UAE firm to design largest indoor snow park in China

Article by Coliseum, published October 19, 2018

Image: MAF

The UAE-based Majid Al Futtaim, the leading shopping mall, communities, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, has announced that it will provide design and development consultancy services for the world’s largest indoor snow and ski resort, Wintastar Shanghai, led by Singapore’s SGX Catalist-listed purveyor of luxury lifestyle, real estate and hospitality, KOP Limited.

The project which will be managed by Majid Al Futtaim’s Leisure & Entertainment business marks the company’s first foray in the international market outside of the MENA region and represents its maiden indoor snow entertainment venture in China.

This announcement builds on Majid Al Futtaim’s expertise with Ski Dubai, the first indoor ski and snow attraction in the Middle East. Ski Dubai was judged the ‘World’s Best Indoor Ski Resort’ for 2017 and 2016 by the World Ski Awards and attracts a million guests annually. In 2017, Majid Al Futtaim launched the first indoor ski resort in Africa with Ski Egypt and is currently developing Ski Saudi, a snow park in Oman and will operate a snow park in Abu Dhabi’s upcoming Reem Mall, which makes it one of the largest developers and operators of indoor snow entertainment facilities in the world.

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Through its partnership with Wintastar Shanghai, Majid Al Futtaim is expanding its international footprint and rapidly establishing itself at the forefront of the industry. Wintastar Shanghai’s alpine-themed 90,000 square-meter ski and snow park will feature three ski slopes of varying gradients, including a slope of Olympic standard for training. For non-skiers, Wintastar Shanghai will feature 25 snow play attractions.

Commenting on the partnership Ahmed Galal Ismail, Chief Executive Officer at Majid Al Futtaim – Ventures, said: “We are delighted to work with KOP Limited and provide our expertise in developing what will be one of the greatest indoor snow entertainment facilities in the world. This partnership underscores Majid Al Futtaim’s extensive knowledge and experience in designing, developing and operating indoor snow entertainment facilities that speak to changing customer and lifestyle preferences. We are confident this represents the beginning of an extensive international footprint when it comes to indoor snow entertainment facilities.”

Ong Chih Ching, the Executive Chairman and Executive Director of KOPL added: “Majid Al Futtaim’s impeccable track record will help bolster Wintastar Shanghai’s vision to bring world-class, hi-tech and safe indoor skiing and snow play into China. As a Singaporean company familiar with the Chinese culture, combined with our international track record and reputation in developing new-to-market concepts, we hope to work with Majid Al Futtaim and other foreign partners to deliver new experiences to Chinese consumers.”

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