After our awesome experience in the Zayed Grand Mosque, the #1 tourist attraction of Abu Dhabi. On our recent family trip to Abu Dhabi, we had the opportunity to visit Ferrari World Yas Island Abu Dhabi, the #2 tourist attraction in Abu Dhabi, and a paradise for thrill-seekers and car enthusiasts alike. As first-time visitors, we were excited to explore everything this iconic theme park offers. From adrenaline-pumping rides to fascinating displays of Ferrari’s legacy, Ferrari World delivered an unforgettable experience.
From the moment we walked through those massive red doors, the energy was electric! The kids were practically bouncing with excitement, and honestly, so were we. With our map in hand and eyes wide with wonder, we couldn’t wait to experience every ride the park had to offer.
We dashed from one attraction to the next—lining up with fellow thrill-seekers, sharing laughs in long queues, and holding hands as we buckled into each new ride. The anticipation only grew stronger with every turn, drop, and loop. The smiles on our kids’ faces were priceless, especially as they conquered their first mini-coaster.
And then came the big one—Formula Rossa, the fastest coaster in the world. Just standing in line for it gave us butterflies. The sound of it zooming past overhead was insane. When it was finally our turn, our hearts were pounding with a mix of fear and thrill. The countdown started, and in a flash, we were launched into a ride unlike anything we’ve ever experienced. 0 to 240 km/h in under 5 seconds? Mind-blowing.
That moment alone made the whole day worth it.
Arriving at Ferrari World
Located on Yas Island, Ferrari World is conveniently accessible from central Abu Dhabi. Since we were already in the city, we drove to the park, which took about 30 minutes and around 1 hour from Dubai. The roads are well-marked, and Yas Island has plenty of parking spaces, including ones right next to Ferrari World. For those without a car, taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available, and some hotels even offer shuttle services to Yas Island.
The park is also connected to Yas Mall, making it easy to combine shopping and dining with a day of adventure. If you’re coming from Dubai, the drive takes about an hour, or you can use public transport or book a tour that includes transfers.
Tip: If you’re coming from Dubai and want a hassle-free ride, book a day tour with transport included. It’s convenient, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
How to Get Tickets to Ferrari World
We booked our tickets online through the official Ferrari World Abu Dhabi website. This saved us time at the entrance and also gave us access to online-only discounts.
Ticket Options:
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Single Day Ticket: AED 310 for adults and AED 266 for children under 1.3 meters tall.
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2 Park Ticket: AED 475 for access to either two Yas Island parks.
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3 Park Ticket: AED 575 for access to three parks.
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4 Park Ticket: AED 675 for access to all four Yas Island parks.
Pro Tip: Children under 3 years old can enter for free.
It’s best to book tickets online in advance, as this often comes with discounts and combo packages for other Yas Island attractions like Yas Waterworld or Warner Bros. World.
Rides to Expect at Ferrari World
Ferrari World is famous for its rides, and it’s easy to see why! The park combines the thrill of high-speed roller coasters with immersive Ferrari-themed attractions. Here are some highlights from our visit:
1. Conquer the Fastest Coaster in the World
Formula Rossa is the crown jewel of Ferrari World—the fastest coaster in the world! It goes from 0 to 240 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. I tried it while my partner stayed with the kids, and wow—it was intense! If you’re into extreme thrills, this one’s a must.
And yes, I went back for a second ride later in the day. That’s how good it was.
2. Family-Friendly Rides for All Ages
Since our kids are 7 and 10, we focused on family-friendly attractions they could enjoy. Some highlights:
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Fiorano GT Challenge – A dueling coaster they could ride with us.
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Junior GT & Junior Grand Prix – Let the kids drive mini Ferraris!
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Tyre Twist – Like a Ferrari-style teacup ride.
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Speed of Magic – A cool 4D adventure ride through surreal environments.
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Flying Aces: Another thrilling ride, Flying Aces, features the world’s tallest loop. It’s inspired by aviation history and offers sharp twists and drops that leave us breathless and exhilarated.
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Turbo Track: This vertical ride launches you straight up through the park’s iconic red roof and then drops you back down for a gravity-defying experience.
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Scuderia Challenge: Perfect for aspiring racers, this ride lets you test your driving skills in a state-of-the-art racing simulator. My dad and sister had a blast competing with each other!
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Junior Grand Prix: Designed for younger visitors, this ride lets kids drive miniature Ferrari cars on a track. My younger sister loved feeling like a real race car driver.
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Bell’Italia: A gentle ride that takes you through miniature recreations of Italy’s iconic landscapes, complete with famous landmarks like the Colosseum and Amalfi Coast.
Exploring Ferrari Legacy
Apart from the rides, we spent time exploring Ferrari-themed attractions, including a fascinating exhibition of classic Ferrari cars. The interactive displays showed the brand’s history, innovations, and victories in motorsport. You should try the Tyre Change Challenge, where you time yourself changing tires like a pit crew—it was a fun activity for all ages!
Tips for Visiting Ferrari World Abu Dhabi with Kids
- Arrive Early: To make the most of your day, plan to arrive when the park opens at 11:00 AM.
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Measure your kids’ height beforehand. Some rides have strict height requirements (usually 1.3m).
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Bring snacks and water; although outside food is not allowed inside, it’s handy for the trip to and from the park.
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Wear comfy clothes and shoes—you’ll walk a lot!
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Use the app for live ride wait times and a map of the park.
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Plan Your Rides: Start with the major attractions like Formula Rossa and Flying Aces to avoid long queues later in the day.
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Stay Hydrated: Abu Dhabi can get quite hot, so carry a water bottle or take advantage of the drinking stations around the park.
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Combine Attractions: If you have more time, consider a combo ticket for other Yas Island parks.
Our day at Ferrari World Yas Island was filled with excitement, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a fan of high-speed thrills or looking for family-friendly entertainment, this theme park has something for everyone. We left with big smiles and memories that will last a lifetime.
If you’re visiting Abu Dhabi, don’t miss Ferrari World—it’s a must-see destination that perfectly combines adventure, luxury, and the Ferrari spirit. Add Ferrari World Abu Dhabi to your travel bucket list today!