Dubai to Build World’s Longest Ski Slope

September 27, 2015

Unlocking Word Meanings
 今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. under way / ˈʌn dərˈweɪ / (adv.) – currently happening
Example: Our plans to build an attic in our house are under way

2. residential / ˌrɛz ɪˈdɛn ʃəl / (adj.) – referring to an area where people live
Example: The building has both residential and office units.

3. year-round /  yɪər raʊnd / (adv.) – throughout the year
ExampleThe beach resort operates year-round. 

4. newcomer / ˈnuˌkʌm ər / (n.) – someone who is new at something
Example: My dad, a chef, is not a newcomer to the restaurant business.

5. feat / fiːt / (n.) – a great accomplishment in a specific industry
Example: Egypt is known for ancient architectural feats like pyramids.


Article
 ニュース記事

Read the text below.
Dubai will soon be home to the world’s longest indoor ski slope.

Dubai’s current ruler, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum [SHAYK muh-HAH-mehd bihn rah-SHEED al mahk-TOOM], announced that plans to build the world’s longest indoor ski slope are now under way. This ski slope is part of the 3.67-million-square-meter Meydan One project, whose first phase will be done by 2020.

At present, Germany’s Alpicenter holds the title for the world’s longest indoor ski slope. Dubai’s planned 1.2-kilometer slope will be two times longer than that of the Alpicenter’s 640-meter slope and thrice the length of Ski Dubai’s 400-meter slope. Ski Dubai, which is located in the Mall of Emirates, is the Middle East’s first indoor ski and snowboarding center. This all-weather center is open year-round despite the hot desert weather in Dubai.

Aside from the ski slope, the Meydan One project will also include other record-breaking infrastructures such as a dancing fountain and a residential tower. The project will also feature a luxury mall, a sky restaurant, a 360-degree observation deck, and a 100-dock harbor.

Dubai is certainly not a newcomer when it comes to building architectural feats. In 2009, it completed the construction of the massive Burj Khalifa. With 160 stories of residential and office units to its name, the Burj Khalifa remains the world’s tallest building.

Aside from that, Dubai is also home to The World, a collection of man-made islands that resemble the world’s map. Luxury properties that can be found on these islands range from high-end resorts to private homes for the rich and famous.

Viewpoint Discussion
 ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         How do you think Dubai’s new development will affect the country (UAE)?
·         Given the chance, would you like to visit Dubai’s indoor ski slope? Why or why not?

Discussion B

·         If you could design an infrastructure that your country will be known for, what would it be and why?
·         Why is developing record-breaking infrastructures important?

September 27, 2015