Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a sprawling architectural assertion in an otherwise barren, blazing desert landscape, a touch of automotive Las Vegas amidst a world of sheiks and sand dunes. Come along as we visit this oddly fascinating cross-cultural microcosm. This air-conditioned, 1.9 million square foot space is the world's largest indoor theme park, and celebrates that singular Italian exotic carmaker with a curiously counterintuitive Disneyland touch. Ferrari's Formula 1 team won't disclose how fast their F1 cars can hit 150 mph, but Formula Rossa — the world's fastest rollercoaster — can't be far behind the multimillion dollar race sleds. Boasting 20,800 brake horsepower, this ride catapults 16 passengers to 240 km/h (149 mph) in 4.9 seconds, decelerating the cars just before the first crest. After that point, the ride works as a true "coaster," running the rest of its roughly 1.3 mile length on its own momentum. There's no shortage of commerce in this massive ode to all things Enzo: gift shops offer everything from Ferrari-branded lollipops to parts from real Formula 1 cars. While kitsch abounds—plushy race car, anyone?—there are also some sweet finds, like a deliciously detailed scale model of a one-off, V12-powered hydroplane speedboat. No tribute to the legendary Italian carmaker would be complete without an array of its finest creations. Ferrari World's collection hall houses a brief but eclectic roundup passenger cars, from an ultra rare 250 GTO to more modern examples ranging from Daytonas and Dinos to 599s and F50s. Ferrari World has plenty of stuff to distract the kiddies, including the Abu Dhabi Junior GT series which places F430-like electric cars in a pseudo-city environment complete with stop signs, intersections, and roundabouts.
