Ferrari World inaugurated

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, last night officially inaugurated Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world’s first Ferrari theme park, on Yas Island.

Pressing a button in the shape of the iconic Ferrari World Abu Dhabi roof structure, HH Sheikh Mohammed paid tribute to the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, “who is keen on turning the UAE into a global magnet of sports and recreational tourism through a diverse portfolio of projects that will have substantial impact on the national economy and social development.”

“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,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

Hosted by Aldar Properties and Ferrari SpA, the event attracted 2000 VIP guests including HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region; Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister; Sheikh Dr HH Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Member of the Executive Council; HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Finance Department; Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan, Member of the Executive Council; Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority; Mohammed Ahmed Al Bawardi, Secretary General of the Executive Council; and senior government officials.

Guests including Mr Franco Frattini, Italian Foreign Minister; Giorgio Starace, Italian Ambassador to the UAE; Mr Luca di Montezemolo, Chairman of Ferrari; and Ferrari Formula 1 team drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa were treated to a spectacular show to celebrate the achievement of Aldar and Ferrari in delivering the world’s largest indoor theme park.

The show – titled Power meets Elegance – was inspired by the history of Abu Dhabi and the story of Ferrari. Seen through the eyes of a young boy, the vision-like story weaves these two strands together to the fulfilment of the dream of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. The two cultures are blended together through an incredible mix of live action, acrobatics, advanced film projection techniques and original music.

The show starts with an incredible aerial dance of the traditional UAE pearl divers surrounded by a 3D marine world projection. The atmosphere then escalates into a magnificent dance of flying dancers and Ferrari engine pistons arriving to the first climax when Puccini's "un bel di" is sung by an opera singer.

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan launched the grand finale which explodes with an incredible series of gigantic projections, flying pearl divers, live orchestra and a unique and amazing firework display that enhances to the rhythm of the music the whole Ferrari World Abu Dhabi building.

Following the spectacular show, HH Sheikh Mohammed toured the park, intermingling with the guests and congratulating the developers for what he termed as an outstanding achievement.

A record number of more than 140 Ferraris travelled across the United Arab Emirates to join the event guided to Yas Island by Abu Dhabi Police. Ferrari Middle East & Africa in association with Al Tayer Motors, the official Ferrari importer for the UAE, and the Emirates’ Ferrari Owners' Club organized the event as a tribute to the grand opening of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi has already captured the imagination of thousands of visitors from around the globe with a range of unique and thrilling attractions including Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster, and Speed of Magic, the region’s first four dimensional fantasy ride.

Ahmed Al Sayegh, Chairman of Aldar Properties:

“We are indeed privileged by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed’s presence at inauguration of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, an achievement that coincides with our celebration of the UAE National Day. It also gives us great pleasure to welcome His Excellency Franco Frattini, the Italian Foreign Minister and the distinguished guests to the grand opening. Aldar’s work with Ferrari was a

meeting of minds with a clear vision to create an experience that is unique, fun and inspirational.

This unique new attraction at the heart of Yas Island is creating excitement, not just here in Abu Dhabi, but around the world. With more than 500 million people watching the final race in this year’s Formula 1 season only three weeks ago, the eyes of the world will instantly recognize this amazing structure.

Yas Island is an integral part of the government’s ambitious strategy to develop tourism in the Emirate. We are extremely proud at Aldar to be able to contribute to this strong vision through our development work here, and across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.”

Luca di Montezemolo, Chairman of Ferrari:

“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 4 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 enthusiastic, 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.

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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Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Off to a Flying Start - World’s first Ferrari Theme Park welcomes thousands of guests

The world’s first Ferrari theme park, and largest attraction of its kind, got off to a roaring start today with thousands of families and fans flocking to experience the passion, exhilaration and technical innovation so worthy of the Ferrari name. After three years of construction and preparation, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi had its soft opening welcoming the general public at midday.

The much anticipated theme park, and the first attraction of its kind in the Middle East, has already captured the imagination of thousands around the globe with a range of unique and thrilling attractions including Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster, and Speed of Magic, the region’s 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.

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

Today’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 said: “We are so excited to finally share the thrill and excitement of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi with our guests. From more than twenty years in the theme park industry, I personally feel that there is nothing more rewarding than watching people’s 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,” he added.

Tickets can be purchased from the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi ticket offices with prices ranging from AED 225 for guests above 1.5m, and AED 165 for guests below 1.5m, and free of charge admission for kids under 3 years of age. Guests can upgrade their experience with a Premium Ticket, which will give them priority on all attractions and access to an exclusive lounge with refreshments, as well as other benefits. All tickets provide unlimited use of rides and attractions inside Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.

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Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Announces Opening Plans

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi has revealed its launch plans of the world’s largest indoor theme park with an opening celebration a day earlier than anticipated.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will open to the public for the first time, starting at seven o’clock in the evening on Wednesday 27th October 2010. Guests will be able to experience a wide variety of rides and attractions and join in the special festivities with shows, dedicated entertainment and free souvenirs.

“We are excited to open our doors to the public earlier than previously anticipated, on Wednesday 27th October 2010 and we look forward to welcoming many guests to mark this historic day,” said Claus Frimand, General Manager, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. “This will be the beginning of an exciting Inaugural Period, with the start of operations at the world’s first Ferrari theme park.”

“The Inaugural Period will continue throughout November, leading up to a Grand Opening in December with the official launch of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi,” he added.

During Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s Inaugural Period, families and racing fans will be able to experience the legendary Ferrari passion, history and culture through various rides and attractions, in addition to unique shopping and dining experiences. From the world’s fastest rollercoaster, Formula Rossa; the region’s first dueling roller coaster, Fiorano GT Challenge and the 4-D experience inside Speed of Magic; Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will offer a truly amazing experience for every member of the family.

Ticket prices range from AED 225 for guests above 1.5m, and AED 165 for visitors below 1.5m. Guests can upgrade their experience with a Premium Ticket, which will give them priority on all attractions and access to an exclusive lounge with refreshments, as well as other benefits. Premium Tickets cost AED 375 for guests above 1.5m and AED 270 for visitors below 1.5m. All tickets provide unlimited use of rides and attractions inside Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. The park will be operating on a six-day a week schedule from Tuesday to Sunday, welcoming visitors from 12 noon each day.

"Our operations team of nearly 850 dedicated staff is currently conducting comprehensive ride testing,” added Frimand. “They have all successfully completed extensive training programs on safety procedures and are passionately working round the clock as we count down the days to the Public Opening date.”

“We are on schedule to open the park with a wide selection of rides and attractions. We have managed to turn one of the world’s most exclusive brands into an extraordinary experience which families and fans will come back for time and time again,” concluded Frimand.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will feature many Ferrari-inspired rides and attractions that range from speed thrill rides to the world’s most advanced simulators and family-friendly attractions.
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Ferrari World Abu Dhabi to Open October 28, 2010

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world’s first Ferrari theme park and largest attraction of its kind, has announced that it will open its doors to the public on October 28, 2010, three weeks ahead of the second Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The long anticipated opening date was announced in a ceremony held on 6th May 2010 at the 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 over the years and represents today. Its iconic sleek red roof is directly inspired by the classic double curve side profile of the Ferrari GT body, spanning 200,000 m² 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.

After the inaugural Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix held on Yas Island on November 1 2009, the opening of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi signals a milestone in bringing Abu Dhabi global recognition. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will be a key element in expanding the appeal of Abu Dhabi to travelers, both business and leisure. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will have over 20 rides and attractions which will bring to life the Ferrari brand in ways which appeal to a diverse international audience. In addition to Formula Rossa, visitors to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi 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.

“We are very pleased to be a part of today’s announcement of the opening date of this unique and exciting attraction alongside our partners at Ferrari. 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. ” commented 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 LLC.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is located on Yas Island, a 25 km² entertainment and recreation destination and venue for the first Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Ahead of the inaugural race last November, Aldar delivered the Yas Marina Circuit, 7 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 few 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.

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