Snapped: Celebrities spotted in the UAE this week

It’s been one of the most star-studded weeks of the year…

As the F1 race season draws to a close, Abu Dhabi is thrust firmly into the spotlight as it hosts the final Grand Prix of the season. And as well as attracting racing drivers and avid motorsports fans, the weekend festivities draw in some huge name stars both for and around the Formula One.

So in case you were wondering who to keep an eye out for at The Dubai Mall, we’ve put together a list of some of the famous faces spotted in the UAE this week…

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively

By now we’re pretty sure you know that Ryan Reynolds is in Abu Dhabi filming for Netflix film 6 Underground. But this week, fans were treated to further sightings of the award-winning actor, this time with his wife Blake Lively, who has joined him in the capital, when he shared this selfie on his Instagram stories.

Sam Smith

Performing in the region for the first time was popstar Sam Smith, who performed to a packed out du Forum arena on Saturday night. But clearly eager to make the most of his F1 experience, he was spotted meeting officials in the pit lane ahead of the final race on Sunday afternoon.

Akon

American rap star Akon has joined the F1 festivities, taking to the stage at MAD on Yas Island on Saturday night. But ahead of his performance, he shared that it had been an ‘honor meeting with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi’, sharing this pic of the two of them together to his 3.9 million followers.

Bella Hadid

Supermodel Bella Hadid is currently dating R&B superstar The Weeknd, so it came as no surprise to fans that she flew in to support him at his Abu Dhabi gig on Friday. What did come as a surprise to some fans, was to see the star wandering through the Yas Hotel on Friday evening, where she happily posed for pictures.

French Montana and The Weeknd

Both French Montana were in town to perform gigs on the Friday night of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but made time to catch up between them, on top of the Bat Mobile, naturally. The Weeknd (real name Abel Makkonen Tesfaye) was later spotted partying with girlfriend Bella Hadid at French Montana’s gig at MAD on Yas Island.

Lewis Hamilton and Will Smith

Who knew these two were pals? Among those celebrating Lewis Hamilton’s fifth Grand Prix win is Will Smith, with the pair sharing this snap in matching Mercedes driving suits ahead of the final race.

Chris Tucker, Dave Chappelle and Steve Harvey

Three comedy veterans were reunited over the F1 weekend in Abu Dhabi, with Tucker sharing this post to Instagram with the caption ‘No Caption Needed’.

Paris Hilton

Launching a perfume seems like the right of passage for most celebrities these days. But launching 24 is reserved for reality TV royalty, such as Paris Hilton, who was in Dubai earlier this week to promote her latest fragrance, Platinum Rush, at Festival City Mall.

Joey Essex

One of a number of reality TV stars who’ve headed to Dubai this week is former TOWIE star Joey Essex. He was seen partying at Circoloco at Blue Marlin, and on the WeBrunch pop-up at Yas Hotel.

Olivia Palermo

In town for the opening of new Abu Dhabi hotel, the Abu Dhabi Edition, socialite and stylist Olivia Palermo has been soaking up the culture over the last couple of days in the capital. As well as visiting The Louvre, she posted an array of stunning shots at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to her Instagram account.

Geri Horner (nee Halliwell)

A regular on the racing circuit is Spice Girl Geri Horner, who is married to Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.

Slash

Lead Guns N Roses guitarist Slash headed to Abu Dhabi ahead of his performance at the after-race concerts on Sunday. He was spotted over the weekend mingling with race team members and waving at fans from the Mercedes team garage in the pit lane at Yas Marina Circuit.

— For the best of Dubai straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.