As if the Formula One and all the epic concerts that go with it weren’t enough, Yasalam kicks off the festivities with a full schedule of rocking events throughout the capital this month that you won’t want to miss

There’s a feeling of pure exhilaration on the beach tonight. Under the serene expanse of indigo sky, the Corniche is jam packed with people and electricity is coursing through the crowd. Right about now, Fatboy Slim – one of the smoking hot acts playing in the four-day Yasalam concert festival – is ready to hit the stage.

This evening’s show is just one of the many activities FLASH Entertainment has organised in the lead up to this year’s Formula One race. Alongside favourite events such as Beats on the Beach and the F1 FanZone, this year’s line up will once again feature Cinema by the Sea and the Yasalam Parade.

What’s new? This year’s programme sees some exciting additions including TROPFEST Arabia, Cut&Paste and the UAE’s first public screening of the documentary sweeping the racing world – Senna.

TROPFEST Arabia

For the first time ever, the world’s largest short film festival is coming to the Arab world. Sixteen films, all less than seven minutes long, will premier Friday 4th November at 7.30pm on the Abu Dhabi Corniche. In an interview with twofour54, founder and director of TROPFEST Arabia, John Polson, said that he’s had his eye on the region for awhile.

“More and more films are coming out of the Middle East and that part of the world,” said Polson. “We’re inspiring local people from the area, from the region and from the countries that are part of TROPFEST Arabia to tell their own stories and to tell stories that mean something to their audience in their own languages.”

Open to nationals of the MENA region, this event is supported by twofour54 Abu Dhabi, providing an opportunity for the region’s filmmakers – both amateur and experienced – to bring their short films to the community. In addition to the public screening on Friday 4th November, shortlisted films will also be available for viewing online.

Got a short film you want to show the world? It’s not too late to enter but hurry – registration closes today, 29th September. For more information, visit www.tropfestarabia.com.

Cut&Paste

Attention all graphic designers, graphic artists and other computer geeky design freaks. After battling it out in a series of qualifying rounds, the final eight contestants will go toe-to-toe on Saturday 5th November at 7.30pm on the Abu Dhabi Corniche in an all-out design free for all in the Live Design Battle Cut&Paste.

Developed by filmmaker John Fiorelli, the idea was “born from an interest in seeing what designers do, sharing it and having a party around it”. Daring participants to create 2D, 3D and original motion design in a pressure cooker of limited time and before a live audience, the competition gives rising artists an opportunity to showcase their talents.

Bringing life to the thumping music the DJ will be spinning, Cut&Paste is a dance of visual artistry. With competition rounds lasting a mere 15 to 20 minutes, you won’t believe what these talented minds can create. Get inspired or just see what happens when the industry’s best and brightest strut their stuff.

Shatha Al Romaithi, FLASH Entertainment spokesperson, said Cut&Paste had been successful internationally and opened many doors for emerging designers.

“It’s the first time this concept has been tried in the Middle East and we are hoping Abu Dhabi becomes a popular destination for the design tournament.”

The prize will be a trip for two to New York City and a MacBook Pro for the first position.

So the search is now on across the country for eight aspiring designers prepared to go under the microscope and develop a unique design live on stage. If this sounds like you, all you need to do is submit your details along with your portfolio to take part in series of qualifying rounds to: http://www.cutandpaste.com/index.php/events_abd_en/abu_dhabi_en

The best eight designers selected from the qualifiers will battle it out on stage on 5th November, on the Abu Dhabi Corniche. A panel of judges from leading design establishments and the industry will assess each finalist’s creation to determine the champion.

You won’t want to miss...

Loved Yasalam last year? With events happening on the Corniche, across the city and of course on Yas Island, all of your favourites are back again this year.

Be there Friday 28th October to kick off the celebrations with the Yasalam parade. Thousands of children and adults will be taking part in a fun and colourful procession along the Abu Dhabi Corniche. Check out Turkey’s Whirling Dervishes, Spain’s Flamenco Dancers, the German Oompah band and the Indian Bollywood dance troupe. Is your school interested in participating? Contact Rehnaz from Sian Events at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Also back by popular demand is the Cinema by the Sea happening on the Abu Dhabi Corniche from 31st October until 3rd November. Featuring films for the motorhead in all of us, Cinema by the Sea is the perfect spot to get in the Formula One spirit with favourites old and new like Cannonball Run, Transformers 2 and Cars 2. This year Senna, the remarkable documentary feature about the legendary F1 driver will be screened publically for the very first time in Abu Dhabi.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Yasalam without Beats on the Beach, the free beach concert series happening 9th to 12th November at Al Sahil Beach on the Abu Dhabi Corniche. This year’s star-studded line up includes Lebanese superstar Najwa Karam, international RnB star Jay Sean, hip hop reggae man Wyclef Jean, Fatboy Slim and Saber El Robai among many more.

Looking for more free fun? Check out the world’s only official F1 FanZone, a two week community event chock-a-block with motoring fun for the whole family. Sign up ASAP for the Yasalam Racing Challenge held from 28th October to 13th November and experience the thrill of virtual racing in the on-site simulators – the winner of the race will win two invitations to see Britney Spears on 11th November. Also come along to experience the Red Bull Racing Cans, the Art of Kite Flying and more.

Laura Fulton