An Overview of the Legendary Ferrari World

What do you expect heading to Abu Dhabi? We think it’s a plan-visiting the legendary amusement park Ferrari World. Let’s look at what awaits:

The World’s Fastest Rollercoaster

Forget the cars for a moment. Ferrari world offers speeds like no other. Get on the Formula Rossa to experience the thrill speeding along the 2.2km course at mind blowing speeds of upto 240 km/hr. Tighten your belts and put on your goggles and join this incredible ride.

Junior Pilotas Driving School

This is a really exciting experience for kids who get to not only ride a Ferrari, but they also get to learn about the traffic rules. The young GT drivers get instructions from trained experts before hitting the road and cruising in a mini sized 430 GT Spider. By the time they’re done, they’ll be equipped with traffic rules, signs and the laws of the road.

Competition Galore

Rev those engines and get ready to race against your friends in the Fiorano GT challenge. This is all in your Ferrari F430 Spider as you compete against your friends. Launch away from the starting line and off to the twisting parallel tracks. It’s a real thrill as you get immersed in a real drag race experience reaching speeds of upto 95 km/hr. If competition is in your blood, well, this is an absolute treat!

The Fantasy Dreamscape 

Do you want to visit where no Ferrari has been before? The 4D simulator takes you on a journey over cliffs and into the depths of the oceans which really bring your imagination to life. Feel the warmth of the jungle and varying temperatures through the ice caves. Clearly no Ferrari has been in this wonderland before.

The Simulator Race

Presenting to you the Scuderia Challenge where you race against record lap times with a variety of Ferraris either solo or in a group-friends maybe? The ultimate goal is to truly challenge yourself and see what you’re truly made of ;)

Turbo Track

This is yet another rewarding experience for thrill seekers. It offers us endurance challenge but only for the brave at heart. It offers the ultimate Adrenaline experience for the entire family and it’s felt right from the moment you step into the park. Turbo track  is popular for its signature funnel shape, and the top of the 54 metre track is Yas Island’s highest point

Who’s the Park Meant For?

Ferrari World seems like a paradise for the racing enthusiast. But there’s more to this park than just that. From Ferrari World shows, events, driving a real Ferrari to fun rides dedicated to kids and adults, the park offers a heavenly experience for families and youngsters alike.

Visiting Ferrari World

Besides booking your tickets online in advance on itickets.ae, see below more details including venue and timing.

●     Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi-United Arab Emirates

●     Timing: The park is open from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. The perfect time to visit is during seasonal events such as the spectacular light shows.

The Cost

The price of visiting Ferrari World varies and it’s presented in three broad categories online  

●        Bronze

●        Silver

●        Gold

The Bronze ticket will give you access to the park, but with Gold and Silver tickets, you’ll  get additional benefits in addition to just the entrance. The ticket price typically ranges between AED 265 and AED 455 depending on the package you select.

Helpful Tips

●        There are various facilities available including lockers, prayers rooms and baby care rooms.

●        There’s free parking available and valet parking at a chargeable fee

●        If you haven’t already purchased your ticket online, arrive early enough in the park to beat the crowd and avoid long queues. Ideally, arrive before the park opens.

●        Electronic waterproof wristbands are supplied and charged with money at the guests service desk so you don’t have to worry about carrying cash or accidentally getting your money wet. Just remember to charge your bands with money at the guests service desk before heading into the park.

●        Where possible, it’s highly advisable to visit over the weekday. It’s way less crowded than the weekends.

●        Frequent snack breaks are commendable especially for kids. Recharge as frequently as possible to have your energy in check to help you fully experience all the attractions in the park. 

●        If planning over the weekend, a Bronze ticket will do just fine as the number of visitors is lesser. For weekends however, go for gold or silver pass tickets to make sure you catch your favorite rides.

Why Buy Ferrari World Tickets With itickets.ae?

●        You get instant confirmation. Once you’ve purchased your ticket, it’s instantly emailed you.

●        A user friendly system with a seamless step by step guide

What More at Ferrari World?

●        Besides the thrilling rides, adventures and really exciting moments, we also get into the history of Ferrari world and experience what it really feels to drive a Ferrari. It’s also a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with these iconic cars in the history of automobiles.

●        Ferrari world is home to two record breaking roller coasters that are in fact a must try. Formula Rossa-The world’s fastest rollercoaster; and flying aces which is the rollercoaster with the tallest non-inverting loop in the world.

●        Right across Ferrari World is one of the most populous waterpark in Middle East-Yas waterpark sitting on Yas Island making it quite a leisure ground.

●        The park opened its doors in November 2010 with only 20 rides, now operates 37 and another 4 are due to be delivered this year.

●        The park receives over 1 million people a year. Fyi, every time the park launches a new attraction, it sees a jump in the number of visitors.

●        Yas Island where Ferrari World sits is targeting 48 million visitors by the year 2021. Yas Mall on the other hand attracts about 20 million visits a year and Warner Bros is scheduled to open this year and sea world later in 2022.

Abu Dhabi is a conservative cosmopolitan city, but despite the conservative culture, the capital of UAE definitely has so much more to offer in terms of luxury and exotic experiences such as that at Ferrari World experience. Would we recommend you visiting? But of course yes! It’s one of those ‘once in a lifetime experience’. Grab your ticket online today for a legendary experience with the legendary Ferrari ;) 

Dalphine Wanjiru is an adept content author with over seven years writing expertise. Presently she’s a content marketer at itickets.ae. I’m an avid traveller and while not writing, I enjoy exploring new activities and interesting destinations across the globe. 

A Whole New World-At the Top, Burj Khalifa

The most iconic structure in Dubai’s skyline-Burj Khalifa and also the tallest building on the entire planet standing at 828 metres as we speak. If visiting the Middle East, this is definitely a must not miss sight. In this post we look at the nitty gritties of visiting At the Top, Burj Khalifa :)

Getting there

Well, first things first. Burj Khalifa is located in downtown Dubai beside the gigantic Dubai Mall. Using the Dubai Metro, board  the redline to Burj Khalifa Station. From here, board the F13 bus and alight at the next stop-Dubai Mall bus stop. Now walk through the mall to get to Burj Khalifa. Otherwise, walk in the air-conditioned overpass.

This should take you about 15 minutes because there are moving walkways (similar to the kind in airports). This is definitely the most recommended form of getting to the mall. At Dubai mall, walk through the mall to the lower ground floor aka LG.

The ticket office to Burj Khalifa is inside Dubai Mall next to subway sandwich restaurant on Lower Ground floor. However, to avoid the hassle of locating the office and dealing with long queues, book your At the Top, Burj Khalifa tickets in advance at itickets.ae 

Where to Visit

Burj Khalifa has two observation decks open to guests. The lower deck is popular as At the Top standing at a height of 452 meters. When the tower was officially opened in 2010, it was the highest observation deck on the globe. Unfortunately, this title was grabbed by an observation deck in China-Canton Tower. But when it comes to standing out, Burj Khalifa is definitely not the one to let anything stand in the way hindering its glory. Consequently, Burj Khalifa opened a new deck-At the Top SKY now standing at 555 metres and currently the world’s tallest observation deck.

At the very top of Burj Khalifa is the 163rd floor of the tower that is however not accessible to the public.

The Cost

Visiting At the Top, Burj Khalifa requires a ticket, and there are several factors that affect the cost of your ticket including:

●        Choice of the observation deck-At the Top or At the Top, SKY

●        The time of the day. Prime hours for the observation decks are between 3:30 PM and 6:00 PM to correspond with sunset

●        The booking option of your choice. This includes ‘Skip the line ticket’ which allows you directly proceed to the observation deck without having to wait in line.

How to Buy Tickets

Tickets to At the Top observation decks get sold out pretty quick. To get a slot and secure the best time, we highly recommend booking your ticket online in advance. Otherwise, you can buy the tickets at the counter at Burj Khalifa.

What to Expect At the Entrance

●        If your ticket does not allow you to skip the line and proceed to the observation deck, you’ll be expected to wait in line. While waiting though, you don’t have to get bored as the area is donned with spectacular interactive displays that tell the story of the skyscraper.

●        You’ll then be directed to the elevator that will whip you at a dizzying speed of 10m/s

●        At the observation decks, soak in the spectacular views of Dubai skyline and the gulf beyond. Telescopes here are built with technology that  provides high definition views of landmarks and attractions beyond the city and it’s also equipped with a feature that shows what the city looks like during day and night.

Interesting Must Know About Burj Khalifa

●        Although Burj Khalifa has 160 accessible floors, the actual number of floors is 163. The three extras form the mechanical wing that’s not accessible to the public

●        The construction of the magnificent tower kicked off in 2004,and all the skeletal and exterior was completed by 1st Oct 2009. But there was more. It took yet another 3 months to finish up the interiors before the big opening ceremony on 4th January 2010.

●        A prestigious hotel occupies the first 15 floors, and upto 900 luxury residential flats in the subsequent floors all the way up to level 108. Another world class hotel further occupies three floors on Levels 122, 123 and 124. Following on level 125 to level 148 is the observation decks. The remaining floors comprise of either office office space that’s either occupied or awaiting tenants.

●        Out of all the facilities in the preceding point, the most obvious attraction by far is level 125 to 148 and without a doubt the highlight of this tower.

●        The tower is the only place in the world where you can catch two sunsets in a day. Be sure to catch the first sunset At the Top, level 125 and then make your way up for even a more dramatic, shimmering shades of the sunset from At the Top, SKY.

●        By the end of 2014, the distance travelled by At the Top elevators was equivalent to that of circumnavigating the globe eight times. The sheer thought of it is mindblowing. Maybe the only way to fully experience that feeling is to board the elevators eight times considering it moves pretty fast-10m/s

●        Now forget about the impressive height for a minute. What about the fashionable, luxe hotels Burj Khalifa hosts? The tower hosts the first ever Armani Hotel designed by the Giorgio Armani. The hotel is without a doubt a novelty in the boutique hotel industry and more so being the first to be designed by a fashion designer as prestigious as Armani. The one of a kind hotel not only in the emirates but in the entire world offers sophistication like no other with its 160 exclusive rooms and suites featuring decor and furnishing bearing the Armani signature.

But like everything, this is not the last one. Already the haute fashion designer-Armani has commissioned the building of a further 6 hotels and 3 holiday resorts under his label Armani.  

●        What would it take you to chill out in the world’s second highest pool? Welcome to the scenic pool at level 76 of Burj Khalifa that’s extraordinary in its own style as it offers something no other pool in Dubai or at least most of the world doesnt-Sky high views of glitzy Dubai and the gulf beyond.

●        Fine dining yo ask? The tower also hosts the world’s highest restaurant-At.Mosphere. If style runs in your veins, no better place to delight your soul with world class delicacies than At.Mosphere. The ultimate perfect venue to dine and wine in style :)

●        The tower features three sky lobbies (different from observation decks). One is on level 43, another one on 76th floor and the last on level 123. Don’t ask us how. But what we know is that these are public places for residents and visitors. For ordinarly guests, the guess is if you’re dining At.Mosphere (level 122) there will be nothing stopping you from going a floor higher.

●        Burj Club-Not a raving night club per se because it hosts a range of other facilities spread across some of the tower’s most exquisitely designed levels. The club spans four floors each dedicated to a specific purpose i.e. a Gym, Spa and rooftop bar. Pretty cool!

I really do not know what truly inspires you, but the views from At the Top, Burj Khalifa are nothing short of inspiring. It’s a unique point from where you can leisurely admire the whole of Dubai and in fact beyond. Come prepared with your camera because this is your chance to capture really dramatic views to reminisce over in years to come ;)   

Burj Khalifa story series part 3

In our Burj Khalifa story series part 3, prepare for more amusements as we reveal to you some of the most captivating details about the megatall skyscraper-Burj Khalifa. This is in conjunction with Burj Khalifa tickets

The Ultimate Glory

The tower’s telescopic spire rising upto 200 metres not only earns Burj Khalifa the glorious title of world’s tallest building, but it also complements its iconic design.

The Lightning Magic

Reaching unbeatable heights of 800 metres, Burj Khalifa harnesses the powers of nature in the most magical form to stage a profound lightning show automatically earning it the title of the most conspicuous lightning conductor ever witnessed anywhere on the globe.

Memories to Ponder 

Ten years ago, that’s way back in 2007 (seems like yesterday though) approximately 1,325 days after excavation had began onsite, the structure became the tallest freestanding structure in the world-impressive!

Preventing Aircraft Collisions

Have you ever wondered how this structure is able to evade collisions with aircrafts? Read on to find out. The tower is equipped with high-intensity xenon white obstruction lights flashing upto 40 times per minute. The intensity of the flashing is constantly changing throughout the day as follows to contrast with different times of day for a sharp signal:

●        Day mode: 270,000 cd

●        Twilight mode: 20,000 cd

●        Night mode: 2,000 cd

The Exterior

For the successful installation of the exterior cladding of the Burj Khalifa, more than 380 highly skilled workers participated every single day during construction. The task kicked off in May 2007 and completed in September 2009. At their best, the team successfully installed upto 175 panels per day.

Earning a Mark

In 2010, The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) bestowed the global icon award on Burj Khalifa. The award is intended to be conferred on occasional basis and only when merited by an outstanding structure every 10 or 15 years.

Safety  

The right precaution against any fire outbreaks is ensured via unique design and plan of Burj Khalifa’s stairwells. This includes surrounding the stairwell with concrete, and pressurized, air-conditioned refuge areas nearly every 25 floors.

Gigantic Curtain Wall

The tower’s curtain wall is equivalent to 17 soccer fields or 25 American football fields. Mindblown! Right?

Story Behind the Concrete

Did you know? The highest reinforced concrete core walls of Burj Khalifa were pumped at 80 MPa to a height of of 601 metres way back at the beginning of the construction in 2007.

Ambient Temperature

The temperature between Burj Khalifa’s tip and ground floor is pretty captivating with the tip  being 6 degrees cooler than the ground.

New Year’s Eve Gala

On every New Year’s Eve, Burj Khalifa hosts a spectacular light and fireworks show that not only brings downtown Dubai to a stand still, but the entire planet. The nights has over 1 million people in attendance and telecast live to over 2 billion people across the globe.

Too Much Steel?

The total weight of the aluminium used to build Burj Khalifa is equivalent to five A380 aircrafts. In addition to that, the total length of stainless steel bullnose fins is 293 times the height of Eiffel tower.

The Gigapan Picture

The greatest picture in our lifetime. Yeah, you got that one right! The 360 degree Gigapan picture of Dubai was taken from the tip of the tower’s spire. This was in courtesy of the second edition of the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum photography award (HIPA)

Peak Cooling

During peak cooling hours, the tower requires about 10,000 tons of cooling that’s equivalent to the cooling capacity of approximately 10,000 hours tons of melting ice.

The French SpiderMan

Burj Khalifa has earned many world records and this happened yet again with Alain Robert aka ‘The French Spider Man’ who scaled the tower in over 6 hrs in March 2011.

World Class Elevators & Escalators

The total amount of of Elevators at Burj Khalifa is 57 and 8 escalators, and among them is world’s tallest service elevator. It has a capacity of 5.500 kg and the elevators to the observation decks move at a record breaking speed of upto 10m/s.

World’s Highest Base Jump

In 2014, SKYDive Dubai sponsored Soul Flyers World Champions Fred Fugen and Vince Refet who took the maiden leap off Burj Khalifa. This claimed Burj Khalifa the coveted Guiness World Record title of “The Highest BASE Jump from the tallest building.

Mark of Honor  

Outside the entrance of Burj Khalifa’s corporate suites is a plaque of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Makhtoum to mark the launch of the iconic tower.

Lingua Franca

To bring Burj Khalifa to completion, one of the challenges the construction team faced was achieving perfect communication and harmony from the diverse, multilingual and multicultural task force.

Nature Inspiration

The design of the tower was inspired by spider lily or Hymenocallis flower. The flower is a noticeable part of the stunning landscaping around the tower.

The Concrete

If the construction used in Burj Khalifa was to be laid on a sidewalk, it would 1.283 miles long :)

Burj Khalifa/Eiffel Tower

This will make the Eiffel Tower seem so small. The height of Burj Khalifa from level 124 to the spire is actually more than the height of Eiffel tower, Paris

Casting Concrete Structure

To cast Burj Khalifa’s concrete structure, a jump form was applied. At peak efficiency, the system could cast a storey every three days.

Luxury Interiors

The interiors of Burj Khalifa feature some of the world’s most luxurious materials including:

●        Silver travertine flooring

●        Venetian stucco walls

●        Handmade rugs

●        Stone flooring

Wasn’t that impressive? Just when we thought we knew it all, the tower reveals another yet interesting layer. To visit, it’s now easier and convenient. Purchase your Burj khalifa tickets and enjoy great discounts with instant confirmation. 

Dalphine Wanjiru is an adept content author with over six years writing expertise. Presently she’s a content marketer at itickets.ae. I’m an avid traveller and while not writing, I enjoy exploring new activities and interesting destinations across the globe. 

Wild Wadi Water Park is Back

Fans of water slides and wave pools, here’s some good news. Wild wadi waterpark has just reopened this time bigger and better. This is following closure in January for the annual deep clean and a much needed revamp. Being a perfect time to visit water parks in the region due to the prevailing favourable temperatures which will last for the next several months what other time to head out and splash out at one of the city’s best water parks than now? Before that though, let’s bring you up to speed with what awaits you at the Arabian themed waterpark.

First off, in celebration of the waterparks return into our lives and its grand reopening, now you can get Wild Wadi ticket with 1 day park admission at a 15% discount :)

What to Know

Wild wadi water park is themed around the legend Juha, who’s apparently an Arabian traveller in Arabian folklore. The world class water park is known for its unique features and out of this world thrills on the numerous rides which takes us to the next point.

Rides & Slides

Jumeirah Sceirah  

The new Jumeirah Sceirah is longer, scarier and twice the fun. Features two tandem slides and guests can climb up the 32 metres tower and just soak in the awe inspiring views of the entire water park. To add to it once satisfied with the views, hop into one of the magical capsules and ride down alongside your friends or family.

Same rules in old Jumeirah Sceirah apply. When riding in the capsules, cross your arms and legs as doors of the capsules close. As anticipation builds up, the countdown will begin and before you know it, the floor beneath you opens and you go down the 120 metres slide at a head spinning speed of 80km/hr.

Within a few seconds, you reach the bottom with a rush of excitement and possibly wanting more ;)

Tips

●        On busy days, Jumeirah Sceirah queue is closed 45 minutes prior to the official closing time.

●        To be allowed on the ride, guests must be above 1.1 metres

●        Guests on the ride must not exceed 136.4 Kgs (300 pounds)

●        Guests are allowed to use their Go Pro cameras on rides expect Jumeirah Sceirah.

Burj Surj

The adventurous slide comprise of two main sections of downhill waterslide and a looming bowl. So, guests actually sit on a tube, travel downhill to the bowl and later gets hurtled into two spiraling spins then drops  into the slide and finally splashes into a pool.

Tips 

●        Guests on the slide should be 1.1 metres

Master Blasters

The master blaster-A series of high powered water jets that take you on an aquatic roller coaster. The gravity defying ride rockets guests up to 15 metres above the ground and it can either start off in White Water Wadi or Flood River Flyer. There are other master blasters among them:

●        Flying falls

●        Falaj Fury

●        Jebel Lookout

●        Wadi Leap

●        Hos N Hurler

●        Falcon Fury

●        Thunder Rapids

●        Rushing Rapids

●        Wadi Twister

●        Wadi Basher

●        Tunnel of Doom.

Tips 

●     The maximum weight limit on Master Blaster for single tube is 120kgs (264 lbs) and 180kgs (396 lbs) for double tube.  

●        Children above 1.1 metres can ride solo, but below that they must be accompanied by another rider in the double tube.

●        Guests on the ride must be 1.1 metres

●        Children below 1.1 metres can enjoy:

Breaker’s bay (wave pool)

Juha’s Journey (Lazy River)

Juha’s Dhow and Lagoon (Family Interactive Play Structure)

Flood River (Action River)

Tantrum Alley

The slide features two gigantic sections of downhill waterslides and three exciting tornadoes. Guests sit on a four person tube that travels downhill, enters the first tornado, slide back and forth severally, circles around severally in the eye of the storm and then exits hitting the second and third tornado and finally splashes out into the pool.

Tip 

●        To be allowed on the slide, guests must be 1.1 metres

●        The slide can be enjoyed by a maximum of up to 4 people

●        The net weight of guests on the ride must not exceed 295 kgs (650 pounds)

Juha’s Dhow and Lagoon

The family interactive play structure delivers so much fun for everyone! It has over 100 water activities including 5 slides, a pair of racing slides and water guns. The design of the ride was developed with little ones in mind. This includes the vibrant and colorful body slides (two completely enclosed) for added fun and excitement to the little ones. Families will have extensive fun with Juha alongside his magic carpet-surfing friend (Sinbad). The ride also features a dumping bucket that soaks guests below in under 2 minutes. Make sure to carry extra attire ;)

Tips

●        Adults are not allowed to ride with the kids in Juha’s Dhow and Lagoon

Juha’s Journey

The 360 metre long Lazy River is for all guests to enjoy a relaxed ride around a river with a gentle current. I think this offers a much needed break after the more exciting rides and slides throughout the park.

Tips

●        Juha’s journey is suited for all ages

●        Children must be under parent’s/guardian’s supervision at all times on the ride

●        For guests who question their swimming capabilities, life jackets are availed free of charge

Action River 

Well, the flood river is a fun one! It features magical surges of 100,000 litres of water that create waves of upto 1 metre high and river rapids.

Tips

●        All ages can enjoy the flood river

●        Children must be under parent’s/guardian’s supervision all time

●        If you're not a confident swimmer, there are complimentary life jackets for all guests

Wipeout and Riptide 

This one offers the ultimate surfing experience! The one of the four only such rides in the world is an absolute blast for surfing enthusiasts. The ride was designed by the best as you already guess-Maverick surf fanatic Thomas Lochtefeld. The wipeout takes you on a mindblowing adventure shooting more than seven tonnes of water per second in a thin sheet on a foam structure. This results to a friendly wave for both body/kneeboarding. 

Tips

●        Guests must be over 1.1 metres high

●        Children below 1.1 metres can enjoy:

Breakers Bay (wave pool)

Juha’s journey (Lazy River)

Juha’s Dhow & Lagoon and (family interactive play structure)

Flood River (Action River)

Wave Pool

Welcome to the largest wave pool in Middle East. The breaker’s bay mainly features parallel and crossing waves upto 1.5 metres high in five varying configurations. Sounds cool, right?

Tips

●        All ages can swim at breaker’s bay

●        Children must be under the parent’s/guardian’s supervision at all time

●        If you’re not a confident swimmer, there are complimentary life jackets available for all guests.

 What More?

The park features four retail outlets and varying dining options among them: BBQ restaurants, brick oven pizza parlours, fruit & snack bars. To experience a full VIP moment, head over to the luxury cabanas that serve cold drinks and fruits as you cool off in the shaded hammocks.

As you can already see, Wild Wadi, one of the largest waterpark in Middle East offers different activities to be explored by all ages. It’s an undoubtedly a perfect place to unwind from daily hustle with family and friends. Grab your ticket online today, enjoy great discounts while it lasts and let’s go get entertained ;)

Dalphine Wanjiru is an adept content author with over six years writing expertise. Presently she’s a content marketer at itickets.ae. I’m an avid traveller and while not writing, I enjoy exploring new activities and interesting destinations across the globe.