With the temperature outside firmly in the mid-40s, it’s hard to believe that there is actually snow falling in Dubai. Dubai Ice Rink, to be exact. Photographer Chris Whiteoak of The National visited the rink in The Dubai Mall to catch a glimpse of the activities that take place during daily snowfall sessions.
Guests can enjoy public ice-skating and private lessons year-round, as well as snowfall sessions that bring all the magic of a wintry skate in cooler climes right to the heart of Downtown Dubai. A special system delivers artificial flakes that fall for one glorious minute every 10 minutes. A tank located at ground level of the rink pumps a special snow fluid up to the roof space, and down trusses holding four snow machines pump up to four litres of the fluid every snowfall session. The fluid turns into flakes that fall and disappear on contact with any surface, including noses and woolly jumpers.
Snowfall sessions are 90 minutes and take place daily, at 11.45am, 3.15pm and 5pm, Sundays to Wednesdays; and 11.45am and 5pm, Thursdays to Saturdays. Sessions cost from Dh95 for adults and Dh40 for children up to 100cm tall. Skates and helmets are available to rent. Book at www.dubaiicerink.com.
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