The United Arab Emirates do not want to be dependent only on its rich oil reserves as a source of their income. The officials see the tourism industry as a good opportunity how to diversify the UAE’s economy. This was the reason why Abu Dhabi, an emirate with 8 percent of global oil reserves, decided to build the Ferrari theme park. The decision was made last year and this year the construction has officially started. The constructors are transforming the Yas Island into a luxury tourism destination. The park will have 250 000 square-meters and should be finished in 2009. The very same year it will host the emirate’s first F1 Grand Prix.
The official start of the construction was connected with a foundation-stone laying ceremony on November 3rd, but in fact the construction has already started a of couple months ago. A number of important figures were present at the ceremony. Among them there were Ferrari President Luca Di Montezemolo and Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Chairman of Aldar Properties (the project developer). "Today is a celebration of the first step along the way to make the world"s first Ferrari theme park a reality, with the laying of the foundation stone," commented Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh.
This year it was the 60th Ferrari’s “birthday” and so during the ceremony, a time capsule was buried that contained, among other things, a con rod and piston of the F2007, the F1 World Champion Ferrari car, which are to be opened in 2047 ipso facto on the 100th anniversary.
The park will offer a unique experience. There will be 24 attractions. The offer will be very wide and it should satisfy even the most demanding tourists. There will be driving schools for children and adults, Ferrari auto displays, roller coasters and Ferrari gift shop. We may not forget to mention the hearth of the whole complex – the circuit that will host the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix beginning in 2009.
