DAMMAM, 24 December 2002 — Winters in the Eastern Province feature daytime temperatures of at least 20 degrees Celsius. Snow? Forget about it. But these days technology and imagination have made it possible to turn dreams into reality.
Incredibly, the children of the Eastern Province are now frolicking through piles of snow and their shrieks of delight are a joy to hear as they come zipping down the mountain at the newly opened Snow World.
While Snow World’s winter wonderland is a splendid fantasy, the snow is very real. A purpose-built factory produces snowflakes that are blown over the indoor recreation slope, creating a packed surface of ice crystals 30-50 cm deep and 50 meters long. The temperature in the area surrounding the snow mountain is kept at minus 15 degrees Celsius to ensure that the snowflakes don’t melt.
“We can accommodate 250 children at one time,” said Abdelrahman Keilani, GM, Snow World. “We provide visitors to Snow World with parkas and boots so everyone stays warm. A wide range of recreation equipment such as sleds, inner tubes and skis are also available for use. The whole idea of Snow World is fun in a fun environment and we believe that children of all ages love to play in the snow.”
Snow World has its own entrance through Gate 2 at Dammam’s King Fahd Amusement Park. The 3,500 square meter facility is divided into two levels with a changing area downstairs and a coffee shop, with a view of the snow mountain, upstairs. The slope itself is divided vertically in half with artificial pine trees. Teens are directed to one side and younger children use the other. There is a small area specifically for toddlers. On the snow mountain the highest priority is the children’s safety.
“We have padding and barriers to protect the children in case of falls,” explained Keilani. “No expense has been spared in either design or operation to create the safest possible environment. If even one child is on the slope, four adult attendants will be on duty to assist as needed.”
This is the fourth winter fun facility that has been opened by Mohammed Abdullah Al Otaiba Est. Others are operating in Dubai, Egypt, and Jeddah. Another is soon to open in Riyadh. Snow World is planned as a year-round attraction.
In addition to the general amusement activities the company is offering skiing lessons, catered parties and group visits. The latter have been especially popular with local schools.
Snow World is targeted at mothers and children. Thus, five days a week the entire indoor staff is female, 70 percent of whom are local hires. Women fill most of the positions in the facility’s marketing department, too.
“We love working here,” said one of the female Saudi staff members. “It is so much fun being out in the snow with the children. The atmosphere is great. It’s not a typical job. Everyone is happy here. I‚m really pleased to have been given this opportunity and we hope our team will make Snow World a success.”