ALDAR signs exclusive contract with Ferrari for world-class theme park

Work has already begun on the project, one of the main anchors of which is the innovative and exciting Ferrari Theme Park. Built around the legendary Italian auto company and featuring an interesting mixture of attractions, the theme park will consist of family rides, driving school and virtual simulations as well as retail merchandising for people who wish to truly live Ferrari.

"This partnership is the start of a new era for the team. We are proud to be associated with ALDAR, one of Abu Dhabi's leading brands, whose determination and desire to succeed matches Ferrari's philosophy and brand values perfectly and I hope we will both continue to progress together for many years to achieve our own respective goals," said Jean Todt, the Chief Executive Officer of Ferrari.

"It is our shared passion and finely aligned organisational goals that really make our association special. Ferrari is a luxury brand and the company strives for the ultimate in performance and success. "

The development will provide leisure and entertainment for the whole family with a race track, numerous rides and attractions, an opportunity to allow visitors to experience the story and history of Ferrari, to participate in Ferrari motoring activities, and to experience the Ferrari brand also through virtual simulations. A component of the race track is integrated with the Ferrari Theme Park for the Ferrari Driving School experience.

"This relationship will allow ALDAR to create an exciting destination within Abu Dhabi that offers something for the entire family and underlines the already strong relationship between the Ferrari brand and ALDAR," Ronald Barrott, CEO of ALDAR, said.

"Abu Dhabi is a fast growing market and Formula 1 is integral to its commercial growth. ALDAR has shown a firm commitment to Formula 1 with the ongoing development of Yas Island, but the partnership with Ferrari profoundly deepens our involvement and widens the profile and reach of the company."

ALDAR creates world-class real estate developments in Abu Dhabi, while providing a stable and profitable investment portfolio for its investors. Among its many projects, Aldar is responsible for the development of the pioneering Yas Island. With new standards of innovation, excellence and value in urban design, the Island will occupy a total land area of 2,500 hectares and will feature attractions such as a world-class motorsport circuit, the venue for the 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, signature hotels and a retail development of 300,000 square metres.

The project brings together world leaders in architecture and design, including theme park attraction design and co-ordination by Jack Rouse Associates, specialists in the planning, design and management of theme parks whose work includes Universal Studios in Florida, and the theme park shell architecture designed by top UK architect Benoy.

The Ferrari school experience will be managed by the Italian company Dorado who has experience in developing and operating driving institutions for Ferrari. Dorado will undertake courses to train drivers on the necessary skills to drive a Ferrari car. Also linked to the Ferrari Theme Park will be an F-Red Theatre, a Las Vegas-style Ferrari spectacular show, created by Filmmaster Group, who has an extensive extravaganza theatre show background.