The Mall of Oman, which is set to feature the third indoor snow centre from the Majid Al Futtaim group, has set a new opening date of September next year.

The complex had been due to open next March but the group says its tenants need more time to prepare their facilities.

Unlike Majid Al Futtaim two existing indoor snow centres, Ski Dubai and Ski Egypt, it looks like the 15,000 square metre indoor snow area will have lots of snow themed attractions, but no skiing or snowboarding. 

“A step over the threshold will deliver visitors to an icy Omani port town complete with shipwreck and a frozen lighthouse,” an online description of the complex enthuses, “The Ice Skating Trail will engage both new and experienced skaters, while sledding down soft white dunes under a breathtaking snow dome that will be an unprecedented activity for the region. Over a bridge will be the Snow Village, where little ones can enjoy soft play activities with warm seating for parents. The nearby Snow Café will be stocked full of plentiful seating and hot and cold drinks.

It will, however, have the trademark indoor penguins;

“Topping it off will be the park’s resident penguins for that magical photo opportunity,” the statement confirms.

Mall of Oman will become Majid Al Futtaim’s fifth and largest shopping and entertainment destination in Oman having a 1.5 million sq ft area of retail space which will comprise of dining outlets and a range of lifestyle experiences as well as 350 retail outlets, VOX Cinemas, a Magic Planet family entertainment centre and the indoor snow park.

The company is also working on a fourth indoor snow facility, in Saudi Arabia and is involved in a major indoor snow development in Shanghai, China.