Dubai has announced plans to build the world’s largest indoor ski slope with a 1.2-km run within a new 25,000-sq-m indoor multi-purpose sports facility.

The facility, to be built within an upcoming mall with a gross floor area of five million sq m, will feature over 5.3-km bicycle and jogging trails, a 9-km boardwalk, the largest dancing fountain in the world reaching over 420-m long, a 300-m long beach, a civic plaza to host up to 60,000 people and a one of a kind heritage village, according to WAM, the official Emirates news agency.

The project comes as part of the newly launched scheme titled Meydan One, a 3.67-million-sq-m leisure, residential and hospitality destination featuring the world’s tallest residential tower within the heart of the UAE emirate, the report said.

The development will host more than 78,300 residents and feature the 711-m-tall Dubai One tower, the Meydan One Mall, a civic plaza with dancing water features, a 4-km canal and a 100-berth marina.

The first phase of the development, located between Meydan and Al Khail Road, is scheduled for completion before 2020, when Dubai’s population is forecasted to hit 3.4 million, the WAM report said.

The Meydan One Mall will feature a 150 m by 80 m retractable roof which will be opened in the cooler, winter months to create an al fresco shopping and dining atmosphere. With more than 300 restaurants, cafes and kiosks offering fine dining and fast food options, the mall will also attract flagship retailers, luxury stand-alone outlets and nightlife.

The 25,000-sq-m indoor multi-purpose sports facility will offer a number of sports activities, including tennis, football, basketball, volleyball, squash, indoor cricket, mixed martial arts, softball, a baseball batting cage, lacrosse, golf and hockey. Skiing and snowboarding will be facilitated on the 1.2-km ski slope.

Meydan Arena is located at the base of the ski slope structure and, with a seating capacity of 8,000, will play host to sporting events, live concerts and theatrical shows. Outdoor sports options will include football pitches, mountain biking, walking and running trails, a skateboard park and a BMX park.

The new civic plaza, large enough to comfortably host 60,000 people, will be home to a floating stage, fountains and a waterfall. The 420-m-long jet fountain displays will be the world largest and will include light laser shows choreographed with digital screens.

The 300-metre long beach, sitting adjacent to the aqua marine Crystal Lagoons, will offer visitors swimming, paddle boats, sea kayaking, beach volleyball and night time light displays, as well as direct access to a new Water Park, beach bar and restaurants.

The world’s tallest residential tower, The Dubai One, and its integrated podium incorporate 350,000 sq m of gross floor area, 885 residential apartments, a five-star hotel with 350 hotel keys, a conference centre, a 360-degree observation deck at 655 m high (world record), a sky restaurant at 675-m high (world record), a plaza view restaurant and terrace as well as the Meydan One Marina Yacht Club.