Ferrari World ‘on track’ for 2010 opening

WORLD

MIDDLE East development firm Aldar Properties has announced the completion of the external structure of Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi. Located on Yas Island, Aldar’s new retail, leisure and

entertainment destination and host venue for the inaugural Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Ferrari World is set to be the world’s largest indoor theme park and the first ever Ferrari-themed resort when it opens later this year.

The sleek red roof, directly inspired by the classic double

curve side profile of the Ferrari GT body, covers a surface area of 200,000sq.m and features the largest Scuderia Ferrari ‘prancing horse’ emblem in the world, measuring 66m in diameter. A joint venture management construction company

owned by Aldar and Besix, the largest Belgian construction group, is responsible for the management of the project, while UK firm Benoy is the architect and lead consultant. Once open, Ferrari World will be operated by Farah

Leisure Park Management, a joint venture between Aldar and ProFun Management Group. Months before the Abu Dhabi venue has been completed,

Aldar is rumoured to be eying a site for a second similar themed attraction in Spain.

Fabbri cuts ribbon on Taiwan wheel

FABBRI Group of Italy has successfully installed the biggest Ferris Wheel in Taiwan. The Bergantino-based group said the wheel, which

is installed on top of a major shopping mall in southern Taiwan, reaches a maximum height of 125m and includes 40 luxury gondolas, along with a VIP gondola. Special considerations had to be made in

order to ensure the wheel can withstand the island’s geographic and climactic conditions, which include typhoons and earthquakes. “The Wheel is considered not only the

highest wheel in Taiwan at the moment but it is also by far the most impressive considering the lighting effects that can be achieved,” said sales manager Edward Cromheecke. “All lights can be individually programmed

making it possible to illuminate the wheel with many different patterns and with all possible colours. The LED quality is one of the brightest possible in the market, especially developed for installation on amusement rides.”

10

Australia amusement park tabled

A A$250m (US$224.3m) project including an indoor amusement park has been given conditional approval by Wyong Council in New South Wales, Australia. Plans for a 33,000sq.m waterfront development at The

Entrance - a district centre and town of the central coast region - also include tourist and permanent residences, a conference centre, shops, restaurants and cafés. The existing El Lago resort and caravan park will

be demolished to make way for the new project, the Express said.

Ocean Park defies downturn

DESPITE the difficult trading conditions brought about by the current economic downturn, Ocean Park has completed “one of the best years in its history,” as the Asian mega- resort continues to attract visitors from around the world. In fiscal 2009 more than 4.8 million guests visited the

marine-themed park in Hong Kong - a figure that stands just five per cent shy of the 5.03 million reached in the previous financial year. Revenues during the year totalled HK$893.5m (US$115.3m), providing a profit of HK$98.6m ($12.7m). In addition to the effects of the global economic

downturn, Ocean Park said it had to address visa control adjustments in mainland China, in addition to a range of natural disasters and the swine flu outbreak, during the year. Allan Zeman, chairman of the park’s operations, said:

“Ocean Park once again made a strong contribution to our community, our economy and our tourism industry, while touching the lives of people from around the world. “Looking forward, we have wonderful opportunities for

growth, in terms of spare land for further development, and our proven ability to build traffic from many geographic and demographic markets.”

NEWS Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44