From spa snow caves to mounted peaks and ski rinks, the UAE lacks no respite from the summer heatwaves.
In ancient times, lingering bedouin tribesmen were obliged to travel the far expanses of the Arabian desert with the sweltering sun causing their faces to glisten with sweat. Far stretches on camelback would turn into days without a respite from the heat.
Today, with rising global warming and heat waves taking hold of the Gulf, the Arabian sun is no less a stranger than it was in the days of yore. Except now, the Emirates’ offers a modernist and escapist retreat from the heat - in the form of all kinds of ski and snow facilities across Dubai and Abu Dhabi! Here are some of the best places to cool off and unwind in the heat of the Emirati summer…
SKI DUBAI
Located at the Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai has long entranced skiing enthusiasts. Since its founding in 2005, Ski Dubai’s five slopes have been a central attraction of Dubai - visitors can even interact with its flock of resident penguins!
Ski Dubai is open weekdays from 10 AM to 11 PM, and on weekends from 10 AM to midnight.
ICE BAR AT THE LONDON PROJECT, DUBAI
The first-of-its-kind licenced ice bar in the Gulf, the Ice Bar is a spot where one can indulge in world-class drinks, groovy music and icicle lights in a simulated ice castle.
Entry is set at Dh99 and includes a complimentary drink.
SNOW CINEMA, DUBAI
Vox Cinemas in Dubai offers an immersive, chilly experience by allowing cinemaphiles to indulge in their favourite blockbusters. Viewers will be cuddling a snuggly blanket while they’re surrounded by snow.
Seats can be reserved through Vox Cinemas’ website.
SNOW ROOM AT JUMEIRAH ZABEEL SARAY, DUBAI
Found at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Talise Ottoman Spa’s snow room offers a revitalising spa experience in sub-zero temperatures. The chilly exposure has many health benefits, including improved circulation, muscle recovery, detoxing and skin toning.
The spa is open daily from 9 AM to 9:30 PM.
SNOW ABU DHABI
The capital’s first snow park is a beguiling adventure. With its 12 rides and 17 attractions, the snow park is reminiscent of a fairytale forest at a perpetual temperature of -2 degrees celsius.
The park is located in Reem Mall and is spread across 1,000 square metres.
AL WATHBA’S SNOW CAVE, ABU DHABI
Located in Abu Dhabi, the snow cave is a frozen health retreat, whose -2 degree celsius temperature assists in maintaining and enhancing health in ways such as muscle recovery and blood circulation.
The Snow Cave is part of the Saray Spa at Al Wathba.
HONORARY MENTION - JEBEL AL JAIS
While this mountain at Ras Al Khaimah is not snowy in the summer, it becomes white with wintry magic from December to February, making it a perfect retreat for lovers of snow-capped peaks. With an elevation of 1,934 metres, Jebel Al Jais an ideal retreat in the wintertime.
