Timeframe: Al Ain's winning formula

If you asked, perhaps the rally racing champion Sheikh Khalid al Qassimi could pinpoint when he chose to get behind the wheel of a car. Could his vehicular epiphany have occurred at Hili Fun City? Who knows, and why not?

Known locally as the Disneyland of the Gulf, Hili Fun City was established by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan in the Abu Dhabi oasis town of Al Ain in 1985. Much loved by families - including royal families - the amusement park underwent a complete makeover and reopened last year on November 29. Under the new management of the Tourism Development and Investment Co, the park marks its 25th anniversary this year with the addition of 10 new attractions, including Twister Mountain, Hili Swinger, Circus Train and Lighthouse.

There are a number of old favourites still on offer in the 22-hectare theme park, including a mini-train, two bumper-car rides, a 3D cinema and the Safari ride, pictured above from the late 1980s. OK, so they're not F1. Not everything can be Ferrari World.

* The National

Time Frame is a series that opens a window into the nation's past. Each week it features an image from the archives of both prominent institutions and private collections. Readers are invited to make contributions to yourpics@thenational.ae