Ferrari announced that it will build its first theme park in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The Ferrari Theme Park will be built on the Yas Island and it's scheduled to be opened in 2009. The Abu Dhabi Ferrari Theme Park will host at its opening the first Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix.
From the Ferrari Press Release:
Foundation Stone Ceremony celebrates construction start for world's first Ferrari Theme Park in Abu Dhabi
Yas Island - Abu Dhabi, November 3rd, 2007 - A Foundation Stone Ceremony was held today in Abu Dhabi to officially signify the start of
construction of one of the most multi-dimensional and highly anticipated themed entertainment attractions in the world, the Ferrari Theme Park.
Officials and special guests in attendance for today's event included Ferrari's President Luca di Montezemolo and Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Chairman, ALDAR Properties, as well as invited guests representing media, government and business organizations from around the world.
During the Foundation Stone Ceremony a special time capsule was buried, containing a Conrod and Piston of the F2007, the F1 World Champion Ferrari car, together with the first artist's impression of the Ferrari Theme Park on Yas Island. The capsule will be then opened again at Ferrari's 100th anniversary, in 2047.
"This is a very special year for Ferrari" - Mr. Montezemolo said. "Together with the extraordinary commercial success of our GT cars, it brought to Maranello the F1 Constructors World Championship and the F1 Drivers World Championship with Kimi Raikkonen,
and I am particularly proud to be present to mark the symbolic start of this great project. Moreover, 2007 is the year of Ferrari's 60th anniversary, and this Ceremony has therefore a further, important meaning".
Part of a joint project between Italian automotive manufacturer Ferrari and ALDAR properties PJSC, the 250,000 sqm park (80,000 of them covered) will be a unique oasis of discovery, hospitality and beauty that captures culture, flavor and the true spirit of Italian country, as well as the
legendary automotive history, feeling and heritage of Ferrari cars and racing. "Today is a celebration of the first step along the way to making the world's first Ferrari theme park a reality, with the laying of the foundation stone" - commented Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Chairman, ALDAR Properties. "An incredible amount of real estate growth is taking place in Abu Dhabi, and it is our responsibility to deliver projects of the highest quality, while protecting the natural, social and cultural assets of the Emirate. I am confident that the blend between the power and beauty of one of the world's leading brands, Ferrari, with ALDAR's expertise in development and regional knowledge, will combine to create a destination that resonates with sports lovers around the world."
When completed in 2009, the attraction will provide amusement for the whole family, featuring multi-format high tech theatres, a variety of sophisticated driving schools (for both children and adults), Ferrari automotive displays and participatory learning centers as well as food and entertainment. Among the 24 attractions, the Park will offer a mix of high-octane and family rides with roller coasters jetting into the sky and dipping through the covered areas. At the heart of the park will be an advanced and sophisticated circuit offering driving courses, which will be the home of the first Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix in 2009.
