Cracks develop on Ski Dubai glass wall

A number of external defects at Ski Dubai have caused people to ask if the cracks have started to show on the surface of the centre with a snow-white reputation.

Bubbling on the surface of the western side of the giant centre, cladding panels not fitting and numerous cracks in the glass panels which separate the mall from the slope, are just a few of the issues noticed by visitors to the new attraction.

Ski Dubai CEO Phil Taylor said the problems were nothing to worry about and were being dealt with.

Minor issues

"We are very aware of all the minor issues and are dealing with each aspect of them as quickly as possible," he said.

"The cracks in the glass panels inside the Mall of the Emirates were caused during construction. However, due to the high safety spec of the glass, it is not a danger to the public and is extremely reinforced."

"However, it is a special non-reflective glass which was purchased from Switzerland so we are having to wait for the new panels to arrive.

"We took a decision that because the cracks caused no danger to the staff or public, we would open the viewing end in time for Eid instead of keeping it closed off as it was before."

He said the bubbling was also caused during the surfacing of the building and is being treated as soon as possible.

As for the cladding panels which do not quite fit, this was a design fault.

"Because of the complex shape and design of Ski Dubai, the cladding company basically designed many of the panels to the wrong dimensions. We have highlighted the ones which we are not happy with, and the matter is in hand."

Taylor said all the issues raised are minor external problems which can be sorted out relatively quickly.

None of the issues affect the thermal cooling process, allowing the snow-making programme to run to schedule.

"It is also important to stress that none of the problems were caused due to incorrect temperatures," he added.