1.500 visitor capacity

22.500 m2 covered with snow all year round
5 different slopes, longest run 400 meters
3 Grasso compressors
29 Goedhart coolers
Revalco valves

Operator	Majid Al Futtaim Investments
Plant contractor	Plant contractor
Supplier of GEA components	Grasso GmbH RT 3x Grasso screw compressor, type Y Goedhart b.v.: 29 coolers Revalco b.v.: valves
Capacity	2600 kW at -22 oC/+40 oC
Refrigerant	NH3

The snow dome is the centrepiece of the Mall of the Emirates, which with more than 450 stores is believed to be the largest shopping mall outside North America at the time of construction.

The aim is to create a learning experience for all visitors, even those who are not interested in skiing. For instance, children won‘t need to rely on text books to find out what a mountain looks like, or what snow feels like, they will be able to see it for themselves.

Grasso screw compressors...
the heart of the snow dome in Dubai

The first real indoor snow centre in the Middle East is located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates It is the largest indoor ski slope operating in the world with 5 different runs for skiers and snowboarders as well as après ski zones, a snow play area with ice caverns and tobogganing.

The slope itself is built like an upside-down “L” and is 400 meters long with a width range of 60 to 80 meters. A high speed quad chair lift will take skiers from the main entry point up to whatever level suits their expertise.Up to 1,500 people will be able to use the ski slopes at any one time.

The graded slope that forms one side of the run will be ideal for learners, who can progress from the bottom of the slope to the top.  People who cannot ski at all will be able to have high-quality lessons.

The left-hand side of the slope is a mainly straight run designed for professionals. When this slope is completed, there‘s no reason that Dubai could not host professional winter sports or international events of the highest caliber. Snowboarding, freestyle jumping, slalom runs - can all be catered for.

The entire slope will be covered with at least 1 meter of snow, generated by snow makers that deliver real, high-quality snow flakes to the slope and surrounding chilled areas. The temperature is maintained at a comfortable -1 to -2 oC.

Other ski slope projects built around the world are mostly straight hill constructions that offer limited challenge and no real-world simulation. Instead of just another slope in a building, this time the Atlas Mountains of Morocco are brought to the Emirates, trees, landscape and all.

The heart of the complete refrigeration installation is formed by three Grasso screw compressors. By utilizing a state-of-the art PLC based control system, the screw compressors unload their capacities exactly matching the cooling demand and reducing their power consumption. Majid Al Futtaim Investments has chosen to work with Adearest and Grasso in combination with reliable Grasso equipment because of the expertise, support and advice that Grasso could give them during the process.

Project manager Mr. Ali Sleiman of Adearest: “We are a local refrigeration contractor who can design and build such projects and be in a position to offer the project at a very attractive price“. Ali was the contact on site and guided the complete design and execution of the project.

Regardless of who uses the expertly contoured slope, one thing is for sure: The Dubai slope will offer some of the best conditions for skiing around the world!