Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is known for being an iconic indoor theme park, but it’s also home to a groundbreaking architectural feat, the largest aluminium roof in the world. Spanning nearly 200,000 square metres, this impressive roof is equivalent to covering 37 football fields, and it serves as a testament to the capabilities of aluminium in large‑scale, high‑performance construction.

Global sourcing for an aluminium marvel

The aluminium used in the Ferrari World roof and facades came from several specialised suppliers, showcasing global sourcing and collaboration for this monumental project:

• Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA): Provided the aluminium for the world’s largest aluminium roof, ensuring both strength and durability for the vast structure. EGA’s contribution helped achieve the scale needed for such an expansive installation.
  
• Reynaers Aluminium: Supplied bespoke aluminium curtain wall systems and solar shading solutions for the park’s facades, offering both aesthetic appeal and functionality. These systems enhance comfort for visitors while reducing glare.
  
• OmniMax: Delivered pre‑coated aluminium, which was used to create panels formed on‑site. These panels were seam-sealed for a watertight, yet breathable finish, ensuring that the roof structure remains functional under extreme weather conditions.
  
• ArcelorMittal: Contributed underlying steel for the roof’s support structure, which played a crucial role in carrying the weight of the massive aluminium roofing system.

Design innovation meets engineering excellence

The roof’s design draws inspiration from the double‑curved body shell of a Ferrari GT, making it not only a functional roofing system but also a showcase of automotive‑inspired architecture. The aluminium panels used were carefully formed and seam on‑site, allowing for flexibility during installation and ensuring a perfect fit for the structure’s complex geometry.

The Rosso Corsa (racing red) colour, which is synonymous with Ferrari’s brand identity, was applied to the aluminium without the use of lead, in compliance with European environmental standards. This colour choice is both a design triumph and a nod to Ferrari’s racing heritage, helping the park stand out in the skyline of Abu Dhabi.

Why aluminium?

Aluminium was the ideal material for this project due to its lightweight strength, corrosion resistance and flexibility in design. In large‑scale projects like Ferrari World, reducing the weight of the roof system decreases load on support structures, making it easier and more cost‑effective to construct while maintaining high performance and long‑term durability. Furthermore, aluminium’s resistance to harsh environmental conditions, including extreme heat and humidity, ensures that the roof and facades maintain their functionality for years to come.

Ferrari World’s iconic roof: A record‑setting achievement

The Ferrari World Abu Dhabi roof doesn’t just set a record; it serves as a landmark example of how innovative design, engineering and materials can come together to create something truly spectacular. With the largest aluminium roof in the world, this project demonstrates the incredible potential of aluminium in transforming architectural possibilities, proving that aluminium structures can be both functional and visually stunning. Projects like this highlight how aluminium’s sustainability, versatility and performance make it the material of choice for future‑proofing iconic structures in various sectors, from entertainment parks and stadiums to airports and urban landmarks.