(ABU DHABI, UAE) -- The excitement of the Abu Dhabi Etihad Formula 1 Grand Prix is over for another year, but next door, the theme park Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is just getting started after the soft opening two weeks ago.
It started with a ceremony in front of one of the signature rides, the G-Force, after which Ferrari World was declared open."The waiting is over, now it's time to immerse yourself in the world of Ferrari," said Andy Keeling, Park Manager.
Claus Frimand, General Manager, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, was excited: "I know I speak for the whole team at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi when I say we are very enthusiastic to finally be able to share the thrill and excitement of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi with the public."
What they experienced the first night and have been experiencing ever since is the world's largest indoor and first Ferrari theme park. It is an intense multi-sensory unique experience for enthusiasts, fans, and families. With more than 20 rides that cannot be found anywhere else, attractions including the world's fastest roller coaster, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a celebration of Ferrari's past, present and future.
Under the iconic 200,000 square meter red roof, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi offers a host of attractions that indulge the senses in new ways. With eye-catching surroundings, authentic aromas and distinctive sounds of Italy, plus the thrill of some of the world's most inventive rides, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi claims it has something for everyone.
On entering the park, guests walk into a dream world of colorful landscaped areas representing the Italian countryside, with many of Ferrari's iconic cars showcased throughout. The enormous crystal-glazed funnel at the heart of the park is the centerpiece of the park.
"There's a spectacular surprise for guests at each corner inside Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, whether in the creative interiors, sophisticated concepts of the rides, or the mind boggling technology and history showcases," added Keeling.
"Few brands in the world are capable of eliciting such strong reactions of passion and fervor," said Keeling. "Each and every attraction at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi tells a piece of the legendary Ferrari story; the powerful cars, the racing triumphs, the technical innovation and the authenticity of the homeland that embraces all that rich history."
Galleria Ferrari will be the world's largest Ferrari gallery outside Italy with an interactive display of cars from 1947 through to the present while Made in Maranello offers a unique opportunity to go behind the doors of the famous Ferrari factory in Maranello, a privilege previously only enjoyed by Ferrari owners.
Adults and children of all ages can enjoy the sights and sounds of Italy as they soar above the picturesque Italian countryside through mountains, villages, vineyards, and forests on Viaggio in Italia. Families can also escape into the fantasy world of Nello at Speed of Magic, as the mischievous racing driver leads them on a fantastic 4-D adventure through deep green jungles to icy caves and ravines; from the bottom of the ocean to the mouth of a fiery volcano; through settings where no Ferrari has ever gone before.
Families will be dwarfed by the oversized components of the V12, where they will ride through the grill of a Ferrari 599 and marvel at the intricacy of the engine before being fired out of the exhaust. Youngsters can get behind a wheel at the Ferrari Academy, the two part driving and racing school complete with junior race track and driving circuit. Children will learn their driving skills on the roads of Junior GT before stepping up to race in Ferrari F1⢠cars at the Junior Grand Prix.
To start the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi experience in top gear, try G-Force, blasting through the red roof, before being dropped from a hair-raising height of 62 meters. Next is Formula Rossa, the world's fastest roller coaster with a lightning bolt top speed of 240 km/h. Daredevils can compete in the Fiorano GT Challenge, where two F430 Spider coasters battle for dominance on the track.
F1⢠enthusiasts can try Driving with Champions in a race car going at top speed. They can be part of the pit crew and experience firsthand the energy, excitement and intensity behind the scenes of Grand Prix races at the Paddock.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will offer a range of Ferrari inspired restaurants and cafes serving dishes with a true taste of Italy, including Mamma Rossella, a traditional family style Italian trattoria and Cavallino, an elegant a la carte restaurant offering Italian delicacies.
For shoppers there are two retail outlets, the world's largest Ferrari store and a unique "past and present" store with a recreation of Enzo Ferrari's first garage. Products range from custom made remote control Ferrari cars to exotic gifts handcrafted by Italian artisans. At the Ferrari boutique guests can create personalized souvenirs at innovative interactive zones.
Taking advantage of the drawing power of Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), which manages the tourism industry of the emirate, has opened a permanent visitor information center at the heart of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi's Welcome Pavilion, was opened by ADTA's Khaled Al Hashemi, Administration Division Director; Saeed Al Dhaheri, Tourism Information Services Manager; with Ferrari World's Frimand and Keeling.
"Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is one of the cornerstone developments of Yas Island, Abu Dhabi's new leisure destination. Our new, strategically-placed information centre will capitalize on the park's thousands of daily visitors and provide them with informed material that will significantly enhance the entire experience of visiting the emirate," said Al Hashemi.
Designed to educate visitors about the emirate's tourism offerings, each center features a range of activities reflecting Abu Dhabi's culture and sea-faring heritage. A section is also devoted to forthcoming ADTA events, such as December's Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge, January's Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, and February's Gourmet Abu Dhabi.
"Our studies indicate that ease of access to destination information is of paramount importance to visitors on event-specific trips, such as those coming the watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix," said Saeed Al Dhaheri, Tourism Information Services Manager, ADTA.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is set to be one of the signature features of Yas Island, a 2,500 hectare island dedicated to leisure, entertainment and lifestyle. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi developed by Aldar Properties PJSC, Abu Dhabi's leading property development, management, and investment company and will be managed by Farah Leisure Parks Management LLC, a joint venture between Aldar Properties PJSC and ProFun Management Group Inc., an international leisure facilities management and operating company.