DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 25, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Anchored by a climate-controlled indoor ski-slope and winter sports complex, the largest Carrefour hypermarket in Dubai and the largest Harvey Nichols department store outside the U.K., the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai, on the Arabian Gulf, is now open for business. Designed by California-based F+A Architects, the structure also includes the largest glazed hemispherical dome in the Middle East. With 2.4 million square feet of gross leaseable area, this project is one of the world's preeminent retail/entertainment complexes.
Located in the heart of the master planned expansion district known as New Dubai, the development is located halfway between Port Jebel Ali and Dubai City Center. The focal point of the complex is Ski Dubai, the region's first and only 400 meter indoor ski slope and snow park, surrounded by a vast, state-of-the-art retail, hospitality and sports entertainment center. Freshly made snow will be groomed every night for the 50-meter-wide ski slope and toboggan run.
The architectural brief, developed by Majid Al Futtaim and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of Dubai, and carried out by F+A Architects (faarchitects.com), of Pasadena, Calif., U.S.A., required a rigorous and extensively researched design process. European and Arabic design elements inform several diverse modes of architecture. Materials, including structural components, metal, glass and stone, were procured on a worldwide basis and fabricated internationally. The intense heat and humidity of the desert Gulf climate required meticulous environmental strategies and technology.
"The scale of the technical program, including several separate energy centers and massive redundant mechanical systems, required every inch of the 51 acre parcel to be precisely designed and utilized," says Andy Feola, president of F+A Architects. While the exterior temperature in Dubai ranges from 60 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit, the ski area maintains a constant 28 degrees. Two feet of snow pack lies underneath a layer of fresh powder that is replenished every night. Other sections of the complex are conditioned to a comfortable temperature throughout the year.
The adjacent retail complex is divided into three architecturally distinct sections. An 18-meter glazed dome skylight, 36 meters in diameter, covers the Milanese Galleria, inspired by the Galleria di Milano. Three hundred thousand square feet of intricately designed granite flooring unifies the diverse architectural styles. The transportation strategies and systems were also carefully architected to thoroughly integrate and separate the various sectors of the complex, which are joined by massive arched portals.
There are two international food courts, and a wide selection of restaurants, some of which will overlook the ski slope through a 160 meter glazed wall. The entertainment precinct includes a Magic Planet entertainment centre housing indoor rides, simulators and bowling lanes, the largest sports retailer in the region, and a 14-screen cinema. A world-class Kempinski Hotel opens in early 2006; a second hotel will open in 2007. A performing and fine arts center encompasses a live theater and concert hall, and art galleries. The complex is served by 6,000 parking spaces and standing space for 150 taxis.
"This project was conceived and designed to be utterly unique, from the minute level of diverse world-class design elements to the vast scope and breadth of the entire complex," says Feola. "In addition to Majid al Futaim's demanding design brief, the government of Dubai required that this project be realized at the very highest level of quality."
For more information, visit www.faarchitects.com/mixeduse.