World's largest indoor ski slope under construction in Dubai

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Dubai, the Gulf emirate known for extravagant projects and scorching temperatures, has announced it will build the world’s largest indoor ski resort, with a 1.2-kilometre run.

The new covered ski resort comes as part of a scheme dubbed Meydan One, also to include the world’s tallest residential tower at 711metres, a dancing fountain sweeping up to 420m, a vast shopping centre, 350-room hotel and marina, according to a government statement.

Estimated to cost of up to 25 billion dirhams (EUR6.2bn), the project would extend from the Meydan race track in the emirate’s desert to Burj Khalifa, the world’s highest tower, reported Dubai daily Al-Bayan.

The first phase of the project, eventually to house up to 78,000 residents, should be completed in the next five years, in time for the UAE’s hosting of World Expo 2020, according to its promoters.

- In a city which never stops innovating, today’s announcement is significant for the future of Dubai and the UAE - Meydan chairman Saeed al-Tayer was quoted as saying in UAE-based newspaper the National.

With its reputation as a liberal city in a conservative environment, Dubai has become a business and financial hub attracting businesses and expatriates seeking to establish themselves in the Middle East.

Dubai was visited by 13.2 million people last year, and it is expected to receive 20 million tourists in 2020.