Abu Dhabi begins work on Ferrari theme park

0 Comments | AFP, November, 2007

ABU DHABI (AFP) — Abu Dhabi on Saturday began work on building the world's first Ferrari theme park, another step in the wealthy Gulf emirate's ambition to become a global centre for leisure, sport and culture.

A ceremony was held for the laying of the project's first foundation stone on Yas Island off the coast of the capital of the United Arab Emirates, project developer ALDAR said.

The 250,000-square-metre (62-acre) park is set for completion in 2009.

It will include a motor circuit which is to host the emirate's first F1 Grand Prix in the same year, as well as roller coasters, multi-media theatres and automobile displays, ALDAR said in a statement.

An investment group owned by the government of oil-rich Abu Dhabi in July bought a five percent...