Dubai, November 12th, 2006: Ski Dubai, developed by MAF Investments as the signature feature of Mall of the Emirates in Dubai, has been announced as winner of the British Construction Industry International Awards 2006.  The project was constructed by Al Naboodah Laing ORourke who share the award with project managers Mace, and lead consultant structural and services engineers Hyder Consulting Middle East.

The BCI Awards are not a design competition, but rather, an all-embracing award where the judges consider many aspects of the development, including procurement, performance against prediction, safety, innovation, usability, benefit to the community, quality of design and construction and client satisfaction.  Ski Dubai excelled in each of these categories, beating off stiff competition from short-listed finalists; Chongzun Expressway (China); Nesciobrug pedestrian and cycle crossing, (Amsterdam); Phaeno Science Centre, (Germany); and the Madrid Barajas Airport (Spain).

Tough and determined teamwork got this extraordinary job done and delivered at the right commercial price and time, commented the BCI Award judges, who were impressed by the multiple layers of insulation on the structure.  Snow is produced all year round to minimum depths of 3 feet, covering an area the size of three football pitches.  The result is a world class indoor snow experience, providing professional ski facilities to an urban desert community.    

Because no one has ever attempted to build a similar resort, almost everything except for the snow making machinery is a prototype explained Stuart Ingram, Operations Board Director of Mace International Ltd.  This required proactive team work and thinking outside of the box by all parties involved he said.

According to Fuad Al Najjar, General Manager of Ski Dubai, Knowing that everyone had tight deadlines, project managers and consultants did a magnificent task ensuring that everyone was working in synergy, especially since Ski Dubai required the highest level of technology, design and engineering brilliance.

On receipt of the award, Al Naboodah Laing ORourkes Noel Dolan said, We are delighted to have received this award in recognition of our achievements on such a technically challenging project as the Snow Centre.  The win serves to further verify the depth of capability we have within our organization

Rod Stewart, Regional Managing Director of Hyder Consulting Middle East added, Hyders innovative design of Ski Dubai was achieved through a strong ethos of understanding and responding to the needs of all stakeholders; contractor, owner and operator, as well as the ultimate end-users.  The final product was buildable, cost-effective, and has provided a popular destination that works on all levels.  We are especially proud of the spirit of teamwork and the strength of global resources used for the project. 

The slope itself has capacity for 1500 guests, and is built like an upside-down 'L,' with its highest point towering 85 metres above the main highway.  Chairlifts and draglifts take skiers to the top of the 400-metre long slope that offers skiers five different routes down with varying degrees of difficulty.  Other facilities at the resort include a freestyle zone and snowpark.

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About Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East. It is located inside the Mall of the Emirates, the latest development from MAF Shopping Malls. Ski Dubai offers an amazing indoor snow setting that offers visitors superb skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing. They also have the option to just play in the snow. Young or old, there is something for everyone, from the beginner to the snow sport enthusiast. Ski Dubai is a unique mountain-themed attraction that offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy real snow in Dubai all year round.

Ski Dubai offers the ideal conditions for skiing and snowboarding, with a choice of five runs, as well as a 3000 sq m. snow park with tobogganing, a twin track bobsled ride and tubing, among other activities.  For those who have not experienced winter sports, or who want to brush up their skills, Ski Dubai's Snow School offers guests the opportunity to learn skills suitable for all ages and abilities from beginners to experienced skiers and snowboarders.

For more information on Ski Dubai, visit www.skidxb.com

For additional press information, kindly contact:
Patricia Tellis / Amer Aidi
Promoseven Weber Shandwick Dubai
Tel:  +971 4 321 0077
Fax: +971 4 321 1711
E-mail: patricia.tellis@ promoseven.com / amer.aidi@promoseven.com

Press Release 2006