15 Years of Ferrari World Yas Island in Abu Dhabi

(eap) Ferrari World Yas Island in Abu Dhabi is celebrating its 15^th anniversary this year. As the first theme park on the approximately 25-square-kilometre island of Yas Island, the park first opened its gates in 2010 (see EAP 1/2011). The destination operated by Miral Experiences subsequently attracted international attention – not only among fans of the Italian sports car brand, but also within the theme park industry and among coaster enthusiasts. A significant contribution to this is likely to have been made by the launch coaster “Formula Rossa” by Intamin, which, with a top speed of 240 km/h, is still the fastest roller coaster in the world. With the imminent opening of Six Flags Qiddiya City at the end of this year and the associated launch of “Falcons Flight” (also by Intamin), however, this record is expected to be reassigned in the future.

Grantas Kareckas from Lithuania claimed the Ferrari HP Esports Series 2025 championship title | Photo: Courtesy of Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

In the years that followed, the offering at Ferrari World was gradually expanded: in 2016, the “Karting Academy”, the “Ferrari Driving Experience”, the interactive family ride “Benno’s Great Race” (ETF/Alterface) as well as the Wing Coaster “Flying Aces” by Intamin opened (see EAP 3/2016). One year later, the opening of another thrill ride followed with “Turbo Track”, a Reverse Freefall Coaster by Intamin.

In 2020, additional experience formats were introduced, including the “Roof Walk Experience”, which allows visitors to step onto the park’s iconic roof, as well as the “Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Zip Line”. In the same year, the “Family Zone” with four attractions by the Italian manufacturer Zamperla also went into operation to specifically expand the offering for younger guests. Most recently, an Esports Arena was opened last year, which is equipped with 20 Gran Turismo and three F1 simulators.

The celebrations ended with a drone show that drew Ferrari silhouettes across the night sky | Photo: Courtesy of Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

In this arena, the “Ferrari HP Esports Series Grand Final 2025” was held in early December as part of the anniversary celebrations, during which the world’s best virtual racing driver (sim racer) was determined. In addition to the winner Grantas Kareckas from Lithuania, the park’s 15^th anniversary was celebrated in the presence of Charles Leclerc, Formula 1 driver for Scuderia Ferrari, as well as Ferrari executives including Maria Carla Liuni, Chief Brand Officer of Ferrari, and Julien Kauffmann, CEO of Miral Experiences. ■