Ferrari World previewed in Abu Dhabi

That Maranello red elephant in the desert is close to opening in Abu Dhabi. Otherwise known as Ferrari World, the theme park was given a press preview last week. At over 200,000 square metres this is one big park. Inside you’ll see all the expected Ferrari guff, as well as a few roller coasters and the like.

The official opening to the public has been delayed until 4 November as mark of respect to the passing of Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi, Emir of Ras al-Khaimah, one of the United Arab Emirates.

Ferrai World expect the visitor split will be 60:40 in favour local residents to tourists. Being placed alongside the Yas Marina Grand Prix track will certainly help boost overseas tourist numbers. Ticket prices range from AED165 ($45) and go right up to AED375 ($105) which includes priority access for all rides.

Will this ambitious project become a roaring success, or is it going to be a massive failure? Tell us what you think. There’s a couple of videos and a few pics after the break to help you make up your mind.

More information is available at the official Ferrari World Abu Dhabi website.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi press preview

• Montezemolo: “Today a dream comes true”

Yas Marina, 27 October – Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the first ever theme park dedicated to the Prancing Horse, was presented this afternoon as a preview exclusively to the international press. Today’s planned soft opening to the public was put back to a future date to be decided in sign of mourning for the passing away of Sheik Saqr bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi, Emir of Ras al-Khaimah.

“First of all I would like, on behalf of both myself and everyone at Ferrari, to express our sincere condolences to the government and the population of the United Arab Emirates for their tragic loss,” – said the Chairman of Ferrari, Luca di Montezemolo. “Then I would like to thank the nation and all those who made it possible to make this dream – a unique theme park dedicated to the world of Ferrari – a reality. Congratulations to everyone involved.”

“The park just 4 years ago was a project, an idea, maybe even a too ambitious idea, is now a fantastic reality. Everyone at Ferrari is grateful to the people who have worked without rest for the last two years to make it happen.

Abu Dhabi is a great city that constantly looks to the future, and we are very proud of our partners who share with Ferrari the same passion, the same vision, the same will to go beyond.

This park combines innovative technology and tradition, it is dedicated not only to Ferrari fans and car enthusiastic, but to the whole family; there are attractions for kids, men and women. It has also the real touch of Ferrari: how things really are for us, with our exclusive GT road cars and racing cars, but also our history and our cultural background. Something else that was crucial for us was for the Park to be a symbol, built actively on the heritage that Italy represents for the world. We are pleased to see that all this has become reality, and that the excitement – like the roller coaster that makes you feel like a Formula One driver – goes hand-in-hand with messages that perfectly combine having a good time with the reality represented by the passion for Ferrari.

We also like to think that this Ferrari Theme park can be a small contribution to reinforcing the bridge between our two cultures.

And finally I would like to express my personal thanks to His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; for their guidance and support. Warm thanks are also due to Khaldoon Al Mubarak, and to Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, for their invaluable support.”