Skiing, Ice Skating and Sand Boarding in UAE: A Unique Vacation Experience

Imagine yourself gliding down a snow-covered mountain or surfing down a massive sand dune. Both of these adrenaline-pumping hobbies do not require you to go to other regions of the world. From world-class ski resorts to extensive sand dunes ideal for sandboarding, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has it all. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at snow skiing and sandboarding in the UAE, each of their features, and the facilities you can explore.

Skiing and Ice Skating Facilities in theUAE

Ski Dubai

An icon of Dubai, Ski Dubai sits in the Mall of the Emirates, providing a unique skiing experience right in the heart of the desert city. This indoor ski park features five distinct runs, including the world’s first indoor black diamond run. Ski Dubai also offers tube slides, jumps, and a toboggan run. Even live King Penguins make an appearance. Despite being indoors, the snow quality remains high, providing a fun-filled skiing experience. Remember to bring your own hat and gloves, and calf-length socks for comfort in the ski boots. Skiing in Dubai is a surreal experience, contrasting the winter chill indoors with the blazing sun outdoors.

Ski Dubai

Address: Sheikh Zayed Road – Al Barsha 1, Dubai, UAE

Website: https://www.skidxb.com/ar-ae/ski-dubai 

Telephone: +971 4 409 4000

Dubai Ice Rink

Nestled within The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest retail and entertainment hub, is the Dubai Ice Rink — an Olympic-sized attraction that has fast become a melting pot of cultures. Situated on the ground floor near The Souk, it is more than just a venue for recreational skating. Offering acclaimed figure skating academy courses, dynamic ice hockey games, and lively events that transform the rink into a dancefloor, it promises endless amusement for skating enthusiasts and tourists. The rink boasts the latest technology ensuring top-notch ice quality and consistency. With over 2,000 pairs of skates imported from a leading Italian manufacturer, it caters to all ages and sizes. Its DJ Nights on Thursdays and Fridays inject a pulsating energy into the icy expanse, while Freestyle Sessions allow advanced skaters to refine their skills. Open from 10 AM till late, with various time slots and prices to choose from, this is one experience you can’t miss. Simply hop on the metro to Burj Khalifa or The Dubai Mall stations and let the fun commence.

Dubai Ice Rink

Address: Unit GF – 207 – Financial Center Road, Downtown Dubai, UAE 

Website: https://www.dubaiicerink.com/ 

Telephone:+971 800 382 2 46255

Snow Abu Dhabi

In the heart of the UAE’s sun-baked landscape, a frosty wonderland, Snow Abu Dhabi, is poised to offer a refreshing antidote to the scorching summer heat. The doors of this winter paradise are set to swing open in June 2023, right inside the grand architectural marvel, Reem Mall. Touted to be one of the world’s largest snow parks, Snow Abu Dhabi sprawls over approximately 10,000 square feet, promising nothing short of chilly thrills. The park features an impressive line-up of 12 adrenaline-fueled rides, including giant slides, a Polar Express Train, a Crystal Carousel, and bumper tubes amidst Ice and Floes. A staggering 17 new snow-capped attractions punctuate the snowy landscape, which is maintained at a bracing -2C to faithfully replicate a genuine winter experience. Beneath the frosty façade, the snow depth reaches a significant 500mm, adding to the authenticity. Don’t forget to pack your woolly hat, as this icy retreat located on Al Reem Island is all set to be the coolest destination in town.

Snow Abu Dhabi

Address: Reem Mall – Abdullah Omran Taryam St – Al Reem Island – Abu Dhabi, UAE

Website: https://reemmall.ae/en/snow-abu-dhabi 

Telephone: +971 800 707070

Sand Boarding Facilities 

Ras Al Khaimah

Venture on an immersive half-day desert safari in Ras Al Khaimah, expertly balancing heritage with thrill. This memorable journey begins with an adventurous 4WD ride, transitioning from urban streets to the mesmerizing landscape of rolling desert dunes. Once in the desert, seize the opportunity to engage in exhilarating sandboarding, harnessing the power of gravity as you glide down towering dunes. Further into the trip, a local camel farm awaits, offering insights into the various species native to the region. The authentic desert campsite provides a traditional Arabic welcome with Arabic coffee and dates, along with optional camel rides and henna tattoos. As the evening unfolds, watch the traditional tannora folk dance, indulge in shisha, and enjoy a succulent barbeque dinner under a star-studded sky, accompanied by a captivating belly dance performance. The tour concludes with a return trip to your hotel, leaving you with an unforgettable encounter with the rich cultural tapestry and adventurous spirit of the desert.

Desert Safari Ras Al Khaimah

Address: Ras al Khaimah, UAE

Website: https://desertsafarirasalkhaimah.com/ras-al-khaimah-desert-safari/ 

Telephone: +971 54 496 8861

Dubai

Discover a realm beyond Dubai’s bustling cityscape, where vast, tranquil deserts invite a journey steeped in traditional culture and thrilling adventure sports. Among the myriad experiences the desert offers, sandboarding stands out as a premier attraction. This exciting activity, which traces its roots back to ancient Egypt, involves riding across golden dunes much like one would snowboard down snowy slopes. Nowadays, it’s a must-try for visitors to the region, particularly in Dubai, Egypt, and Qatar.

Dubai’s sandboarding scene is broad, catering to enthusiasts of all skill levels. Beginners can opt for artisan boards, designed for smaller dunes and offering an ideal learning platform, while semi-professional and professional boards, engineered using snowboard technology, cater to those seeking greater challenges on Dubai’s larger dunes. Whichever you choose, remember to wax your board to reduce the desert sand’s abrasive effect and increase your speed.

Sandboarding in Dubai isn’t limited to standing upright. There’s sit-down sandboarding for those preferring a less strenuous experience, and tow boarding for professional thrill-seekers wanting to execute daring tricks at high speeds, while being pulled by a dune buggy or 4×4 vehicle. The plethora of sandboarding spots in Dubai, from the accessible Al Aweer desert to the red dunes of Lahbab and Al Faya, offer varying challenges, ensuring every adventurer finds their perfect sandy playground.

Check out these Sandboarding Travel Operators in Dubai: https://www.viator.com/Dubai-tours/Sandboarding/d828-tag21445 

Abu Dhabi

Immerse yourself in an epic adventure across the majestic desert dunes of Abu Dhabi. The region’s awe-inspiring landscape, notably the towering dunes of the Liwa Oasis on the edge of the Rub’ al Khali or Empty Quarter – the world’s largest uninterrupted sand desert – offers an unparalleled sandboarding experience. Brace yourself for a thrilling ride as you strap onto your sandboard, ready to glide down the seemingly infinite red slopes.

For those new to sandboarding, fear not. The horizon-stretching, gentle slopes provide an ideal starting point for your exhilarating journey into this unique desert sport. Be mindful, however, of the desert’s soaring temperatures during the day, it’s advisable to venture out in the early morning. Protect yourself with light attire, a hat, sunglasses, and a generous application of broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen.

Your desert escapade awaits; consult with local tour operators for comprehensive details on packages and prices. Enjoy your exploration of Abu Dhabi’s sandboarder’s paradise!

Check out these Sandboarding Travel Operators in Abu Dhabi

https://www.viator.com/Abu-Dhabi-tours/Sandboarding/d4474-tag21445 

Conclusion

Whether you choose to ski, ice skate or ride the dunes, both sports deliver an adrenaline-pumping encounter that will leave you with unforgettable memories. Consider your own preferences, ability level, and the time of year while deciding between the two. Ultimately, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, snow skiing and sandboarding in the UAE are a must-try for anyone looking for a thrilling vacation experience.