Abu Dhabi theme park nears completion as Yas Island prepares to host Formula One Grand Prix

Abu Dhabi developer Aldar today announced the completion of the external structure of its Ferrari World theme park.

Ferrari World is part of the developer's 拢39bn Yas Island project, which will this weekend host the emirate's inaugural Formula One Grand Prix.

The theme park's architect is Benoy and the contractor is Belgium's Besix, which has formed a joint venture with Aldar to work on the Ferrari project, due for final completion in 2010.

The building's most outstanding feature, its red roof, inspired by the curves of the Ferrari GT body, covers a surface area of 200,000m2 and features the largest Scuderia Ferrari 鈥減rancing horse鈥� emblem in the world, measuring 66m in diameter.

The superstructure was built in 14 months, using 12,370 tonnes of steel, 29,000m2 of facade glazing and 165,000m2 of roof cladding. More than 4,500 workers have been on site daily since work started.

Ferrarri World will feature the world's fastest rollercoaster, which will travel at speeds of at least 200kmph over 62m through the main building's roof and back down to earth again.

Mohammed Al Mubarak, chief commercial officer at Aldar Properties, said: 鈥淪ignature projects like Ferrari World are an element of our contribution to Plan Abu Dhabi 2030. We are proud to be a part of bringing Ferrari to Abu Dhabi and giving our citizens and visitors alike the opportunity to share in the passion and excitement of these initiatives.鈥�

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