Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s acclaimed Ferrari-inspired theme park, has once again raised the bar in the entertainment industry with the grand launch of the world’s first Ferrari-themed Esports Arena. This state-of-the-art venue is set to be the premier spot for racing aficionados, Formula 1 enthusiasts, and thrill-seekers.
The newly opened Ferrari World Esports Arena features an impressive lineup of 20 Gran Turismo simulators, meticulously designed to appeal to a wide range of audiences. Fourteen of these simulators are geared towards adult racers, while six are specially designed for younger visitors, ensuring a family-friendly atmosphere that caters to all age groups. Furthermore, the arena includes three specialized F1 simulators that place participants in the driver’s seat of a Ferrari race car, enabling them to experience the excitement of racing on renowned F1 Grand Prix circuits like the Yas Marina Circuit.
City Times had the opportunity to visit the park on August 29 for an exclusive preview, where we tested the simulators and were astounded by their realism. During a conversation with Faisal Al Nuaimi, General Manager of Ferrari World Yas Island, we explored the arena's inspiration and its contribution to the UAE's Esports landscape.
“It is the first Ferrari-themed Esports arena in the world,” Al Nuaimi explained, highlighting the uniqueness of the attraction. “No one else has it, and we have ensured that even if someone wants to create something similar, they will not be able to compete with the design and architecture we have implemented here.”
In terms of design, the Ferrari World Esports Arena adheres to the Ferrari brand with a sleek black and red aesthetic that spans from floor to ceiling, mirroring the iconic brand and creating a visually stunning environment. The arena is furnished with top-of-the-line gaming stations, including high-performance PCs, professional-grade equipment, and the latest consoles, guaranteeing a smooth and immersive gaming experience for all guests.
When asked about the inspiration behind the creation of a Ferrari-themed Esports arena, Al Nuaimi responded, “We work very closely with the Ferrari team, and that’s where the inspiration came from. We identify what is lacking in the world, not just within the UAE, and explore how we can utilize that. We also aim to continuously add unique selling points to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.”
Ferrari World maintains its focus on inclusivity by introducing two Gran Turismo simulators specifically designed for individuals with disabilities at its Esports Arena. This addition reinforces the park’s commitment to providing accessible and enjoyable experiences for all visitors.
“It is a UAE government initiative that has been implemented across all sectors,” Al Nuaimi stated. “As part of the tourism and hospitality sector, it is now mandatory for us to include these elements in everything we do. We have introduced a similar concept to other drone rides, but for racing simulators, this is the first time globally, and we promise to enhance inclusivity further.”
The Ferrari World Esports Arena operates daily from 10am to 6pm. Access to the Gran Turismo simulators is included with the theme park ticket until the end of the year. Entry to the exclusive F1 simulators is available at an additional cost, starting from Dh60 per race.
The introduction of the Ferrari World Esports Arena aligns perfectly with the UAE’s objectives for the gaming and Esports sector. The arena bolsters the country’s, particularly its capital city’s, reputation as a leading destination for gaming enthusiasts.
“This is part of the UAE government’s initiative,” Al Nuaimi explained. “We announced the Esports Island at Yas Island, and this is one of the arenas on the list, with more to come in the future.” However, Al Nuaimi kept some details under wraps, stating, “The Ferrari World Esports Arena is something people will enjoy for now, while we work on bringing more experiences to you.”
