AED 1 billion 'Dubai Sunny Mountain Skidome' to bring the Arctic winter experience to Dubailand

A huge 'ski dome' shall arise on the skyline of Dubai's mega tourism development and will open to the skiing public in 2006. The development will be called 'Dubai Sunny Mountain Skidome'.

An agreement to set up the project was signed by Saeed Al Muntafiq, Director General of Dubai Development and Investment Authority (DDIA) on behalf of Dubai Tourism Development Company - which shall manage the AED 18 billion Dubailand - and Majid Pishyar, Chairman and President of 32Group.

'The Government and private sector partnership in Dubai is legendary and a model for other states to follow. The government provided an opportunity with the announcement of Dubailand on October 21 - and Mr. Majid Pishyar was among the first businessmen to step forward and realise its potential,' said Saeed Al Muntafiq.

'We are delighted that 32Group is bringing a unique project that will add value to the region's most comprehensive and largest tourism, leisure and entertainment development. This is a win-win situation for all - for 32Group, for Dubai and for all the people who will get to enjoy themselves at Dubai Sunny Mountain Skidome,' Al Muntafiq pointed out.

Evolving since 1998
'The idea for a winter leisure and sports facility evolved in 1998 when I realised that the hot season here encouraged residents to spend their holiday and money in much cooler and enjoyable climes,' said Pishyar.

'Two years later, I had decided to bring winter and snow to the desert, and end Dubai's summer sleep. Three years since this decision, and a most unusual and creative project is now being executed,' Pishyar pointed out.

He said the time was taken up by exhaustive market research and feasibility studies. 'We have examined the buoyant economy of the UAE and we focused on the positive outlook for both business and tourism demand within Dubai, which is reflected in its economic indicators and hotel guest statistics.

'The original plans for the project have been adjusted to the quick pace of development within Dubai and especially the development of 'New Dubai' which entails a big increase in population and subsequently a growing demand for leisure and entertainment,' said Pishyar.

Unique Experience
'Dubai Sunny Mountain Skidome will be the first of its kind in the Middle East, and will provide a real and complete winter experience that touches all senses, providing a wide range of activities for people of all ages,' he added.

The project consists of a dome - a steel structure - that will include a huge revolving ski slope, going through and around an artificial mountain range - created to emphasize the 'Arctic Experience' effect. It will also have a deluxe hotel, a shopping mall, restaurants, coffee shops and other retail outlets, etc.

The architectural design of the hotel will be iceberg-like.

Two huge real-ice columns will mark the entrance to the dome. Within the dome, there will be all kind of Arctic experiences, ranging from Pinguinarium, winter aquaria, snow castle, ice-rink, Arctic animals statues, 4-season aquaria, snowfall, sound and light effects, cold and warm bath spa and other facilities and attractions.

The project will be spread over a 1.4 million sq. ft. plot within the Dubailand -Attractions and Experiences World.

Real Snow
The skidome will feature only real snow - no chemicals. Skiing will be made possible in a pleasant ambient temperature of around +10 degrees Centigrade. Skiers will be taken with a cable lift to the top of a ski slope where they can enjoy the beautiful view and the restaurants.. Due to the exceptional technology of a rotating ski-deck, skiers could ski downhill for hours - making the project much more unique than any other.

'The skidome will use only state-of-the-art patented solutions,' Pishyar said adding that 32Group's Dubai Travel Division is already working on promoting ski-packages locally and abroad.

32Group is a diversified multinational company with its regional headquarters at Emirates Towers. It derives its name from its 32 fields of activities.