Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Opens and Looks to Expand

The world's first Ferrari theme park has welcomed thousands of families and fans. After three years of construction and preparation, the world's first and largest attraction of its kind has been opened to share the passion, exhilaration and technical innovation of the Ferrari name.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi offers a range of unique and thrilling attractions including Formula Rossa, the worldâs fastest roller coaster, and Speed of Magic, the regionâs first four dimensional fantasy ride. Today, families in the UAE and theme park enthusiasts from around the world ventured to Abu Dhabi to be among the first to experience this attraction.

Ahmed Sallam, one of the first visitors to the park, explained "Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a completely unique concept, we just had to be here.

"There is so much to see and do. We love the variety for the whole family. It is a great experience for all of us."

Yesterday (Thursday)'s soft opening marks the start of an inaugural period which will continue throughout the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and culminate with the Grand Opening ceremony on 30th November 2010.

Andy Keeling, Park Manager, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi stated "we are so excited to finally share the thrill and excitement of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi with our guests.

"From more than 20 years in the theme park industry, I personally feel that there is nothing more rewarding than watching peopleâs reactions as they experience the rides for the first time and today was a truly momentous day for all of our guests.

"Ferrari World Abu Dhabi offers a truly amazing experience for every member of the family and I look forward to welcoming our visitors in the weeks and months to come."

While Abu Dhabi is seeking to further develop itself as a tourist destination, carmaker Ferrari SpA is aiming to spread its brand to more fans globally. As Michele Pignatti Morano, head of new business for Ferrari explains âwe started with a white piece of paper developing this project ⦠it is a dream come true for us as Ferrari. This is our first one (and) we may have plans for more.

"With this experience we can get (people) nearer and explain to them more of the brand."

The Modena, Italy-based carmaker and its partner, Abu Dhabi developer Aldar Properties PJSC are are understood to now be planning to develop other amusement parks with the Ferrari brand.

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is set to host its second F1 One race next weekend at a track adjacent to the amusement park. Ties between the emirate and the carmaker extend to sponsorship of the Italian F1 team by state-run investment company Mubadala Development Co., which until last month held a 5% stake in the carmaker.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is managed by Farah Leisure Parks Management

For more information go to www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com

Image shows the Formula Rossa rollercoaster at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi - the world's fastest roller coaster with a top speed of 240 km/h.

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