Ferrari World Abu Dhabi where innovation finds its voice

At Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, I didn’t just witness speed. I witnessed a country’s quiet confidence in the power of purposeful design.

I remember stepping out of the taxi with a mix of curiosity and excitement, not quite sure what to expect from a theme park built around a car brand. Ferrari World sits quietly on Yas Island, with a red roof so massive it can be spotted from the plane window. It was a weekday morning, the crowd was light, and the air outside was dense with heat, but the moment I walked in, the chill of the air conditioning and the sheer scale of the interior made me pause.

The first thing that struck me wasn’t the rides. It was the silence inside, broken only by a few children’s laughter and occasional bursts of Formula One sounds from speakers overhead. Everything was clean, too clean perhaps, almost like a luxury showroom. There were polished cars on display, encased in glass like museum pieces. I did admire them, though I’m not much of a car person.

Then came the rides. I joined the queue for Formula Rossa. It looked terrifying, and it lived up to the reputation. It was not the speed that got me, but the suddenness of it like being launched forward with no warning. My body leaned back, my eyes squinted despite the goggles, and by the time I processed the thrill, it was already slowing down. That ride alone justified the ticket, at least once.

Other rides were less dramatic, designed more for comfort or family fun. I tried a simulator that mimicked the experience of driving a Ferrari through Italian landscapes. The screen curved across the room, and the seat vibrated gently. It was pleasant, but felt more like a marketing piece than an adventure.

Food was surprisingly average. I expected more, maybe something daring. Instead, it was pasta and pizza with predictable tastes, served on trays that reminded me I was still in a theme park, no matter how glossy the branding. I found a quiet bench near the souvenir shop and rested. Around me, I saw tired parents, sleepy toddlers, and teenagers dragging each other towards another ride.

By late afternoon, I had seen most of it. I wouldn’t call it a full-day place unless you are deeply into cars or traveling with children. There is wonder in its precision and neatness, but there is also a feeling that it lacks a little warmth. Like an engine without emotion. I left before sunset, feeling satisfied but not spellbound.