Ski Dubai

Ski Dubai is the surreal indoor ski resort inside the Mall of the Emirates, a full snow park kept at around -1°C while the desert bakes outside. Under its sloped roof you'll find five real ski and snowboard runs (including the world's first indoor black run), a snow play area with tobogganing and snowball throwing, and a colony of king and gentoo penguins you can meet up close. Equipment and warm clothing are included, so you can walk in from the mall in shorts and be on snow minutes later.

It's pure novelty done well, a genuine hit with families and anyone curious about skiing in the desert. The Snow Park (play area) suits non-skiers and kids; the slopes serve real lessons and lift-served runs for those who want them.

Don't miss

• Five indoor ski/snowboard runs, including an indoor black run
• The Snow Park play area with tobogganing and snowball fun
• Meeting king and gentoo penguins
• Included winter clothing and equipment
• Skiing while it's 40°C outside

Good for

How travelers rate it

Know before you go

• Warm jackets and equipment are included, you can arrive in summer clothes.
• Decide between the Snow Park (play, non-skiers, kids) and a slope pass (real skiing), they're priced separately.
• Wear or bring warm socks and gloves; gloves usually aren't included.
• Penguin encounters are a separate paid add-on and book up, reserve ahead.

A bit of history

Opened in 2005 within the Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai was one of the largest indoor ski resorts in the world and became an emblem of Dubai's appetite for the spectacular, bringing alpine snow to a Gulf desert city.