Zing Abu Dhabi Zing

Plenty of action in the markets in the last few days, big economic releases this week and having been on the road plenty of reflection from around the region to decipher, full analysis tomorrow – for today though, some observations on the back of a special F1-weekend

Wowaweewah…that’s about the only “word” that leaps to the front-line of an expressive attempt to even begin describing the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix staged over the weekend at the still new-coat-of-paint-smelling, brightly sparkling Yas Marina circuit. From the surreal Yas Marina hotel (half land, half water based – but of course) to the general seating areas around the well-positioned grandstands, an incredibly impressive, well-planned and thoroughly deserving of great applause three days were enjoyed by all, containing big-hitting stars and equally high-frequency-hitting cars – the sheer electricity of what is otherwise known as the modern day “circus” came to town in all its F1 glory and felt as if it had always been here – for anyone that attended it will now be difficult to remember what Abu Dhabi was like before the Grand Prix.

It proved a great opportunity to showcase what determination, ambition and a slightly fortuitous pile of cash can achieve. As with the argument put forward for Qatar’s deserved profits a couple of weeks back though, just because one might be blessed with endless amounts of wealth does not always translate into doing what is best for either your people or your neighbouring region in general (just look at the Sultanate of Brunei and their “spending” – the only ambition there a wish to amass a collection of multi-coloured Rolls-Royces). The effort that went into producing what was showcased to the world over the weekend was of course built through the sweat and tears of international labourers rather than native workers, but the reported working conditions and management style of the bill-payers was highly regarded by all. Even at the event itself, Abu Dhabi residents were widely present to assist with what many other rich-oil producing nation’s residents would have considered mundane tasks (i.e. beneath them) – with extremely helpful and (highly irritable if tipped) courtesy taxi drivers providing free services for some shuttling around the large arena.

The array of buses and shuttles made for a strong showing of organisational thinking and event planning had been spared no expense as the massive crowds were swiftly and effortlessly herded between the incredible racing arena to the jaw-droppingly awesome concert arena – from zinging cars to singing stars at F1 speed. Designers had no doubt been provided with a drawing board akin to a child’s etch-a-sketch only existing in their wildest dreams and told to let loose in a flurry of creativity and imagination – as too often happened in other cities during the boom years, these buildings did not end up ugly expressions of excess, but more so abstract buildings strangely alluring and even beautiful – not an expression you normally hear widely bandied about the Middle East.

So what does it mean that Abu Dhabi has staged a grand prix? It certainly did not anticipate an economy stimulating effect, I don’t think - the event actually cost an estimated $4bn with all construction considered and other entertainment and organisational factors combined. Even after admission ticket revenue is considered, it seems more likely a current F1 driver’s teenage son will be crowned champion himself before the venue will break-even. The prestige element is of course a priceless reward. Abu Dhabi’s movers-and-shakers are used to mixing it with the high-flying society types and big stars but not usually here in their own backyard. Having such a large number of dignitaries and showbiz personalities all crawling around what is still a very small city for a long weekend provided fleeting glimpses of inspirational (to some) personalities and brought a sense of glamour and glitz worthy of a Mediterranean resort in what had been nothing but barren desert barely a year ago. Bringing to these (artificially sculpted to perfection) shores what had previously only been accessible to those lucky enough to travel the world-in-luxury will be seen by many as a worthy gift to the people that are residing in the region.

We could spend some time analysing the one-upmanship versus Dubai and other GCC states but that would be rather petty and bitter at this stage. We could also ponder the rights and wrongs of spending such large amounts of money on what may really amount to nothing more than a great “show”, or we could even argue the pros and cons of pitting (racing pun intended) Islamic traditions against the very modern backdrop of scantily-clad women that just seem to find their way to such high-profile events. However, more gentlemanly to sing Abu Dhabi’s praises, concentrating and lingering on what was truly a special few days with an atmosphere never before experienced in this part of the world (even at the Bahrain Grand Prix it must be admitted) but one that will remain a very special memory amongst those that took advantage of the opportunity to revel in a fabulous display of the 21st Century’s entertainment answer to the Roman Coliseum.

Remarkable was it? As sure as a Ferrari should be bought in red it was.