If you’re planning a winter-inspired escape in the UAE, but don’t want to brave the cold of real mountains – you’re in luck. The Emirates has two of the most magical indoor snow parks: Ski Dubai in bustling Dubai, and Snow Abu Dhabi at Reem Mall. Both promise sub-zero fun, but which one is truly worth your time? In this post, we’ll compare Ski Dubai vs Snow Abu Dhabi across attractions, ticketing, and unique experiences – and help you decide which indoor snow park suits your travel style.
A Frosty Introduction: Why Indoor Snow Parks in the Desert?
It might sound counterintuitive, but when you’re in a city where summer temperatures often top 40 °C, an indoor snow park is the perfect escape. These parks are more than novelty attractions – they offer real snow, structured rides, and immersive winter-themed environments that are family-friendly, photogenic, and often part of big shopping destinations.
Location & Accessibility
Ski Dubai
- Situated inside the Mall of the Emirates, on Sheikh Zayed Road.
- Very accessible: by metro (Mall of the Emirates station on Dubai’s Red Line), taxi, or car.
- Operates daily, and on busy weekends and evenings you’ll definitely want to pre-book tickets.
Snow Abu Dhabi
- Located on Al Reem Island, within Reem Mall, a relatively new and sprawling retail-and-leisure destination.
- Easy to reach by taxi or private transport; the mall has ample parking.
- Open daily: Sun-Thu from 10 AM to 10 PM, Fri-Sat extended into late night.
Attractions & Experiences: What’s Inside
Ski Dubai – The Classic Winter Playground
- Founded in 2005, Ski Dubai is one of the most iconic indoor ski resorts in the Middle East.
- It features five ski slopes of varying steepness, including a black-diamond run and a vertical drop equivalent to an 85 m mountain.
- Skiing and snowboarding are core draws, but there’s also a Snow Park (around 3,000 m²): sled runs, tobogganing, climbing towers, giant snowballs, and even an ice cave.
- Penguin encounters: Yes, Ski Dubai is home to Gentoo and King penguins – visitors can book a 40-minute premium penguin experience.
- Rides & thrillers: Think zorbing (giant plastic balls), tubing runs, snow bumpers, and a chairlift up the indoor mountain.
Snow Abu Dhabi – The Enchanted Forest of Snow
- Snow Abu Dhabi is operated by the same Majid Al Futtaim Group behind Ski Dubai.
- The park spans about 9,732 m² and is themed like a whimsical enchanted forest, with a towering tree as its centerpiece.
- It features around 20 rides and attractions, including:
- Polar Express Train
- Crystal Carousel
- Flight of the Snowy Owl (a zip-line / aerial coaster)
- Troll Bowl – giant inflatable balls that roll down slopes
- Ice & Floe’s Toboggan Race & Bumper Tubes
- Designed for pure snow play rather than skiing – unlike Ski Dubai, Snow Abu Dhabi does not have ski slopes.
- Temperature inside is kept at roughly -2 °C to maintain real snow throughout the year.
Ticket Prices & Packages
Ski Dubai
- There are different pass types depending on what you want: Snow Classic Pass, Snow Plus Pass, Snow Premium Package, etc.
- The Snow Premium Package can include: full snow park access, chairlift rides, the Mountain Thriller toboggan run, and a 40-minute penguin encounter.
- All winter gear (jacket, pants, boots) is generally included in the ticket, so you don’t need to bring your own.
- There are also slope passes (for skiing or snowboarding) – but slope access is usually for intermediate-level guests.
Snow Abu Dhabi
- The base Snow Park Pass is AED 215, and includes entry, unlimited rides (9 of them), fleece gloves, and a locker.
- There’s a Premium Pass (around AED 275) which adds waterproof gloves, a hot chocolate, and a meal at The Lodge Restaurant.
- A two-day pass is sometimes offered for AED 295, giving you more flexibility.
- Family bundle: 5 passes for AED 860.
- There’s also a Ski & Snow Pass for AED 365 that gives you access to both Snow Abu Dhabi and Ski Dubai (either the snow park or slope).
Dining & Chill Spots
At Ski Dubai
- Avalanche Café: Cozy “mountain hut” vibe, located mid-slope for hot drinks, snacks, or a quick recharge.
- Ice Café: Inside the Snow Park – perfect for warming up with treats after playing in the snow.
- North 28: All-day dining just near the entrance – international fare in a stylish alpine-inspired setup.
- Outside Ski Dubai, in Mall of the Emirates, you have hundreds of dining options to explore too.
At Snow Abu Dhabi
- The Lodge Restaurant: A sit-down, all-day dining spot with winter-themed views; perfect for a hearty meal.
- Enchanted Café: On top of the forest tree, with heat lamps and views – cozy spot for snacks, flatbreads, and desserts.
- A hot chocolate cart is also available at the entrance – great for warming up after sledding or zip-lining.
Who’s It For? Choosing Based on Your Travel Style
Choose Ski Dubai if you:
- Want real skiing or snowboarding.
- Are looking for a more “authentic” mountain experience (slopes + chairlift + thrill).
- Are okay paying a bit more for premium experiences (penguins, slope time).
- Visit Dubai and want to combine snow fun with shopping (since it’s in Mall of the Emirates).
Choose Snow Abu Dhabi if you:
- Are traveling with children or family and want safe, fun snow rides.
- Prefer a theme-park-style snow adventure (rides + sleds + fantasy forest) instead of sports.
- Want budget-friendly snow play (relative to slope-based experiences).
- Are visiting Abu Dhabi or want to explore a newer, large-scale indoor snow attraction.
Travel Tips & Practical Advice
- Pre-book your tickets online – both parks can be busy, especially on weekends or holidays.
- For Snow Abu Dhabi, it’s smart to reserve your gear size online 24 hours before.
- Dress in layers: Though jackets and pants are usually given, wear warm under-layers to stay comfortable.
- Time it right: For both parks, weekdays or early hours help you beat the crowd. For Ski Dubai, noon on weekdays is often quieter.
- Safety first:
- In Ski Dubai, helmets are mandatory for kids under 13 doing more extreme activities.
- In Snow Abu Dhabi, check individual ride height restrictions before planning.
- Bring a camera, but be mindful: some areas (like the penguin encounter) may have restrictions on phone usage.
- Make it a combo trip: If you have the Ski & Snow Pass, you can hop between both parks – perfect for a two-day winter itinerary in the UAE.
Unique Local Experiences You Can’t Miss
- Penguin Encounter at Ski Dubai: A rare opportunity to meet real penguins in a controlled, indoor habitat.
- Troll Bowl & Zip-line at Snow Abu Dhabi: Not your everyday snowball fight – you can roll down in giant inflatables or glide above the park like a snowy owl.
- Snow-themed dining: Both parks offer winter-vibe restaurants that feel like mountain huts – a fun contrast to glitzy urban Dubai or modern Abu Dhabi.
- Photo moments: At Snow Abu Dhabi, the enchanted forest tree and snowy rides create very Instagrammable backdrops. In Ski Dubai, the chairlift and ice cave offer dramatic views.
Final Verdict: Which Indoor Snow Park Is Better?
It really comes down to what kind of winter magic you want:
- If you’re chasing ski thrills, real slopes, and maybe even a penguin meet-and-greet, Ski Dubai is your go-to.
- But if you’re after a fantasy snowland full of rides, sleds, and family-friendly fun, Snow Abu Dhabi might just steal your heart.
Both are wonderful in their own way – and if time allows, experiencing both is a snow lover’s dream come true.
Call to Action
Planning a UAE trip and deciding between these ice-cold wonders? Why not include both in your itinerary? Dive deeper into the best attractions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, plus travel tips, on bestthingsofdubai.com – your ultimate guide to discovering the coolest spots, literally.
Book your passes, pick your dates, and prepare to make snow-filled memories under the Arabian sun
