The wait is almost over. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will open to the public on October 28, three weeks ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The long anticipated opening date was announced at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, attended by representatives from Ferrari, Aldar Properties and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. There the assembled crowd was given a peak of one of the ride vehicles (pictured above) from Formula Rossa, the theme park’s signature rollercoaster, set to become the world’s fastest, racing to a speed of 240k/h.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi (FWAD) will be the world’s largest indoor theme park, paying tribute to the passion, excellence, performance and technical innovation of the famous Italian marque. Alongside the Grand Prix, the park has important role to play in bringing Abu Dhabi to global recognition and has further significance within the attractions industry as it is the first theme park on this scale in the United Arab Emirates.
Most of the attractions at FWAD will be housed beneath a sleek 200,00 square metre red roof, inspired by the profile of the Ferrari GT body. In the centre is a glass funnel with a shot and drop tower ride. Also featured will be a duelling rollercoaster called the GT Experience (pictured below), a “Soarin” style simulator that takes guests on a flight over Italy, two dark rides, a water ride, racing simulators, kids driving school, interactive exhibits, historical exhibits and a virtual factory tour. Ride suppliers include Intamin, Maurer Söhne, Huss. Mack and Hafema.
The park, which has been designed by Jack Rouse Associates, will also feature an Italian food court, fine dining restaurant and several VIP rooms. A 1,300 square metre flagship store will sell all things Ferrari.
FWAD is located on Yas Island, a 25 square kilometre entertainment and recreation destination that is also home to the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Ahead of the inaugural race last November, develop Aldar properties delivered the Yas Marina Circuit, seven brand new hotels, Yas Marina and all infrastructure and race-related facilities. A number of new attractions will open in the coming years, including a waterpark, regional shopping mall and the region’s first links golf.
“Signature projects like this are another element of our commitment to further enhance the Emirate’s credentials as an inspiring place to live and visit,” comments Mohammed Al Mubarak, chairman of Farah Leisure Parks, a joint venture set up to run the park between Aldar and ProFun Management.
Abu Dhabi was chosen as the location for the project thanks to the huge popularity for motor sports in the United Arab Emirates.
