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Open to Question GM,Ferrari World Abu Dhabi


WITH the opening of Ferrari World at the end of October, the attractions industry has been provided with one of the most spectacular and innovative indoor theme parks anywhere in the world. Based on the iconic Italian sports car brand and developed in close association with the famous manufacturing company created by Enzo Ferrari, the venue offers a stunning visitor experience under the cover of what can only be described as one of the most spectacular roofs in the business! Our ‘petrolhead’ editor Andrew Mellor is in his element as he finds out more from Ferrari World general manager Claus Frimand


IP: When did you get involved in the theme park/ attractions industry and in what capacity? CF: I have worked in the tourism and leisure industry for more than 25 years. I started out in the theme park industry in 1991 when I joined the team responsible for the launch of Disneyland Paris and became general manager of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi in 2007.


IP: How did you become general manager at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi? CF: I was approached to head up Farah Leisure Parks Management LLC, the company responsible for launching an ambitious new project – the world’s first Ferrari theme park on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.


IP: Who owns Ferrari World and which company will be operating it? CF: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is developed and owned by Aldar Properties PJSC, Abu Dhabi’s leading property development, management and investment company. The park will be managed by Farah Leisure Parks Management LLC, a joint venture between Aldar Properties PJSC and ProFun Management Group, Inc., an international leisure facilities management and operating company.


IP: What have been some of the main challenges in creating what is the world largest indoor theme park? CF: One of the key challenges is turning one of the world’s most iconic and exclusive brands into an accessible, family friendly experience. Every aspect of the park must live up to Ferrari’s exceptionally high standards from the building design to the detailing on the rides and attractions. For example, the roof has been painted in the exact same Ferrari red pantone as the Ferrari F1 vehicles.


IP: Ferrari is a very glamorous, world renowned brand. How has this benefitted the park’s development?


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CF: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi allows fans and families of all ages to share in the passion and rich history of Ferrari. The Ferrari legend has inspired the entire concept of the park and is reflected in all the rides and attractions. For example, Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster, which reaches speeds of 240 km/h in under 5 seconds, is a celebration of the speed and technical innovation associated with Ferrari, while Bell’Italia, a detailed miniature recreation of Italy’s most famous sites, is a tribute to Ferrari’s Italian heritage. Galleria Ferrari, the world’s largest Ferrari gallery outside of Maranello, will showcase the evolution of Ferrari into one of the world’s most iconic brands. Ferrari has been involved at every step of the project, from marketing efforts to the design and feel of many of the rides and attractions. Its input has been very much appreciated and you can bet that any theme park which bears the Ferrari name will be a completely unforgettable experience.


IP: What are your headline attractions and what makes them so special? CF: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will provide unforgettable experiences for everybody, with more than 20 state of the art rides and attractions. Those who wish to start their Ferrari World Abu Dhabi experience in top gear will get their adrenaline fix at the G-Force blasting through the red roof, before being dropped from a hair-raising height of 62m. Guests, after a truly turbo charged Ferrari experience, cannot go past Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster with a lightning bolt top speed of 240km/h. Dare devils can also indulge their competitive streak on the Fiorano GT Challenge, where two F430 Spider-styled roller coaster carriages will battle for dominance on the track. Scuderia Challenge also pits eight guests against each other in an advanced simulator, racing on the Yas Marina Circuit, while (as already mentioned) Galleria Ferrari is the largest display of Ferrai’s outside the factory in Maranello, Italy. F1™ enthusiasts will be able to live out their dreams of riding tandem with racing champions as they skid through tight corners and spin through wet surfaces in one of the planet’s most powerful cars at Driving with the Champion. They will also be offered a VIP pass behind the scenes of the Grand Prix at the Paddock, a recreation of Ferrari motorhomes. Motoring fanatics can jump at the chance to ride straight into the heart of a super sized 12 cylinder Ferrari 599 engine in


Claus Frimand


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