A Ferrari theme park in Abu Dhabi, first mooted in 2005, is due to open next year.

Property group Aldar has confirmed the completion of the shell of the Ferrari World theme park on Yas Island and is expected to team up with the Italian sports car giant to build Ferrari-branded luxury villas.

The 250,000sq m theme park will boast “the world’s fastest rollercoaster”, a drop tower ride, an “Engine Ride” (a flume ride through a 599 engine), a “History Ride”, a children’s play area, driving schools, corporate entertainment facilities and a cinema.

The theme park was originally supposed to open in time for the Formula One race in Abu Dhabi last Sunday.