Ferrari World set for fast lane in 2012

While adjustments to its operating hours led to a number of staff reducancies at the end of last year, the operators of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world's the largest indoor and first Ferrari theme park, are confident about the attraction's future.
Owned by the Abu Dhabi Government and operated by leisure group Aldar Properties, the park offers over 20 attractions has had to adapt to visitor preferences for visiting the park during the afternoon and early evening hours.
Aldar Theme Parks and Business Development General Manager Glenn Davidson recently told Gulf News "Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a great testament to Abu Dhabi's capacity to conceptualise a winning business proposition.
"The Park helps to boost the city's growing prominence as a world-class tourist destination (with an) entertainment proposition that perfectly complements several other signature projects related to sports, arts, culture and hospitality that have firmly put Abu Dhabi on the global map as one of the most sought-after places to visit and do business with.
"When we first developed the concept of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi we conducted a number of feasibility studies which identified a clear demand in the UAE for family-friendly leisure options which can be enjoyed all year round. Moreover the huge appetite and passion among the UAE's population, and that of the broader GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region, in cars and racing makes the theme of the Park particularly relevant and attractive to a regional audience.
"We have put a huge focus on creating a highly memorable and enjoyable experience which keeps guests ï¾ local, regional and international ï¾ coming back again and again and we already enjoy repeat visitors, especially among GCC nationalities. The Park has a number of USP s which include the world s fastest roller coaster Formula Rossa; the first duelling coaster in the Middle East Fiorano GT Challenge; the UAE's largest HD screen at Cinema Maranello and the largest collection of Ferrari cars outside Maranello at Galleria Ferrari. Every ride tells the Ferrari story, allowing guests to get closer to the brand in exciting ways.
"Moreover, we have several strategies in place, including special packages for schools, tie-ups with hotels and tour operators to ensure that Ferrari World Abu Dhabi enjoys steady visitor traffic all year round.
"With more than 20 Ferrari-inspired rides and attractions designed to appeal to all ages, concept restaurants and cafes and retail attractions, including the largest Ferrari Store in the world, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a one-of-a-kind all day entertainment destination for the whole family.
"Ferrari World Abu Dhabi takes a legendary brand and brings it closer to fans, making it accessible to audiences. The Park pays tribute to the passion, excellence, performance, and technical innovation of Ferrari and its home country, Italy, and is the ultimate destination for Ferrari aficionados. There are so many interesting stories to tell from Ferrari s rich heritage and the rides and attractions tell them in a completely different, innovative and fun way ï¾ inspired by the cars, the drivers, the passion and the innovation associated with the cars originally driven by one legendary man: Enzo Ferrari."
In repsonse to questions about pricing, Davidson adds "as an iconic destination offering a unique experience to visitors, the price of the entry ticket to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is consistent with other world-class attractions of its calibre in the region. The ticket provides unlimited access to all rides and attractions of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and is valid for the whole day, which offers greater value than pay-as-you-go rides."
As for the future, Davidson concludes "in terms of development plans, we are always looking for new ways to bring the Ferrari story alive. The Park has been designed so it can grow and attractions can be refreshed and extende