JANUARY 17, 2007

Big ambitions in Abu Dhabi

The word on the street is that Abu Dhabi is going to build a Formula 1 standard race track as part of the Ferrari theme park development that is under construction at the moment. Ferrari World will be located on Yas Island, one of the largest natural islands in Abu Dhabi. This is being developed into what the locals hope will be a prestigious world-class leisure destination, with beaches, entertainment, shopping, hotels, residences, golfing, equestrian facilities and Ferrari World. There will be two marinas and facilities for yachts, plus a polo field and upscale residences. The 6000-acre development will have 20 miles of beach front and will be linked to the mainland by a 10-lane highway which will go to the new Abu Dhabi International Airport.

The local ruling family, which owns five percent of Ferrari, may want to see a Grand Prix in the country before long but they must wait a while as Bahrain has an exclusive deal for a race in the Gulf in the immediate future.