YASALAM 2014: CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN ON THE CORNICHE OBSTACLE COURSE SET TO TEST ABU DHABI

Landmark obstacle course being built at Live on the Corniche’s new location – West Plaza
Final test of the Get Driver Fit Challenge brought to you by Daman’s Activelife will include 17 different obstacles
Obstacle course opens to the public from the 13 -15 November alongside the F1 FanZone™ and Urban Art Zone

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – 10th November 2014: FLASH Entertainment, organizers of Yasalam, the largest city-wide entertainment programme run by any race host city, today announced that preparations for the landmark obstacle course set to be built on Abu Dhabi Corniche, in the heart of the capital, are well underway with construction due to begin in the coming days. With the people of Abu Dhabi sure to be questioning exactly what is being built at Yasalam’s new West Plaza location, organizers have revealed the detailed secrets of the unique setup.

Representing the ultimate test for participants of the Get Drive Fit Challenge, the obstacle course will comprise of 17 sections to challenge participants of the Get Driver Fit programme, as well as the public, to test their fitness levels whilst still having fun with friends and family. The obstacle course will be open to the public from 13 - 15 November with experts on hand to help ensure everyone in Abu Dhabi can enjoy the facilities.

Embodying the main aims of the Get Driver Fit brought to you by National Health Insurance Company – Daman’s Activelife initiative, which is inspired by the fitness levels of the world’s top racing drivers and the vast array of sporting activities they use to boost their physical conditioning, the obstacle course will incorporate 17 different challenges. Participants will be challenged to run while carrying tyres, scale ‘The Wall”, carefully pass the balance beams, army crawl through the tunnels and jump over the hurdles. Even after passing those challenges the tasks will continue with the taxing monkey bars and courage-testing window jump. Across the 17 varied sections the contestants will use almost every muscle group and will be able to push their fitness to the limit as they look to post one of the fastest times through the course. Not to discourage the less adventurous, organizers have ensured the course is suitable for all fitness levels and anyone over the age of 14. There will also be plenty of exciting prizes on offer throughout the three days including a grand prize for the fastest male and female who will be crowned the Get Driver Fit Obstacle Course Champions.

In its sixth year, the Yasalam celebrations Live on the Corniche, including the obstacle course, will take place at the West Plaza and Lagoon Beach for the first time, after previously occupying the East Plaza and Al Sahil Beach. With the landmark shift in location comes one of the most diverse line-ups of performers ever seen in the UAE.

Adding to the excitement Live on the Corniche will be the hugely popular F1 FanZone™: The world’s official F1 FanZone™. Allowing fans and spectators to feel the rush of the race with thrills and spills for motorsport enthusiasts of all ages, there’s plenty to keep the family entertained at the world’s largest and most diverse race fan experience.

A new addition to the Yasalam festival, the Urban Art Zone, will be delivering a fresh level of creativity to the Corniche activities. The public can watch art come to life as old shipping containers are transformed into live graffiti art, bringing the industrial heritage of Abu Dhabi into the creative world of Yasalam 2014. As part of Yasalam’s continued community outreach, the zone will also teach about upcycling and refurbishing furniture to help give back to the under-privileged in the community and offer fun and creative workshops for the whole family to enjoy.

The festival will kick off in the iconic, carnival-styled parade, Yasalam Opening Parade, with music and fancy dress costumes inspired by the big race and the worldwide host cities. The Yasalam parade will feature local school floats, a marching band and breath-taking performers along the boardwalk of the Abu Dhabi Corniche where schools will compete for the best float design trophy.