Thursday, Dec 02, 2010
Gulf News
visitors expected to flock to world’s fastest roller coaster
Abu Dhabi Ferrari World, the UAE’s newest international tourist attraction, is now officially open following a lavish grand opening at the Yas Island venue.
More than 2,000 special guests from around the globe attended the inauguration of the 450,000 square-metre park featuring artistic performances melding both Arab and Italian cultures.
The park is expected to draw legions of tourists to experience the world’s fastest roller coaster, the Formula Rossa, capable of travelling at speeds of 240 km/h over archways as high as 52 metres.
About 900 staff will oversee more than 20 rides, attractions and simulators inside the 200,000 square-metre roof splashed with the largest Ferrari logo in the world measuring 48 metres by 65 metres.
With the press of a button, General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, declared the park open on Tuesday evening.
Largest indoor park
He said that Ferrari World, the largest indoor theme park in the world, was part of a strategy to morph the country into a major travel destination.
“The ambitious development projects in progress in Abu Dhabi will help position the emirate prominently on the global map as a sought after tourist destination. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a quality addition to our tourism industry which is one of the pillars of our national economy,” Shaikh Mohammad said in a statement.
Owned by Aldar Properties, the park is capable of hosting up to 20,000 visitors each day, or space permitting.
Ferrari World is expected to draw 40 per cent of visitors for day and weekend visits from within the UAE.
The remaining 60 per cent are expected to come from the Gulf region, Mena and internationally.
Luca di Montezemolo, Chairman of Ferrari, said in a statement: “I would like to thank all those who made this dream a reality, and in particular our partners and the leadership of Abu Dhabi. The park just four years ago was a project, an idea, maybe even a too ambitious idea, and it is now a fantastic reality.”
“We are very proud of our partners Aldar 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 enthusiasts, but to the whole family. It has 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,” he said.
The Ferrari chairman said that the park goes a long way to building a long-term friendship between the UAE and Italy.
“Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a symbol, built actively on the heritage that Italy represents for the world. But I also like to think that this Ferrari Theme park can be a small contribution to reinforcing the bridge between our two cultures.”
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Grand opening
General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, at the opening ceremony of Ferrari World yesterday.
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Distinguished guests
Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed with Luca di Montezemolo, Chairman of Ferrari and Franco Frattini, Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs at the opening ceremony.
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Fusion performace
A performance at the opening ceremony. The performances were a fusion of both Arab and Italian cultures.
Supplied picture
Top drive
Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad leads a convoy of 140 Ferrari cars from the Meydan Grandstand to Abu Dhabi for the opening of Ferrari World.
By Derek Baldwin?Business Features Reporter
Gulf News 2010. All rights reserved.
