Majid Al Futtaim, a leisure and entertainment group in the Middle East has announced the development of Wintastar Shanghai—a 90,000 sqm ski and snow park.

As per the announcement, Majid Al Futtaim will provide design and development consultancy services for the world’s largest indoor snow and ski resort, Wintastar Shanghai.

The development will be led by Singapore’s luxury lifestyle, real estate and hospitality company, KOP Limited. The project, which will be managed by Majid Al Futtaim’s Leisure & Entertainment business arm, marks the company’s debut in the international market outside of the MENA region.

“The beginning of an extensive international footprint”

Ahmed Galal Ismail, CEO 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.”

Majid Al Futtaim’s is the company which created Ski Dubai, the first indoor ski and snow attraction in the Middle East. Ski Dubai was named the World’s Best Indoor Ski Resort in 2016 and 2017 by the World Ski Awards and attracts a million guests annually.

Furthermore, Majid Al Futtaim launched the first indoor ski resort in Africa with Ski Egypt (shown in the video below) in 2017 and is currently developing Ski Saudi, a snow park in Oman. The company will also operate a snow park in Abu Dhabi’s upcoming Reem Mall, making it one of the largest developers and operators of indoor snow entertainment facilities in the world.

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

Wintastar Shanghai 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.

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.”