Ferrari World Abu Dhabi slashes staffing levels

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi has cut staffing levels to meet the requirements of its new, shorter opening hours.

A spokesperson for the theme park’s operating company, Farah Leisure Parks Management LLC, said the changes were being implemented following a “careful study of visitor patterns” during the first year of operation.

“Visitors to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi have demonstrated a preference for visiting the park during the afternoon and early evening hours, generally departing before or around 8:00 pm. Operational hours have been aligned with this visitor demand and, as of November 15th, 2011, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi has been opening at 11:00 am and closing at 8:00 pm,” said the spokesperson.

“This has resulted in new job opportunities at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, while in some areas there has been a reduction in staffing levels in line with the new timings,” the spokesperson added.

Previously, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi opened from noon until 10pm on Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesday and noon-midnight on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday.

According to The National, Farah Leisure has “laid off more than 100 employees and certain top managers”.

The paper reported that in addition to the elimination of 100 positions, remaining staff also face salary and benefits adjustments, which will vary according to employees' salary grades.

One of the park's six restaurants is also expected to close, said The National.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the world’s first Ferrari branded theme park offering more than 20 rides and attractions.

It features the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa, which reaches 0-100 km/h in less than two seconds and accelerates up to 240 km/h.