UAE’s Majid Al Futtaim to develop world’s largest indoor ski and snow park in China

Dubai based malls operator Majid Al Futtaim will provide design and development consultancy services for the world’s largest indoor snow and ski resort in China, it announced on Wednesday.

The company has partnered with Singaporean developer KOP Limited for Wintastar Shanghai, a mega integrated resort in China that is slated to open in 2022.

The alpine-themed Ski and Snow Park, spread across 90,000 square metres, will feature three ski slopes of varying gradients, including a slope of Olympic standard for training. It will also feature 25 snow play attractions, a statement said.

Other ski activities include retail, F&B, a spa, a Nordic-themed water park, show events, exhibitions and performances.

KOP broke ground on the project last week and when completed, the 227,000 square metres Wintastar Shanghai hopes to attract an estimated 3.2 million visitors annually, mainly from China.

The ski and snow project will be managed by Majid Al Futtaim’s Leisure and Entertainment business. It marks the company’s first project outside the MENA region.

Ahmed Galal Ismail, CEO at Majid Al Futtaim – Ventures, said: “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.”

Majid Al Futtaim’s Leisure & Entertainment business currently has 127,000 sq.m of operational and upcoming snow entertainment facilities in its portfolio.

The company currently operates Ski Dubai, the first indoor ski and snow attraction in the Middle East. It also launched the first indoor ski resort in Africa with Ski Egypt last year and is developing Ski Saudi, a snow park in Oman. Majid Al Futtaim will also operate a snow park in Abu Dhabi’s upcoming Reem Mall.

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