There aren't many malls in the world where you can ski down a slope, pop off for some shopping and then check into a five-star hotel. But the Mall of the Emirates (MOE) offers all this and more, providing a new dimension to the city's leisure and lifestyle offering.
The world's first integrated shopping resort blends retailing, sport, entertainment, dining and five-star accommodation from Kempinski all under one roof. The $850 million mall, which has its own overpass off Sheikh Zayed Road, opened in September 2005 and today, boasts a range of premier brands, ranging from Armani, Bvlgari and Gucci to the ultra-chic Harvey Nichols. Little wonder that MOE's projected footfall is 30 million visitors per year.
Divided into three architecturally distinct sections, the precincts are inspired by a dizzying kaleidoscope of styles, featuring Greek revival, international modern, Italian Mediterranean, Moorish and Arabic. With a glazed dome 42 meters above ground, it is reminiscent of la Galleria di Milano in Italy.
It is the biggest development so far undertaken by Majid Al Futtaim Investments (MAF), already famed for their City Centre success story launched in the mid nineties and still going full throttle today.
A compelling set of family entertainment options include a rebranded and redesigned children's Magic Planet, a dedicated community and arts centre and a 14-screen Cinestar complex - but there can be no doubting that Ski Dubai steals the show. When the excitement of braving the pistes - the longest is 400 meters - elapses, then there is a 3,000 square meters Snow Park replete with its own snow cavern, retail Snow Pro shop and cafes tempting weary skiers for a spot of après ski indulgence.
Without any of the unpleasant aspects of real mountain skiing, Ski Dubai guarantees crisp temperature-controlled weather and fluffy snow every day year round - not bad for a desert environment!
Ski Dubai has a full capacity of 1,500 guests, as well as a Snowboard stunt park for adrenalin junkies.
This sports and entertainment behemoth also comes with a hotel of course. Breathe in the rarefied mountain air of the five star Kempinski Hotel as you enter the Alpine-style resort with 400 deluxe rooms including 13 ski chalets with unprecedented views over the Middle East's first indoor ski resort. It is managed by renowned hotel operator Kempinski, marking its first property in Dubai.
Designed by top commercial architects Wilson & Associates and strategically positioned at the forefront of the Mall of the Emirates mega complex (touted as the biggest shopping centre outside the USA), this 48,000 square meter hotel introduces one of the most spacious hotel guest rooms in the UAE.
The resort is also executive-friendly with its 13 conference and meeting rooms, dedicated business centre and private meeting rooms on the Executive floor.
Kempinski's plethora of truly exceptional dining and banqueting facilities takes the MoE experience to new heights.
With almost 2 million square meters of retail space planned in Dubai by 2010, the mind boggles as to how the shopping and leisure experience can get any better. Certainly the cool MoE has turned the heat up in the competitive retailing market and any future projects will have to work hard to attract shoppers away from this stunning resort.