The official opening of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the first theme park
dedicated to the history and identity of the Maranello marque, took place on
November 30th.
The ceremony took place in the presence of His Highness Sheikh
Mohammed bin
Zayed Al Nahyan, along with over two thousand guests: among them, Italy's
Foreign Minister Franco Frattini. Representing the Maranello company were
President Luca di Montezemolo, Vice-president Piero Ferrari, Managing Director
Amedeo Felisa and Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro Team Principal Stefano Domenicali,
along with the drivers, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa.
The show,
entitled "Power meets Elegance" took its inspiration from the history of Abu
Dhabi and Ferrari and ended with an amazing firework display, which lit up the
sky over the 200,000 square meter roof of the Park.
"I wish to thank
everyone involved in turning this dream into reality, especially our partners
and the authorities here in Abu Dhabi," commented President Montezemolo. "Six
years ago, this park was just an idea, maybe one that was a bit too ambitious:
now it has become a reality. The park represents the combination of innovative
technology and tradition and is aimed not just at Ferrari fans and car
enthusiasts but at the whole family."
"Today is an important day because
the name of Italy is joined to the biggest theme park in the world linked with
the automobile and only Ferrari could pull off something like this. I hope that
this structure can in some small way play a part in strengthening the links
between two cultures," concluded Montezemolo.
Thousands of people have visited
the Park, where 86,000 square meters
are under cover, since it opened back on the 4th November.