Ferrari World in Yas Island Abu Dhabi is the place to press the pedal for a dose of all things racing
BY BINDU GOPAL RAO
If you love adventure and racing or are even curious about it, the Ferrari World in Yas Island Abu Dhabi is a great place to spend a day with fun, food, races and more.
Red is the colour that strikes you even as you enter the space as the imposing façade leads you to a large reception that houses the ticket counter, photo booth, food stalls and more. It is ideal to get tickets in advance so that you do not waste any time.
Entering the arena, the first thing to see is the impressive Ferrari car models that are bound to catch your attention. On display is also the Monza SP1, the most powerful V12 to ever leave the gates of Maranello. The engine in the Monza SP1is derived directly from that of the 812 Superfast, with optimised fluid dynamics in the intake ducts to deliver even higher performance.
The grey car with a stunning yellow highlight is also a great photo opp. There are also dancers who perform here and it is a great idea to wait and catch a performance. Stop by to see the aerodynamics model of a Ferrari that rotates 360 degrees and has an interactive touch screen to tell you more. A huge board reads “you cannot describe passion; you can only live it” and as if on cue you make your way into the racing zone.
And if you want to feel the thrill of being a Ferrari racing champion, a must try is the Formula Rossa, the world's fastest rollercoaster with a speed of 0 to 240 km/h in 4.9 seconds. It is bound to give you an adrenaline rush like no other.
If you are with children, check out Junior GP, where the little ones can hone their racing skills in a perfectly scaled down Ferrari F1 racing car. Nello's Adventureland is a soft, adventure play area for the little ones while the Junior Training Camp is where kids can challenge themselves on three special climbing attractions.
Ride around the Fiorano track alongside a virtual F1 pro in a cinematic motion-based simulator for unlimited fun. One of the other popular attractions here is the Turbo Tower where you get to experience the rush of a zero gravity fall and amazing bouncing drops as you take a seat in a 13.5 metres high tower.
What’s more, there’s also the world’s first Ferrari-themed esports arena. Billed as a state-of-the-art attraction, the esports arena offers unique racing experiences. It includes 20 Gran Turismo driving simulators, with 14 for adults and six for younger visitors.
It also features three Formula 1 simulators for virtual racing across nine official tracks, including iconic circuits like Monza, Imola, Silverstone, and Yas Marina. The new venue also includes gaming stations equipped with high-performance PCs, the latest consoles, and professional-grade equipment.
The Karting Academy is where you can sharpen your racing skills on a 290-metre-long track. For more adventure, the Turbo Track experience gives you the rush of back-to-back thrills, a vertical climb, and an epic zero gravity fall while Flying Aces, a roller coaster offers extreme gravity defying flight acrobatics that include a 52-metre non-inverted loop for thrill seekers.
However, if speed is not your thing, fret not as there is so much more you can do. For a slow ride, check out Bell’italia where you take the scenic route through little Italy in a scale model Ferrari 250 California. It is great fun to see the brilliantly made settings that are reminiscent of vintage Italian charm.
The Tyre Twist is also good fun where you go for a spin with friends in a giant F1 tyre. For some hands-on activity head to the Tyre Change Experience and try to beat the clock to change the tyre of an F1 car.
And if you had your fill, pick up some memorabilia at world’s largest Ferrari Retail Store here to take back souvenirs from your trip. The arena also has several outlets where you can whet your appetite.
Check out Mamma Rossella for delicious fresh pastas and an array of pizzas, Officers Foodquarters for quick bites, burgers, salads and chicken wings, and IL Podio for a great selection of international cuisines, such as Arabian, Indian and Western. The D Espresso Rosso Café is where you can indulge in a decadent selection of freshly baked Italian pastries and freshly roasted coffee or enjoy light snacks and delectable home-made gelato.
But that’s not all. In collaboration with Museum Ferrari in Maranello, there is an inhouse museum here that is a unique Ferrari-inspired experience. Taking you on a trip down memory lane, you can check out the history and legacy of Ferrari’s most notable F1 milestones on a guided tour.
Do check for the exact time in advance or explore on your own. This is where you can see a series of F1 Championship-winning car replicas on display. It is worth mentioning that there is an exhibition here that highlights the year 1999 that marked the return and victory of a F1 Championship for Ferrari as well as the year 2000, a record-breaking year for Ferrari, when Michael Schumacher brought back to Maranello the most important title in motorsport after 21 years.
Do not miss out checking out the Ferrari F2002 and Ferrari F2003GA, two of the famed title-winning cars when you are here. In all, a visit to Ferrari World is a fantastic way to spend a day at Yas Island. Developed by Miral Destinations, it is all things food, fun and family – the perfect ingredients for a holiday to remember.
