Officials and guests in attendance for the event included Ferrari's President Luca di Montezemolo and Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Chairman, ALDAR Properties, as well as invited guests representing media, government and business organisations.

During the Foundation Stone Ceremony a time capsule was buried, containing a con-rod and piston of the F2007, the F1 World Champion Ferrari car, together with the first artist's impression of the Ferrari Theme Park on Yas Island. The capsule will be then opened, not in 100 years, not even in 50 years, but in just 40 years time at Ferrari's 100th anniversary, in 2047.

"This is a very special year for Ferrari," Luca di Montezemolo said. "Together with the extraordinary commercial success of our GT cars, it brought to Maranello the F1 Constructors World Championship and the F1 Drivers World Championship with Kimi Raikkonen, and I am particularly proud to be present to mark the symbolic start of this great project. Moreover, 2007 is the year of Ferrari's 60th anniversary, and this Ceremony has therefore a further, important meaning."

Part of a joint project between Italian automotive manufacturer Ferrari and ALDAR properties PJSC, the 250,000 sq metre park (80,000 of them covered) will be a unique oasis of discovery, hospitality and beauty that captures culture, flavour and the true spirit of Italy, as well as the legendary automotive history, passion and heritage of Ferrari cars and racing.

"Today is a celebration of the first step along the way to making the world's only Ferrari theme park a reality, with the laying of the foundation stone," commented Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Chairman, ALDAR Properties. "An incredible amount of real estate growth is taking place in Abu Dhabi, and it is our responsibility to deliver projects of the highest quality, while protecting the natural, social and cultural assets of the Emirate. I am confident that the blend between the power and beauty of one of the world's leading brands, Ferrari, with ALDAR's expertise in development and regional knowledge, will combine to create a destination that resonates with sports lovers around the world."

When completed in 2009, the attraction will provide amusement for the whole family, featuring multi-format high tech theatres, a variety of sophisticated driving schools both for children and adults, Ferrari automotive displays and participatory learning centres as well as food and entertainment. Among the 24 attractions, the Park will offer a mix of high-octane and family rides with roller coasters jetting into the sky and dipping through the covered areas. At the heart of the park will be an advanced and sophisticated circuit offering driving courses, which will be the home of the first Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix in 2009.

After the Foundation Stone event at Yas Island, a brand new Ferrari Store will have its official grand opening in Abu Dhabi's Marina Mall. Ferrari's President Luca di Montezemolo, Commercial and Brand Director Dany Bahar, Abdullah Abdel Rahim Al Fahim, Chairman of Al Fahim Enterprises and Ahmed Al Sayegh, Chairman of ALDAR Properties will took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Ferrari in the U.A.E.

U.A.E. (which includes Abu Dhabi, Dubai and another five Emirates) is one of the nine countries covered by Ferrari's Middle East & Africa Region. Ferrari entered the U.A.E. in 1987 appointing as exclusive importer and distributor Al Tayer Motors LLC, a parent company of Al Tayer Group. In 2006, the Region counted 248 cars delivered, for a 125% increase over 2004 and 84% increase over 2005. In 2006 Al Tayer Motors in U.A.E. achieved 68 Ferrari retail sales.

One of the biggest Ferrari Sales and After Sales Centres worldwide opened this September in Umm Al Naar - Abu Dhabi : 1,700 sq metres comprising a 870 sq metres showroom, lounge, dealer selection area, aftersales, spare parts and mezzanine floor for pre-owned car sales. Another Ferrari showroom in the U.A.E. is the 3S Centre in Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road (opened in 2005).

After the successful start of < Ferrari 60 Relay > worldwide tour in Abu Dhabi last January and the Foundation Stone event at the Ferrari Park, further major events in the area include the opening of two new showrooms: in Muscat - Sultanate of Oman (9th December) and in Beirut - Lebanon (14th December). On both occasions there will be the unveiling of the new Ferrari 430 Scuderia to media and customers.

About ALDAR Properties PJSC

ALDAR Properties PJSC is a property development company, with strong investment and management capabilities. ALDAR was established primarily to provide world-class real estate developments for the nation of Abu Dhabi, whilst providing a stable and profitable investment portfolio for investors. The company is dedicated to achieving new standards of innovation, excellence and value in urban design and sustainable development. Their priority is the immediate and future benefit of Abu Dhabi and its residents.

The company is owned by leading Abu Dhabi institutions, founder shareholders and over 20,616 investors throughout the U.A.E. ALDAR's principle corporate shareholders include: Mubadala Development Company, Abu Dhabi Investment Company, Abu Dhabi National Hotels Company, National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels and National Investor.

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