Majid Al Futtaim, the Dubai-based operator of Ski Dubai and Ski Egypt, will make its first foray into China as operator of the Wintastar Shanghai indoor ski park.
Targeted to complete in 2022, Wintastar Shanghai expects to attract an estimated 3.2 million visitors annually, a statement said.
Singapore property developer KOP announced the groundbreaking of the project which will feature the world's largest indoor Ski & Snow Park, run by Majid Al Futtaim.
Wintastar Shanghai is a joint project by Shanghai Lujiazui Development (Group) Company, Wintastar Holdings, a subsidiary of KOP, and Shanghai Harbour City Development (Group) Co.
The three parties have set up a joint venture company, Shanghai Snow Star Properties Co, to develop the Wintastar Shanghai project.
Ong Chih Ching, executive chairman and executive director of KOP, said: "This is KOP’s largest project so far, and we are excited to work alongside our strong local partners to push new boundaries and introduce new and innovative concepts to the Chinese market."
"We have high expectations of China's winter sports and tourism market, especially as more and more Chinese visit the UAE and Ski Dubai," added Mohammad El Etri, director of Global Snow Operations and Projects of Majid Al Futtaim Ventures.
With a total gross floor area of 227,000 square metres, Wintastar Shanghai’s highlight is the alpine-themed 90,000 sq m Ski & Snow Park, with three ski slopes of varying gradients including a slope of Olympics standard for training purposes; ski runs, and over 25 snow play attractions.
Other apres-ski activities include retail, F&B (food and beverage), a spa, a Nordic-themed water park, show events, exhibitions and performances.
Four themed hotels offering 1,000 rooms will also feature in the project.
