UAE Sets Debut for Speedy Ferrari Theme Park

VOA News
19 July 2010

It already boasts the world's tallest building. Now the United Arab Emirates is planning the world's fastest roller coaster.

Promoters announced in Abu Dhabi on Monday that a theme park will open in 100 days featuring a ride simulating a Ferrari Formula One race car.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, which promoters call the world's "largest indoor theme park," hopes to lure tourists to a nation whose image has been battered by a debt crisis.

Among its 20 attractions is the Formula Rossa ride, with a top speed of 240 kilometers per hour. The current record-holder, the Kingda Ka at New Jersey's Six Flags Great Adventure, tops out at 206 kilometers per hour.

Park manager Andy Keeling says the ride "gives you the feel of driving in a F1 car very close to the ground."

The UAE has been reeling since one of its emirates' investment arm, Dubai World, racked up $59 billion in debt, borrowing to build lavish developments.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP.