Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the first ever theme park dedicated to the Prancing Horse, was presented yesterday as a preview exclusively to the international press. Yesterday's planned soft opening to the public was put back to a future date to be decided in sign of mourning for the passing away of Sheik Saqr bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi, Emir of Ras al-Khaimah.

"The park just 4 years ago was a project, an idea, maybe even a too ambitious idea, is now a fantastic reality. Everyone at Ferrari is grateful to the people who have worked without rest for the last two years to make it happen," said the Chairman of Ferrari, Luca di Montezemolo.

"Abu Dhabi is a great city that constantly looks to the future, and we are very proud of our partners who share with Ferrari the same passion, the same vision, the same will to go beyond."

"This park combines innovative technology and tradition, it is dedicated not only to Ferrari fans and car enthusiastic, but to the whole family; there are attractions for kids, men and women. It has also the real touch of Ferrari: how things really are for us, with our exclusive GT road cars and racing cars, but also our history and our cultural background. Something else that was crucial for us was for the Park to be a symbol, built actively on the heritage that Italy represents for the world. We are pleased to see that all this has become reality, and that the excitement - like the roller coaster that makes you feel like a Formula One driver - goes hand-in-hand with messages that perfectly combine having a good time with the reality represented by the passion for Ferrari," concluded di Montezemolo.

Ferrari also hopes this theme park can reinforce the bridge between the two cultures.