced, and there are two more to go! Stay tuned.
We repeat, if you have an F1 ticket, you are granted access, and concert tickets can't be purchased separately. Stay updated with how you acquire the wristbands to enter the venue closer to the event so you don't miss out.
Of course, once we know, we will surely keep you in the loop.
What about the official after-parties? If after all this you still have the energy of a V10 engine, you can keep the party going at various spots across the city. Stay tuned for these announcements.
Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, December 4 to 7, ticket prices from Dhs1,695. abudhabigp.com
Images: Getty Images and Abu Dhabi GP
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Dubai Eye
3 days ago
- Dubai Eye
Alcaraz bludgeons Paul to reach French Open semis
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz steamrolled past American 12th-seed Tommy Paul 6-0 6-1 6-4 at the French Open on Tuesday with a jaw-dropping display of attacking tennis in one of the most one-sided men's quarter-finals in Paris in recent memory. Four-time champion Iga Swiatek, who is looking to become the first woman in the professional era to win four consecutive titles in Paris, also punched her semi-final ticket with a straight sets win over Elina Svitolina of Ukraine to set up a mouth-watering semi-final with world number one Aryna Sabalenka. But it was four-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz's merciless dismantling of Paul that grabbed the fans' attention, with the 22-year-old Spaniard terrorising the former French Open junior champion who looked like a fish out of water. Alcaraz charged through the first two sets in just 53 minutes and in near flawless fashion, hitting winners at will and chasing down every ball before the shell-shocked American had any time to react. Paul pulled himself together to hold serve and go 4-3 up in the third but as the sun gradually went down over Paris so did the curtain on his inspired run, with Alcaraz winning three games in a row to put him out of his misery in just 94 minutes. "I could close my eyes and everything went in," Alcaraz said. "My feeling was unbelievable. I tried to hit the shots 100% and not think about it." "Today it was one of those matches where everything went in," he said. He will next take on in-form Italian Lorenzo Musetti who battled past American Frances Tiafoe in four sets after surviving a second-set wobble, to reach the French Open semi-finals for the first time. Musetti Warning Musetti, the world number seven, who escaped with a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct when he kicked a ball at a line judge, eventually overran 15th seed Tiafoe. "Honestly it was really unlucky coincidence," said Musetti of the incident. "I was a little bit scared, because I really didn't want to harm nobody, of course. So I immediately went to the line umpire, and I of course said, 'sorry', I apologise to everyone." "It was right to have a warning, but I think the umpire saw that there was no intention about that and that's why probably just, you know, let me continue my game." That occurred in the second set when Musetti, the only man to reach at least the semi-finals of every main claycourt event this season, was given balls to serve. He kicked one to inadvertently hit the line judge, who barely flinched even though she was hit on her upper body. Grand Slam rules state that players are issued a warning at first instance for any ball abuse. Tiafoe, however, called it 'comical' that there was no serious punishment. "I mean, obviously he did that and nothing happened," said Tiafoe, who had looked surprised and pointed out the incident to the chair umpire. "I think that's comical, but it is what it is. Nothing happened, so there's nothing really to talk about. Obviously it's not consistent, so it is what it is." Earlier, and in front of a sparse crowd around lunchtime, Swiatek braved the windy conditions to beat Svitolina 6-1 7-5. Although Swiatek failed to win a title going into the tournament this season, she looks to have rediscovered her remarkable claycourt form in Paris, stretching her winning run at the French Open to 26 consecutive matches following her title three-peat between 2022-24 to add to her 2020 crown. Three-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka, hunting her first French Open crown, also needed just two sets to overcome Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen and snap her opponent's 10-match winning streak at Roland Garros with a 7-6(3) 6-3 victory. "I think we're all here for one reason," Sabalenka said. "Everyone wants that beautiful trophy. I'm glad I have another opportunity, another semi-final to do better than last time."
Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Gulf Today
Dubai-based Sara Hamdan's debut novel received well globally
The Emirates Literature Foundation, in partnership with Fiker Insitute, hosted a special evening for the launch of 'What Will People Think,' the highly anticipated debut novel by award-winning writer and journalist Sara Hamdan. The exclusive event was held at the Fiker Institute in Alserkal Avenue on Sunday and featured a fireside chat with the author led by Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation, followed by a book signing and celebratory reception. The evening brought together leading voices from Dubai's cultural and literary community, including representatives from Alserkal Avenue, Art Jameel, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, the Department of Economy and Tourism, the Ministry of Culture, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, Seddiqi Holding, and a number of local authors and publishers. 'This is a landmark moment not only for Sara but for the entire literary ecosystem in Dubai,' said Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation. 'Her journey from an aspiring writer to a published author topping international bestseller lists is a shining example of what's possible when talent is matched with opportunity. It's also a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that mentorship, community support, and targeted initiatives like the First Chapter Fellowship can have on a writer's path. At the Emirates Literature Foundation, we believe in nurturing local voices and amplifying stories from this region on a global stage. We are honoured to have played a role in supporting her from her first draft to the world stage, and we hope her story inspires a new generation of writers — the world is ready for our stories. It's time we write them.' 'At Fiker Institute, we are honoured to host the regional launch of Sarah Hamdan's debut novel, and are proud to champion the voices of Arab authors and creatives on the global stage—amplifying stories that shape our cultural and intellectual landscape.' Dubai Abulhoul, Founder of Fiker Institute. 'We are thrilled to witness the amazing response Sara's book has received globally and look forward to local audiences discovering her talent and passion for storytelling. This is a pivotal moment, one that continues to pave the way for the Fellowship and strengthens the importance of such a platform to nurture writers in the region. Congratulations once again to Sara and we look forward to supporting her on this incredible journey for years to come,' said Hind Seddiqi, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Seddiqi Holding. Currently ranked as the number one best-seller on Amazon UAE in the Humorous Fiction category, What Will People Think has struck a global chord with its heartfelt, funny, and deeply relatable narrative. It was recently featured in The New York Times' list of '24 Books Coming in May' and praised by Publishers Weekly as a novel that 'will linger in readers' minds.' Palestinian-American comedian Mo Amer described it as 'Superb... A timely yet timeless story'. The novel's international momentum began with a sold-out virtual book launch hosted by the Harvard Book Store on 19 May 2025. Hamdan is set to embark on a U.S. book tour in Fall 2025. The book is available in the UAE online on Amazon and in store in Magrudy's and other bookstores. 'I am so proud to tell a story that centres on strong, warm, funny Arab women and so grateful that the world is connecting with the universal, emotional themes,' said Hamdan. 'Our stories matter. This moment feels bigger than me; it's a win for the incredible fellowship and for Dubai – a city of dreams that has served as my home for twenty years.' Sara Hamdan, a proud recipient of the ELF Seddiqi First Chapter Writers' Fellowship, is a Dubai-based writer whose work has appeared in The New York Times, Forbes, and Conde Nast Traveller. Sara Hamdan was announced as a fellow of the inaugural ELF Seddiqi First Chapter Writers' Fellowship in February 2022. Within a year, she signed with literary agents Meredith Miller (UTA) and Sheila Crowley (Curtis Brown) and secured a landmark two-book deal with US publisher Holt after a highly competitive auction. Sara will be doing a US book tour in fall 2025. The First Chapter Fellowship, supported by Seddiqi Holding, provides selected UAE-based writers with invaluable mentorship, including 6 hours of one-on-one coaching from internationally renowned authors, 40 hours of industry workshops, introductions to global agents and editors, and access to international writing courses, including those from the Gotham Writers Centre in New York. Applications for Year Five of the First Chapter Fellowship will open in September 2025.
The National
4 days ago
- The National
Stanley Tucci doesn't want to be globetrotting food expert like Anthony Bourdain
Stanley Tucci has a lot of time to think, and he hates it. The American actor, 64, has spent the majority of his life making movies – Conclave, The Devil Wears Prada, The Hunger Games, to name a few – and as much as he loves acting, he laments the fact that he doesn't actually do all that much of it. 'Acting doesn't fulfil me as much as it used to,' Tucci tells The National. 'You're on these sets for 12 to 13 hours a day, and you may only act for 20 minutes of that time. I end up thinking, 'there's got to be a better way to do this!' I just want to keep going and going – I'm very impatient. 'I get paid to wait. It's the acting I do for free. That's the way I feel, at this point.' The problem is, when you're sitting around all day, you're rarely learning something – even about yourself. It's a problem we all have – but he has lost patience with that disconnect. Which is why, over the last decade, Tucci has gone out into the world to learn more about who he really is – through travel and especially through food. 'I think we've gotten out of touch with ourselves physically,' Tucci explains. 'One of the reasons is we're all sitting in front of computers, or on our phones all the time – or myself, waiting on a set – and desk work is far more prominent than doing any kind of labour.' In Tucci's mind, it's all connected. By focusing more on what he eats, he's thought more about where it comes from – the land, and the culture and traditions the land inspires. And by starting at the source, we see ourselves more clearly. 'Getting in touch with the land is so important. From the land comes our food, and then the food goes onto the table, and into us,' says Tucci. Growing up, Tucci was also quite disconnected from his roots. He didn't understand why all the other kids at his small-town school 75km outside of New York City were eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and he was having leftovers his mother had packed him of last night's eggplant parmigiana. But with each passing decade, he has increasingly immersed himself in his Italian heritage – and embracing even its flaws. And by focusing his journey on food, he has ended up learning more about the country's rich complexities than one might imagine. All of this is in service to understanding the country – and himself – better. 'I don't want to romanticise Italy. I think that's been done ad nauseam. I think it's not interesting and it's not truthful,' says Tucci. Tucci in Italy, his new National Geographic series broadcast weekly in the UAE and available to stream on Disney+, embraces what he feels is the true Italy. In the first episode, for example, he explores Tuscany, focusing specifically on dishes that were created by and for the working class. First he tries lampredotto, the Florentine street food sandwich made from the fourth stomach of a cow. It's named after the eels that once inhabited the Arno river, and only the rich could afford. The tripe dish, then, was invented to imitate its flavours. But the story doesn't stop here. Tucci then finds another old peasant dish made with imitation tripe by those that couldn't even afford cow stomach. That one might even be his favourite. Politically speaking, there's a reason that he focuses on the lower class – at a time when, once again, immigrants and the poor are being scapegoated, both in Italy and in the US. It's something his immigrant family likely went through once, too. 'I think particularly in today's climate, immigrants are vilified and wrongly so, because they have so much to bring to a culture. Millions of Italians once came over to America, and they were vilified to a certain extent. Also, I think that's something that Italian Americans have to remember, and Italians themselves should remember, too,' says Tucci. But as much as he's enjoyed diving into the unexplored corners of Italy for the series – with another season already shot and set to air next year – he's also adamant that his journey will stop there. While he wants to go deeper into his ancestral homeland, a project he started with the CNN series Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy in 2021, he doesn't want to explore the rest of the world on camera. It's clear he doesn't want to be the next Anthony Bourdain – the late chef who grew internationally famous for his globetrotting food series Parts Unknown. 'I don't want to do different regions and different countries, because I don't think that would be appropriate. I don't have a connection to those countries,' Tucci explains. In fact, it sounds like Tucci doesn't think there should be another Anthony Bourdain at all. Instead, he wants the Tucci in Italy model to be repeated globally – starring figures who are looking to explore their roots, not modern-day adventurers looking to become the Indiana Jones of restaurants. 'I think it would be more interesting to have somebody like me explore those countries in the way that I've done it – and they need to have a connection to those countries. They need to speak the language, and they have to really, really appreciate the food – not just like to eat. 'They have to know food and be willing to explore and ask questions. It's not just about what's delicious – it's about understanding the passion of the people that make it.' The next season of Tucci in Italy may be the final food travel series for Tucci. 'I'm kind of tired,' he says. Tucci is grappling with the fact that, at 64, he's aging. And part of knowing himself now is about knowing how to navigate his limitations. He's doing that by focusing, once again, on food. 'As a person who's getting older, your body is changing all the time – meaning it's getting weaker all the time. You need to know what it is you need to strengthen yourself - to keep yourself strong. Otherwise I'll grow impatient with myself, too.'
