Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment has announced the official opening of Snow Oman, which is billed as the largest indoor snow park in the MENA region and the first and only indoor snow destination in the Sultanate.
In a statement, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment said that the park is its third in the region, following Ski Dubai, and Ski Egypt. It added that the project underlines its commitment to delivering innovative experiences for guests across the region, and that it was a major milestone in its investment strategy in Oman.
Located in Mall of Oman and covering an area of 14,830sqm, Snow Oman features more than 20 family-friendly rides and attractions including a 430m ice rink, as well as a penguinarium, which is home to a colony of king and gen-too penguins.
Storytelling is integrated into the experience, which has a ‘Desert Blizzard’ theme and resembles an imaginary world where Oman’s cityscapes and sand dunes are covered in real snow, whilst still reflecting the local culture and heritage.
In late October 2022, Majid Al Futtaim Communities launched an ultra-luxury concept in Tilal Al Ghaf.
The destination’s launch was celebrated with an opening ceremony featuring an array of entertainment, including ice skating performances. It was attended by Ignace Lahoud, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, Mark D. Haak Wegmann, Managing Director, Leisure & Entertainment, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, and Mohammad El Etri, Vice President, Global Snow, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment.
“We are proud to welcome the newest addition to our ever-expanding portfolio, Snow Oman. Entertainment plays an important role in the growth of the local economies, and the opening of Snow Oman marks another major milestone in our investment strategy in the Sultanate, as well as demonstrating our ongoing commitment to deliver innovative experiences for guests across the region. Entertainment not only impacts the local economy but provides us with a much-needed sense of community, and Snow Oman delivers a unique and immersive way for families to spend quality time together,” said Lahoud.
In 2005, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment launched the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort, Ski Dubai. Just over 10 years later, the company expanded its footprint with the opening of Ski Egypt, which was the first-of-its-kind attraction on the African continent.
In 2017, the company established Global Snow, which is a major international brand for designing, consulting on, managing, and opening indoor snow entertainment facilities, the firm added.
In early December 2022, Majid Al Futtaim said it secured a sustainability-linked loan for $1.25bn.
The company said that it will continue the expansion of its portfolio with the launch of Snow Abu Dhabi in Reem Mall. The destination is scheduled to open in Q2 2023.
In mid January 2023, Ahmed Galal Ismail was named new CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Holding.