Snow comes to deserts of Dubai
By Julia Wheeler
BBC News, Dubai
The largest indoor snow park in the world opens on Friday in the Gulf Emirate of Dubai.
Built on what was previously desert sand, the slopes are to be covered with manufactured snow all year round.
The centre will have green, blue, red and black runs, chairlifts and snow patrols, like any other ski resort.
The area under snow is the equivalent of three football pitches, with runs built inside a giant, slanting metal tube around 25 floors high.
All clothing and equipment is provided in the entrance price of $35, including black, knee-length padded coats for any Arabs who prefer to wear their traditional kandouras to visit the snow - but skiing in the robes will be banned.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/4491650.stm