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Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world's first Ferrari theme park and largest attraction of its kind, will open its doors to the public on October 28 - three weeks ahead of the Formula One bandwagon arriving in town, writes Stan Szecowka.
The long-anticipated opening date was announced in a ceremony at the weekend's Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, attended by representatives from Ferrari, Aldar Properties PJSC and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will pay tribute to the 'passion, excellence, performance, and technical innovation' that Ferrari has established since its launch. Its iconic sleek red roof is directly inspired by the classic double curve side profile of the Ferrari GT body, spanning 200,000 sq/m and carrying the largest Ferrari logo ever created.
In celebration of the opening date announcement, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi unveiled one of its featured attractions. Officially named 'Formula Rossa', this attraction will offer guests a once-in-a-lifetime experience blasting away on the world's fastest roller coaster reaching speeds of up to 240 km/h.
The main element of this masterpiece was unveiled in the Paddock area in front of Scuderia Ferrari's garages at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya with F1 drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa with team principal Stefano Domenicali.
After the inaugural Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix held on Yas Island last year, the opening of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi signals a milestone in bringing Bahrain's neighbour global recognition.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi aims to be a key element in expanding the appeal of Abu Dhabi to travellers, both business and leisure from the region and further afield.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will have over 20 rides and attractions which hopes to bring to life the Ferrari brand in ways which appeal to a diverse international audience. In addition to Formula Rossa, visitors to the attraction will also enjoy an aerial voyage through Italy following a Ferrari, a G-force experience taking passengers on an adrenaline-pumping ride up over 62 m, through the roof and back down again, and a flume ride journey through the heart of a Ferrari 599 engine.
"Signature projects like this are another element of our commitment and contribution to Plan Abu Dhabi 2030, by delivering attractions that further enhance the Emirate's credentials as an inspiring place to live and visit." said Mohammed Al Mubarak, chief commercial officer at Aldar, Abu Dhabi's leading property development, management and investment company, and chairman of Farah Leisure Parks Management.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is located on Yas Island, a 25 sq/km entertainment and recreation destination and venue for the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on November 14 - the last race of the 2010 season.
Ahead of the inaugural race last November, Aldar delivered the Yas Marina Circuit, seven brand new hotels, Yas Marina and all the infrastructure and race-related facilities. A number of new entertainment attractions will open to the public in the coming years, including the first Links golf course in the region opening in late 2010 and a super regional mall in 2012.
Yas Island is one component of the mass infrastructure development outlined in the Abu Dhabi Government's 2030 Plan to diversify and expand the emirate's economic base. When completed, Yas Island is set to be a global tourist destination.
