As temperatures start to soar in the UAE, it's safe to say that summer has officially arrived.
While this often means spending more time indoors, it doesn't mean there aren't still plenty of activities to enjoy.
Whether it's taking the family to Ski Dubai or Snow Abu Dhabi, or indulging in some pampering in the Snow Room at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray’s Talise Ottoman Spa, there is something for everyone.
Here’s a look at six quick ways to cool down in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Chillout Ice Lounge
Spread across 213 square metres and set at -6ºC, Chillout Ice Lounge is the Middle East's first sub-zero lounge. Located in Times Square Centre, Dubai, it is furnished with sculptures, seats and tables made out of ice. Visitors receive a complimentary welcome drink and snack upon entering. There is also tea, coffee and signature hot chocolate on sale. Food options include sandwiches, soups and cakes.
Dh89 for adults, Dh49 for children; 10am to 10pm daily; chilloutindubai.com
Ski Dubai
The indoor ski centre at Mall of the Emirates is one of Dubai’s most recognisable attractions and is popular with snow sports enthusiasts. Opened in 2005, Ski Dubai has five ski slopes, a family-friendly snow park and a waddle of resident penguins. The park offers temperatures of -4ºC and, in addition to skiing, the venue hosts events including an Ice Warrior Challenge and Festive Fun Run.
Prices vary; Monday to Thursday, 10am to 11pm; Friday, 10am to midnight; Saturday and Sunday, 9am to midnight; www.skidxb.com
Snow Room
For those looking for a more relaxing environment, the Snow Room at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray’s Talise Ottoman Spa offers a unique and invigorating experience and sub-zero temperatures. The frosty retreat, designed to simulate a winter wonderland with real snow, promotes health benefits such as improved circulation, muscle recovery and skin toning. Typically used after a sauna or steam room session, the Snow Room is said to enhance detoxification and offers a refreshing contrast to warmer spa treatments.
Prices vary with treatments; 9am to 9.30pm daily; www.jumeirah.com
Snow Abu Dhabi
The first snow park in the capital has 12 rides and 17 attractions spread across nearly 1,000 square metres. The park, located inside Reem Mall, is inspired by a whimsical enchanted forest. It maintains a temperature of -2ºC. The attractions include two huge slides called Ice and Floes Toboggan Race and Grauppel’s Summit Escape. Snow Abu Dhabi's rides include the Flight of the Snowy Owl, the Magic Carpet, the Polar Express Train and the Crystal Carousel.
Prices start at Dh215 for adults, Dh165 for children; 10am to 10pm, Sunday to Thursday; 10am to midnight, Friday and Saturday; www.skidxb.com
Ice skating at Zayed Sports City
Put on the skates and hit the ice rink at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi for a refreshing escape from the soaring heat. The rink is maintained at consistently low temperatures to ensure the ice stays frozen. It offers high-quality skates and safety gear for rent, ensuring skaters of all levels are well-prepared for the ice. Instructors are available for those looking to improve their skills, or learn the basics, through individual or group lessons. There's also a cafe that overlooks the ice, where spectators can relax and enjoy a warm drink while people-watching.
Prices start at Dh55 per session; noon to 9.30pm, Monday to Thursday; noon to 11.30pm, Friday; 10.15am to 10.30pm, Saturday, 10.15am to 9.30pm, Sunday; www.zsc.ae
Snow Cave at Al Wathba
Abu Dhabi's first snow cave, at Saray Spa at Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, is a room that’s covered in ice and snow with temperatures maintained at a chilly -2ºC. The Snow Cave builds on the age-old therapeutic concept of taking the body from hot to cold – to improve circulation and muscle recovery, for example – and is ideal for post-work relaxation in a serene, wintry setting.
Day passes start at Dh200; 11am to 10pm daily; www.sarayspaalwathba.com
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Tottenham 0-1 Ajax, Tuesday
Second leg
Ajax v Tottenham, Wednesday, May 8, 11pm
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UAE cricketers abroad
Sid Jhurani is not the first cricketer from the UAE to go to the UK to try his luck.
Rameez Shahzad Played alongside Ben Stokes and Liam Plunkett in Durham while he was studying there. He also played club cricket as an overseas professional, but his time in the UK stunted his UAE career. The batsman went a decade without playing for the national team.
Yodhin Punja The seam bowler was named in the UAE’s extended World Cup squad in 2015 despite being just 15 at the time. He made his senior UAE debut aged 16, and subsequently took up a scholarship at Claremont High School in the south of England.
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Match info
Liverpool 3
Hoedt (10' og), Matip (21'), Salah (45 3')
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UAE finals day
Friday, April 13
Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
3pm, UAE Conference: Dubai Tigers v Sharjah Wanderers
6.30pm, UAE Premiership: Dubai Exiles v Abu Dhabi Harlequins
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
