Dubai to get longest indoor ski slope

Already home to the world's biggest mall, Dubai plans to build a new mall that will be adjacent to the world's longest indoor ski slope as part of Meydan One, a large-scale leisure, residential and hospitality development.

The project, covering 3.67 million square metres, was launched on Monday by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

It will feature the Meydan One Mall, the 711-metre tall Dubai One tower, a civic plaza, a 4-kilometre canal and a marina with 100 berths.

Located in the area extending between the Meydan Hotel and Al Khail Road, the project will be developed by Meydan City Corporation.

The first phase of the project is scheduled to be completed "before 2020”, according to a statement by the developer.

The value of the project was not given.

"This development is a forward thinking, interactive enterprise geared towards the Dubai of tomorrow. The encouragement and support we have received in the past from our trusted partners will now help the Meydan One development come to life. The first phase will be completed as Dubai prepares to host the World Expo 2020,” said Saeed Humaid Al Tayer, Meydan's Chairman.

Covering 25,000 square metres, the Meydan One Mall will feature a retractable roof, measuring 150 x 80 metres, which will open in the winter months; over 300 restaurants, cafes and kiosks; and luxury retailers.

Adjacent to the mall will be an indoor ski slope, expected to be the world's longest at 1.2 km.

The Dubai One, expected to be the world's tallest residential tower, and its integrated podium will cover 350,000 square metres of gross floor area and include 885 residential apartments and a five-star hotel with 350 rooms.

It will also feature a conference centre, a 655-metre high observation deck, a 675-metre high restaurant, as well as the Meydan One Marina Yacht Club.

The project will also include an indoor multi-purpose sport facility measuring 25,000 square metres; over 5.3km of bicycle and jogging trails, and a 9km boardwalk.

Additionally, the project will include a dancing fountain, expected to be the world's largest at more than 420 metres in length; a 300-metre long beach; a civic plaza that is expected to welcome 60,000 people, and a heritage village.

Meydan One is expected to accommodate more than 78,300 residents.

Arena

At the base of the ski slope will be the Meydan Arena, which can seat up to 8,000 people. It will host sporting events, live concerts and theatrical shows. Some of the outdoor sport options include football pitches, mountain biking, walking and running trails, a skateboard park and a BMX park.

Also, the multi-purpose sports facility will offer a range of sports including tennis, football, basketball, volleyball, squash, indoor cricket, mixed martial arts, softball, a baseball batting cage, lacrosse, golf and hockey.
Source: Gulf News