If you've ever wanted to take the theme of Frozen more literally, now's your chance.
Ski Dubai, the indoor ski resort at Mall of the Emirates, has teamed up with Vox Cinemas to launch a cinema on the icy slope, billed as the first experience of its kind in the region.
The Snow Cinema will take place from Friday, December 11 until the end of February, giving guests plenty of time to enjoy festive films while cosying up with a hot chocolate.
There will be screenings of family-friendly favourites such as The Grinch, Frozen 2 or Daddy's Home 2, which will be shown daily at 10am, 1pm, 4pm and 7pm. Those wanting to catch new releases can opt for nightly screenings, which will be showcasing blockbusters including Knives Out and The Call of the Wild.
Visitors will also get a chance to visit Santa's Grotto at the venue, which has recently been transformed into a winter wonderland.
Meanwhile, the Snow Cinema will provide table service so cinemagoers can order snacks including gourmet popcorn (salt or caramel) and signature hot chocolate from the comfort of their seat.
Guests can also choose from North 28’s menu, which features dishes such as raclette, hotdogs and burgers, as well as festive desserts including mince pies.
Tickets will be on sale from Tuesday, December 1, with prices starting from Dh100 per person, which includes a signature hot chocolate, popcorn and bottle of water. For a more premium experience, guests can book the VIP Chalet, which costs Dh800 for four people and includes a two-course meal from North 28, a hand warmer, gloves and beanie, as well as hot chocolates, popcorn and water.
All guests at Snow Cinema will receive rental clothing to keep them warm, including fleece gloves, socks, boots and a blanket, as well as wireless headphones and a dedicated locker.
The experience can be booked at skidxb.com
Asia Cup Qualifier
Venue: Kuala Lumpur
Result: Winners play at Asia Cup in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in September
Fixtures:
Wed Aug 29: Malaysia v Hong Kong, Nepal v Oman, UAE v Singapore
Thu Aug 30: UAE v Nepal, Hong Kong v Singapore, Malaysia v Oman
Sat Sep 1: UAE v Hong Kong, Oman v Singapore, Malaysia v Nepal
Sun Sep 2: Hong Kong v Oman, Malaysia v UAE, Nepal v Singapore
Tue Sep 4: Malaysia v Singapore, UAE v Oman, Nepal v Hong Kong
Thu Sep 6: Final
Asia Cup
Venue: Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Schedule: Sep 15-28
Teams: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, plus the winner of the Qualifier
Conflict, drought, famine
Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.
Band Aid
Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it’s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single’s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
Live Aid was a series of simultaneous concerts that took place at Wembley Stadium in London, John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the US, and at various other venues across the world.
The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
