Simply Abu Dhabi II

FERRARI WORLD OUR FERRARI -FUELLED FUN-PACKED FRIVOLITIES With our VIP passes giving us complimentary admission and priority, we arrived at Ferrari World bursting with anticipation. We were immediately greeted by Jon Barber, the Communications Manager who gave us the lowdown on the park and told us how the desire to create a multi- experiential theme park reflecting the brand values, technical innovation and excellence of Ferrari was realised and brought together under one roof. You can’t fail to be inspired by the story of how the dream became a reality and Jon’s sheer enthusiasm was infectious. He excitedly recommended we experience the much-talked-about ‘Formula Rossa’ – the fastest roller coaster in the world – more about Ferrari World’s signature attraction in a moment. To give you some idea of the sheer scale of Ferrari World you only have to refer to the Ferrari logo on the roof. The largest ever created, the logo measures an astonishing 65m in length and covers an area of 3000 sqm which could accommodate at least seven basketball courts. We sure had a lot of fun to pack into our visit! The world’s first Ferrari theme park and the largest attraction of its kind, the Ferrari brand and spirit are apparent everywhere you turn making it a paradise for Ferrari enthusiasts. The park boasts more than 20 Ferrari-inspired rides and attractions with rides available for both children and adults. Get in the fast lane with Formula Rossa Having heard all about it and with Jon’s words still ringing in our ears, we made our way with slight trepidation to the world’s faster roller coaster. With our VIP passes we didn’t have long to wait and were soon at the front of the queue. Formula Rossa is a sight to behold and the piercing shrieks coming from the ride had us glancing at each other in alarm. However, when we saw the delight of the excitable people emerging from the ride, we knew this was an experience not to be missed. Once we were strapped in there was no turning back. This was it! It gathered speed as it launched and didn’t seem to stop, faster, faster, faster and faster again. The Formula Rossa has the same G force you would feel driving in an F1 car and breaking at maximum speed and boy were we feeling it! Jordana gripped my arm as we seemed to take off, flying through the air with no concept of where we may end up. We slowed slightly for the first hill, but there was barely time to pause for breath before we were off again on a rollercoaster ride that takes you to the limit. What a buzz. As we took the final few bunny hops back to the station, we were speechless. That didn’t last long – we left the ride swept up in the excited chatter around us. That was one awesome ride. 89 SIMPLY ABU DHABI Slowing down We decided to take things down a pace before lunch (we had wisely chosen not to eat before the Formula Rossa!) with a racing simulator. You’d think that after riding the world’s fastest roller coaster everything else would pale into insignificance but the Ferrari force stays with you and all the attractions work so well in their own right. With our hearts beating back at their normal pace we headed off for a bite to eat. If you feel the need to take a break from the heady delights of the rides, then check out the wide variety of Italian delicacies. We passed Mamma Rossella which is popular for its inviting family atmosphere and fresh pizza and pastas and made a mental note to stop by Espresso Rossa later in the day to partake in one of their delicious smelling coffees. We chose to eat at Rosticceria Modena where a fresh range of diverse local cuisine and rotisserie meats vie for your attention and the service is prompt and friendly. The marinated vegetables were bursting with flavour and the fresh baked Arabic bread straight from the oven simply melted in the mouth. Around us were people savouring the culinary delights of the Mediterranean and Arabia as they chatted animatedly about the many thrilling rides and their plans for the rest of the day. Somewhere in Abu Dhabi is a place that will blow your mind, a place that will send adrenalin pumping through your body so rapidly you won’t know what hit you, a place that will have you screaming for all the right reasons. Set apart from the office blocks and shopping malls, this place is Ferrari World – the largest indoor theme park in the world. With thrilling amusements and heart stopping rides, this giant adventure playground holds mass appeal for all, big kids and little kids alike. And we were about to experience the rush for ourselves.

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