Ski Dubai, developed by Majid Al Futtaim Investments as the signature feature of Mall of the Emirates in Dubai, has picked up its second major construction award in as many months after being announced as joint winner of the Major Built Projects category of the British Expertise International Awards 2006. The project has also received the British Construction Industry International Award.
Tim Wade, Chief Executive of lead consultant, Hyder Consulting collected the award from the President of British Expertise, HRH Duke of Gloucester on behalf of the project team which included main contractor, Al Naboodah Laing O’Rourke and project managers Mace.
Fuad Al Najjar, General Manager of Ski Dubai said: “This award further demonstrates the appreciation by the construction industry towards a project with the magnitude of Ski Dubai, and that’s obviously a very satisfying feeling for all those involved in the development of this project.”
The ski slope itself has capacity for 1500 guests, and is built like an upside-down L, measuring 400m long and 80m wide, with its highest point towering 85 metres above the main highway. Chairlifts and draglifts take skiers to the top of the 400 metre long slope that offers five different routes down with varying degrees of difficulty. Other facilities at the resort include a freestyle zone and snowpark.
High specification insulation ensures that the vast ‘deep-freezer’ has a relatively low energy demand, despite having to maintain sub-zero internal temperatures, when external temperatures can exceed 50°C. Not only is the internal air temperature maintained, but snow is produced all year round at a rate of 135 tonnes per day to a minimum depth of 3 feet, covering an impressive 22,500m2 area. The result is a world class indoor snow experience, providing professional ski facilities to an urban desert community.