F1-X Dubai

F1-X Dubai was a proposed theme park dedicated to Formula One.^[1] It would have been the first official F1 theme park and was to be built by Union Properties close to the Dubai Autodrome as part of the MotorCity section of Dubailand.^[2] Union Properties obtained the exclusive rights to build such parks, budgeting $360 million for the Dubai site and originally having plans for sites also in Europe and the Far East. The amount that Union Properties borrowed for the whole project was around $1.6 billion.^[3]

F1-X Dubai

Location	Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Coordinates	25°03′07″N 55°14′46″E
Opened	Cancelled
Owner	Union Properties
Theme	Formula One
Area	70-acre (28 ha)
Attractions
Total	20

There were to have been three bespoke roller coasters on the site, intended to simulate the experience of driving an F1 car. The theme park area was designed to feel like an F1 paddock. Both of these factors were helped by the fact that several leading F1 teams were involved with the design and development of the park. 270 hours of productions were also planned to form a full schedule of entertainment within the park.^[1]

In March 2009, it was reported that the site's originally planned opening in the third quarter of that year would be delayed as banks and other investors had pulled funding for the Dubailand project, of which it was to be a part.^[4]

In July 2010, Bernie Ecclestone stated that the park was "not happening", possibly cancelling the project.^[5][6] As of April 2014, the official MotorCity website still bears a message claiming that the park was scheduled to open in 2010.^[7]

On December 18, 2016, Union Properties announced that it is reviving the F1-X Dubai theme park.^[8]

A similar project, Ferrari World, opened in neighbouring emirate Abu Dhabi in November 2010.^[2][9]

References

1. "Anticipation builds ahead of F1-X Dubai's 2009 opening". Formula One World Championship Ltd. 7 January 2009. Archived from the original on 16 October 2011. Retrieved 13 December 2011.
2. Sim, Nick (9 July 2010). "Ecclestone: Planned F1-X Formula One theme park in Dubai "not happening"". Retrieved 13 December 2011.
3. Joseph, Noah (28 February 2007). "Dubai company borrows $1.6b to build F1 theme parks". Autoblog. Aol. Retrieved 13 December 2011.
4. Harley, Michael (1 March 2009). "Dubai F1 themepark reportedly delayed until "at least" next year". Autoblog. Aol. Retrieved 13 December 2011.
5. "City Spy: Formula 1 Dubai adventure on hold". London Evening Standard. 8 July 2010. Archived from the original on 11 July 2010. Retrieved 13 December 2011.
6. Sylt, Chris (16 July 2010). "F1 theme park hits the buffers". Pitpass. Retrieved 13 December 2011.
7. "F1-X". MotorCity. Archived from the original on 15 May 2014. Retrieved 25 April 2014.
8. Read, Charles. "Formula One Theme Park approved by Dubai Municipality". blooloop.com. Archived from the original on 1 January 2023. Retrieved 21 December 2016.
9. "World's first Ferrari theme park opens in Abu Dhabi". AFP. 4 November 2010. Archived from the original on November 11, 2010. Retrieved 9 August 2013.