Vortex will put guests in a spin
Representatives of the Mall of Arabia in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, have signed a contract with Maurer Söhne to deliver a spinning coaster as part of the shopping centre’s themed entertainment area, due to open August 2009.
The ride will be called Vortex and fit perfectly the overall theme of the 10,000 square metre area it will be a part of. “We will take our inspiration from the Arabian landscape and the theme of wind,” details John Plumpton of Forrec, which is helping the Al Hokair Group with its plans, and also offering advice on things like food and entertainment. “The spinning coaster just seemed like a no-brainer.”
In total there will be 21 attractions inside the indoor park, including a Hydro Lift spinning water coaster by Bear Rides and a large package of attractions from Italy’s SBF/Visa Group, among them a glass-enclosed drop tower and a “5D” cinema.
Vortex will twist and turn throughout the building, with its track winding around various columns, shops and structures. A particular highlight will be an Immelmann curve element, where the track will be wrapped around other rides. Later, in an omega curve, it will also race around the outside of the drop tower. In total the ride willbe 450-metres long.
“Installing the spinning coaster will be challenging because it has to be put in after the roof has gone on the mall,” highlights Plumpton. “That’s why we chose Maurer, we have had a great co-operation with them.”
A large skating rink will also be created alongside the rides and attractions and there are plans eventually to put in a 5,000 square metre indoor snow village. The overall Mall of Arabia project is being managed by retail specialist Fawaz Al Hokair.
