On August 27 it will be 60 years since the Guinness Book of Records was first published. And if there’s one place that’s embraced the concept of breaking records it’s the UAE – there have been so many attempts here that Guinness World Records had to set up an office in Dubai in 2013.

The region currently holds more than 100 records, and if all goes according to plan, it will also soon be home to the world’s longest indoor ski slope. That’s right, snow in a place where summer temperatures can reach 45°C.

The proposed 1.2km indoor ski slope will be part of Meydan One, an extravagant new leisure, retail, residential and hotel complex that’s just been announced. But that’s not all. Meydan One plans to break not one, but five world records by the time construction is finished. In addition to the ski slope, there’ll also be the world’s tallest residential tower, the highest 360-degree observation deck, the highest restaurant and the largest dancing fountain.

Plans also include a five-star hotel, a beach, a 100-berth marina, a water park, and an 8,000-capacity venue for sporting events, concerts and shows. Plus there will be 885 apartments, which will house more than 78,000 residents. Who can shop in more than 650 stores in the enormous new mall. Which has a retractable roof. As you do.

Construction is already underway, and the first phase should be completed by 2020, when the UAE will host Expo 2020 Dubai. And the cost of this scheme? An estimated – and incredible – US$8.6 billion.

Discover more: Meydan