The Dubai-based retail giant Majid Al Futtaim, which already operates Ski Dubai and Ski Egypt and is working on a third indoor snow centre in a huge mall complex under construction in Saudi Arabia, has announced that a fourth centre, in Oman, is on course to open in March next year.
Unlike Majid Al Futtaim existing indoor snow centres however, it looks like the 15,000 square metre indoor snow area will have lots of snow themed attractions, but no skiing or snowboarding.
“A step over the threshold will deliver visitors to an icy Omani port town complete with shipwreck and a frozen lighthouse,” an online description of the complex enthuses, “The Ice Skating Trail will engage both new and experienced skaters, while sledding down soft white dunes under a breathtaking snow dome that will be an unprecedented activity for the region. Over a bridge will be the Snow Village, where little ones can enjoy soft play activities with warm seating for parents. The nearby Snow Café will be stocked full of plentiful seating and hot and cold drinks.
It will, however, have the trademark indoor penguins;
“Topping it off will be the park’s resident penguins for that magical photo opportunity,” the statement confirms.
Besides the snow area the Mall of Oman, Majid Al Futtaim’s fifth and biggest lifestyle destination in the sultanate, will have 145,000 sq m of retail space, dining outlets and a range of attractions including Oman’s largest VOX Cinemas, a Magic Planet family entertainment centre and the largest indoor snow park in the country.
Fuad Sharaf, managing director of UAE, Oman and Bahrain Shopping Malls, at Majid Al Futtaim Properties, said: “Mall of Oman will offer an unparalleled shopping, dining and entertainment experience in the country, ultimately creating great moments for everyone, every day.
