Dubai’s Meydan to build world’s tallest residential tower, longest indoor ski slope

Dubai-based developer Meydan City Corporation has announced the launch of a new 3.67 million square foot development hosting the world’s tallest residential tower, the world’s largest indoor ski slope and a huge mall, among other attractions.

Named Meydan One, the project will be located between Meydan and Al Khail Road. The first phase is scheduled to be completed by 2020 when Dubai’s population is estimated to reach 3.4 million.

The developer did not reveal the value of the project that will break several records when completed. In addition to the tallest tower and the ski slope, Meydan One will feature a civic plaza, a 4km canal and a 100 berth Marina.

Dubai One, the world’s tallest residential tower will have a gross floor area of 350,000 square metres and consist of 885 residential apartments and a 350-room five star hotel. Upon completion, the project is estimated to house more than 78,300 residents, the developer said.

It will also boast a conference centre, the world’s highest 360-degree observation deck at 655 metres, the world’s highest sky restaurant at 675 metres, a plaza view restaurant and terrace and the Meydan One Marina Yacht Club.

The five million square foot Meydan One Mall will feature more than 300 restaurants and cafes and top luxury retailers. A major highlight will be the 150 metre by 80 metre retractable roof that will open in cooler winter months to create an alfresco shopping and dining atmosphere.

Other attractions will include the world’s longest indoor ski slope at 1.2km, a 25,000 square metre indoor multi-purpose sport facility, over 5.3km of bicycle and jogging trails and a 9km boardwalk.

The indoor sports facility will offer sporting activities such as tennis, football, basketball, volleyball, squash, indoor cricket, mixed martial arts, softball, a baseball batting cage, lacrosse, golf and hockey. Meanwhile skiing and snowboarding will be facilitated within the indoor ski slope, the developer said. Outdoor facilities for sports including football, mountain biking, walking and running, skateboarding and BMX riding will also be available.

The Meydan One will boast the world’s largest dancing fountain at over 420 metres in length, a 300 metre beach, the civic plaza with a 60,000 person capacity, floating stage, fountains and a waterfall, and a heritage village. At the base of the ski slope an 8,000 capacity arena, dubbed Meydan Arena, will host sporting events, live concerts and theatrical shows.

The 420m long jet fountain displays will be the world’s largest and include light laser shows choreographed with digital screens, Meydan said.

The 300m long beach, adjacent to Crystal lagoon will offer water sports and access to a new water park. The developer did not reveal any additional details about the water park.

Dubai is ramping up its leisure and hospitality developments as it gears up to host the Expo 2020. Over the last year, many mega projects have been launched by the government-owned firms to sustain the tourism boom that the emirate is expecting as a result of Expo 2020.