Ferrari World is incredible. There are no other adjectives to define Abu Dhabi’s most famous theme park.
The first time I went to Ferrari World I was skeptical, but once inside I changed my mind: if you love speed and supercars you will end up loving this park. There are many reasons, from the fastest roller coaster in the world to rides that test your Formula 1 driver skills.
I wished I could go back to being a child for a day and be able to participate in the Racing School and the Junior Grand Prix, but I had to settle for a magnificent multi-sensory journey through the ecstatic Italian landscapes, aboard an old Ferrari of course.
3 reasons why you should go to Ferrari World
If you are in Abu Dhabi or Dubai you should not miss the chance to see Ferrari World, the largest indoor theme park in the world, which in 2019 has been named “World’s Leading Theme Park” beating even the most famous Disney parks.
1. Ferrari World is located on Yas Island: a paradise for families and motor lovers
Ferrari World is located on Yas Island, an island entirely dedicated to fun with the best theme parks. A stone’s throw from Ferrari World is the Yas Marina Circuit, the international Formula 1 circuit which is home to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a must-see for motor lovers.
Yas Island is designed for families, there are many things to do and you can easily move among the attractions with the free Yas Express shuttle. Ferrari World is a few minutes’ drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport and about a 1-hour drive from Dubai, making it perfect for a day trip, perhaps combined with a visit to the main attractions of Abu Dhabi.
2. Formula Rossa: a ride on the fastest roller coaster in the world
Formula Rossa is the most famous attraction of Ferrari World and the reason is very simple: it is a roller coaster that goes at insane speed! Really, it’s crazy!
Famous for being the fastest roller coaster in the world, Formula Rossa reaches a speed of 240 km/h (149 mph), much more than Kingda Ka, the famous roller coaster of the Six Flags Great Adventure in the USA.
The acceleration at the start is incredible: Formula Rossa accelerates from 0 to 240 km/h in 4.9 seconds: much faster than a Formula 1 car or a fighter!
To take a ride on Formula Rossa you need to be at least 140 cm tall, however children can enjoy Formula Rossa Junior, the miniature version of the super roller coaster, which is still thrilling enough!
Formula Rossa starts inside Ferrari World, travels outside the park in exciting evolutions and returns to the indoor park. So it is better to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the wind and desert sand.
3. It is the only theme park in the world dedicated entirely to Ferrari and supercars
Ferrari World is more than an amusement park, it is a temple for motor lovers. Starting from its iconic shape: seen from above it looks like a huge red spaceship landed on the desert.
Inside there are dozens of attractions dedicated to adults and children, high-tech racing simulators, augmented reality experiences, kart races, and adrenaline roller coasters.
If you love sports cars you have to take a look at the wing of the Ferrari Gallery, the most complete collection with all the models that have made history.
In addition there are many spaces designed for families, many games dedicated to children and places to taste Italian specialties.
Ferrari World Tickets and Offers
Ferrari World attracts thousands of visitors from Abu Dhabi and Dubai every day, who come here to spend a full day of fun on Yas Island.
The heart of Yas Island is the Yas Mall, which offers shops, restaurants and cafes, and around the mall there are the three most famous theme parks: Ferrari World, Warner Bros World and Yas Waterworld, as well as the Yas Marina Formula 1 circuit .
So the first question is: go to Ferrari World only or book a pass to see 2 of these parks on the same day?
In my opinion, the ticket for 2 parks on the same day can be good only for those staying in Abu Dhabi. Each park requires a minimum of 5-6 hours to be enjoyed, so it means going from early morning until closing.
For those coming from Dubai, the advice is to combine it with a visit to the city of Abu Dhabi.
Ferrari World tickets allow you to enjoy all the main attractions (some are not included, but nothing special) and to stay as long as you want. Ticket prices start at AED 295 (around $ 80 or 6075 Indian rupees or € 72). Children under the age of 3 enter for free, others pay the same as adults.
Tickets for Ferrari World can be purchased online.
Ferrari World Tickets Offers
In this period you can buy tickets for Ferrari World at a discounted price (including those for 2 parks in one day, at a very special price!).
Day trip to Ferrari World and Abu Dhabi
Those coming from Dubai can get to Ferrari World easily by booking this tour which includes round-trip transportation with hotel pick-up and drop-off, priority entrance tickets to Ferrari World and a guided tour of Abu Dhabi’s major attractions, including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (Abu Dhabi’s famous White Mosque).
Ferrari World Rides and Attractions
Ferrari World Roller Coasters
In addition to the legendary Formula Rossa there are other roller coasters to try:
Flying Aces
Inspired by a military bi-plane, the Flying Aces makes you climb 63 meters before embarking on a crazy race through dizzying loops and high-speed rolls at a speed of over 120 km/h.
Minimum height required: 130 cm
Turbo Track
For those who love strong emotions it is perfect, the Turbo Track catapults you at high speed (102 km/h) up to a height of 64 meters. From here you can admire the entire red roof of the Ferrari World before descending in free fall at a speed of 12 m/s.
Minimum height required: 130 cm
Fiorano GT Challenge
This is perfect if you go with friends! The Fiorano GT Challenge is a twin racing coaster: you will be aboard a wagon that is like a Ferrari F430 Spiders and challenge your friends by racing on two parallel tracks at almost 100 km/h.
Minimum height required: 130 cm
For families with children under 130 cm there are also Formula Rossa Junior, a reduced version of the Formula Rossa (min. 90 cm) and Turbo Tower, the zero-gravity experience suitable from 105 cm.
Scuderia Challenge
Do you want to experience the thrill of driving a Formula 1 Ferrari? At Scuderia Challenge you can! This hyper-realistic simulator allows you to test your skills driving a racing car, with the feeling that it is all real: the movements of the car, the sound, and the game screen.
Speed of Magic
Speed of Magic at first glance may seem like a simple roller coaster suitable for the whole family, but in reality it is magical! This simulated 4D experience allows you to take an exciting ride in the depths of the ocean, flying over the cliffs and in many other fantastic worlds. Why is it wow? Because the feeling is truly realistic: the temperature changes along the way, as well as the humidity and the different light conditions.
There are over 37 rides and attractions in Ferrari World
Besides these which are certainly the most popular attractions of Ferrari World, there are dozens of other attractions to try, including a kart track where you can have fun competing with friends or other visitors, the Junior Grand Prix where the children can challenge each other in a race by driving a (safe) small-scale replica of a Ferrari F1, and Bella Italia, where you can explore a mini-Italy by driving a small-scale Ferrari 250 California and admiring the coastline and famous landmarks such as the Colosseum, a nice experience for couples too!
There are many attractions dedicated to the little ones, including Nello’s Adventureland a large play area created for younger children (no height or age limit) and Khalil’s Car Wash, an adventurous playground also suitable to toddlers.
How to get to Ferrari World from Dubai
Ferrari World is 50 minutes drive from Dubai Marina and 90 minutes drive from Dubai International Airport, making it easily accessible with a day trip.
The best way to get to Ferrari World from Dubai is with a day trip that allows you to enjoy the theme park without hassle and combine it with a visit to the city of Abu Dhabi and its main attractions such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Corniche, the Heritage Village and the Emirates Palace.
The day trip price includes the ticket to Ferrari World, transportation and guide (English, German or French-speaking), and pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Dubai.
How to get to Ferrari World from Abu Dhabi
From Abu Dhabi you can get to the Ferrari World by taking Bus No. 190 from Abu Dhabi Bus Station and getting off at Yas Mall. It takes 30-50 minutes.
Ferrari World is internally connected to the Yas Mall.
If you are staying on Yas Island you can reach Ferrari World with the Yas Express free shuttle that runs daily from 9.00 AM to 9.00 PM and stops near the main Yas Island’s hotels.
If you have chosen to visit Abu Dhabi with the Hop On Hop Off double-decker buses, getting to Ferrari World and moving among the attractions of Yas Island is really easy, the bus stops right in front of the Yas Mall where you will find the entrance to Ferrari World.
Ferrari World Timings
Ferrari World is open every day of the week, from 11.00 AM to 8.00 PM.
Usually, during peak periods (like from 20 December to 4 January) the opening is prolonged (from 10.00 AM to 10.00 PM). If you go in those periods buy tickets well in advance!
What are the best hotels near Ferrari World?
If you plan to stay a few days in Abu Dhabi and visit the attractions of Yas Island you may choose to stay in one of the hotels located near Ferrari World.
The best hotels in the area are:
Yas Island Rotana Abu Dhabi, offers excellent restaurants, swimming pools, private beach and children’s playground. Perfect for families!
Crowne Plaza Yas Island, has an excellent Lebanese restaurant and bar serving good draft beers and cocktails by the pool, it also has a nice spa and gym.
Staybridge Suites Yas Island Abu Dhabi, offers family rooms with excellent value for money, swimming pool, mini market and gym.
Radisson Blu Hotel Abu Dhabi Yas Island, offers comfortable and quiet rooms, with a good Italian restaurant, swimming pool and a nice spa.
W Abu Dhabi Yas Island, modern and youthful, is located directly on Yas Marina, has a good restaurant and an excellent spa with a sea view pool. Perfect for couples and groups of friends!
All these hotels are of a good standard and offer multilingual staff and large, clean and welcoming rooms. There are no budget hotels on Yas Island or near Ferrari World.
Discover all the best attractions of YAS ISLAND, the most popular venue for family fun in Abu Dhabi.
Planning your trip to Abu Dhabi? Then you should check out the GUIDE TO THE BEST THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN ABU DHABI.