Ferrari World Abu Dhabi opens (*actually, not)

October 26, 2010, 10:06 PM · At 11am Eastern Time Wednesday (7pm local time), Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is scheduled to open to the public. (* Not happening now: See note below).

Carousel at Ferrari World
The Carousel at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. Photo courtesy Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.

I didn't spring for the flight to the United Arab Emirates for the debut of the world's largest indoor theme park, so we'll have to do with links for now:

The BBC focuses on Formula Rossa, the Intamin launch coaster which, with the park's opening, becomes the world's fastest roller coaster at a top speed 149 miles per hour.

Meanwhile, Gulf News looks at the potential tourism and economic impact of the park, citing sources who say that the theme park has a maximum daily capacity of 20,000 visitors and might attract up to 3.6 million visitors a year.

If you're looking for live updates, perhaps they might be found on Ferrari World's official website, though I've not heard any word what the park plans for the Web.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is calling this an "Inaugural Period," leading up to a "Grand Opening" in December. The Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix runs November 12-14, providing the annual event which I suspect is most likely to draw a large crowd of international visitors to the Ferrari-themed park.

*Update, Oct. 27: The park announced this morning that it has postponed the opening until November 4: "In respect of the passing of the late Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, today's soft opening of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi has been postponed." Sheikh Saqr was the ruler of one of the seven members of the United Arab Emirates.

Replies (4)

October 26, 2010 at 10:47 PM · I have a friend traveling to Abu Dhabi. I'm forcing her to visit the park and expect a full trip report.

Here's a video of Formula Rossa in action:
http://facebookvideoindirx.com/ferrari-world-abu-dhabi-video-blog-formula-rossa-hq/

Move over, Kingda Ka.

October 26, 2010 at 10:50 PM · It opens at night?
October 27, 2010 at 5:00 AM · Hihi, note how the only finished park is in Abu Dhabi, not Dubai where they made all the big Theme Park anouncements.
Abu Dhabi has arround 30000 citicen which share at least 300 billion (more likely over 700 billion) in oil wealth between each other. Dont think they care all that much if the park does not pay off in monetary terms.
October 29, 2010 at 6:23 PM · I hope to get a chance to ride this some day...

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