An indoor ski resort at minus 4 degrees Celsius in the middle of the Arabian desert — with real snow, five ski runs, and a resident colony of gentoo penguins inside a Dubai shopping mall.
Ski Dubai opened in 2005 inside Mall of the Emirates in the Al Barsha district and remains one of the world's most visited indoor ski resorts. The facility covers 22,500 square metres and contains five ski runs of varying difficulty, the world's first indoor black diamond ski run, and a 90-metre-long indoor toboggan run.
The temperature inside is maintained between minus 1 and minus 4 degrees Celsius year-round. The contrast with the 40+ degree heat outside is one of Ski Dubai's most surreal selling points, particularly during summer. All cold-weather equipment — ski boots, skis or snowboards, helmet, jacket, trousers, socks, and gloves — is included in every ticket price.
For non-skiers, the Snow Park offers a separate area with tobogganing, snow tubing, an ice slide, and a freestyle snow play area. Both areas can be combined with a full day pass.
Ski Dubai has five runs from beginner green slopes to an advanced black diamond run — the first indoor black diamond ski run in the world. The longest run is 400 metres. Beginners have access to a dedicated learner slope with a magic carpet lift. All ski and snowboard rental and helmet use is included in the slope ticket.
A separately ticketed snow experience area offering tobogganing, snow tubing, a 90-metre toboggan run, zorbing, and a dedicated children's snow play area. Recommended for families with young children and visitors who want the snow experience without skiing. Ticket: AED 160 adults, AED 140 children. Equipment provided.
Ski Dubai is home to a colony of gentoo and king penguins that live in the snow park area. A 45-minute Penguin Encounter session allows guests to interact with the penguins up close with a guide. Cost: AED 120 additional per person on top of any ticket. Advance booking is essential as sessions sell out, particularly on weekends.
A ski school operates within the slopes area offering group and private lessons. Group lessons (4–6 people) cost approximately AED 250 for a 1-hour session and are available for complete beginners. Private lessons from AED 350 per hour. Lessons are taught in multiple languages including Arabic, English, and Russian. Booking ahead is recommended.
Two on-site dining options serve food while you are inside — warm drinks, sandwiches, and hot meals in the snow. The St. Moritz Cafe is the more substantial option with a full menu. You can also step out to the Mall of the Emirates food court in your ski gear (jackets and trousers recommended over your regular clothes outside).
An intermediate-to-advanced freestyle skiing and snowboarding area within the slopes features a series of rails, kickers, and box features. Suitable for riders with snowpark experience. This section is included in the standard slope ticket and is popular with younger, more confident riders.
| Ticket Type | Price (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Slope ticket 2 hrs — Adults | AED 220 | All equipment included; skiing or snowboarding |
| Slope ticket 2 hrs — Children (under 13) | AED 180 | All equipment included |
| Snow Park — Adults | AED 160 | Tobogganing, tubing, snow play; no skiing |
| Snow Park — Children (under 13) | AED 140 | Equipment provided for all snow park activities |
| Full Day Pass — Adults | AED 330 | Slopes + Snow Park; unlimited access for the day |
| Full Day Pass — Children (under 13) | AED 270 | Slopes + Snow Park; unlimited access |
| Penguin Encounter (add-on) | AED 120 | Per person; advance booking required |
| Group ski lesson (1 hr, 4–6 people) | ~AED 250 | Per person; includes equipment use |
| Private ski or snowboard lesson (1 hr) | ~AED 350 | Per person; advance booking recommended |
| Equipment included | Yes — all included | Boots, skis/board, helmet, jacket, trousers, gloves, socks |
Ski Dubai is inside Mall of the Emirates in Al Barsha — one of the most accessible destinations in Dubai by metro.
Take the Red Line to Mall of the Emirates station. The station is directly connected to the mall via a covered walkway — no sun exposure and no taxi needed. Ski Dubai is on Level 2 of the mall, clearly signposted from the metro exit. Journey time from Union Station (Deira) is approximately 25 minutes.
Set destination to "Mall of the Emirates" or "Ski Dubai Al Barsha." Fare estimates: from Downtown Dubai AED 30–45, from Dubai Marina AED 15–22, from Dubai Airport T3 AED 55–70. Drop-off is at the main mall entrance; ask for the Ski Dubai entrance near Carrefour on Level 2.
Mall of the Emirates has a large multi-storey car park with over 7,000 spaces. Parking is paid — AED 5 per hour, free for the first 2 hours with a mall receipt. The Ski Dubai entrance on Level 2 is signposted from all parking levels. Valet parking is also available at the main entrance.
Mall of the Emirates is one of the closest major attractions to Dubai Marina. By metro from DMCC or JLT station (Red Line) it takes 10–12 minutes and costs AED 3–4 with a NOL card. By taxi it takes 10–15 minutes depending on traffic and costs AED 15–22. This makes Ski Dubai an easy add-on to a marina visit.
Free 7km promenade with restaurants, boat trips, and the Barasti beach bar. 15 minutes from Mall of the Emirates by taxi.
Man-made palm island with free public beaches, The View at The Palm (AED 159), and luxury hotels. 15–20 minutes from the mall.
World-famous aquarium tunnel and Underwater Zoo at Dubai Mall. Free viewing from the mall; tunnel AED 140. Red Line metro.
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