Skiing in the desert sounds like a gimmick until you are standing at the top of an 85-metre indoor mountain in a snowstorm at -4°C, while it is 26°C and sunny outside. Ski Dubai, inside Mall of the Emirates, has been Dubai’s strangest and most loved attraction for two decades: 22,500 square metres of real snow, five runs, a chairlift – and a colony of king and gentoo penguins.

Snow Park, slopes or penguins?

There are three ways in. The Snow Park ticket is the family favourite: tobogganing, a snow cave, zorbing balls and the chairlift ride, with all winter clothing included. Skiers and snowboarders buy slope passes; the 400-metre main run is genuinely decent and there is even a black-graded section. The third option is the penguin encounter: small groups (max 12) meet the birds up close, daily between 12:00 and 21:00, booked in advance.

The joke of the season

Between November and March you can build a snowman in the morning and swim in the sea in the afternoon. It is also the backdrop for the Winter Wonderland at Ski Dubai event around the holidays, when the slope gets festive lights and appearances by a certain man in red.

Opening hours and prices

Roughly 10:00–23:00 on weekdays, from 9:00 and until midnight at weekends (checked July 2026). Snow Park day passes start around AED 150–250 depending on package; thermal clothing and boots are included, gloves are the only thing you might want to bring. Under-2s are free.

Tickets

Check availability below or compare Snow Park, slope and penguin packages on Tiqets.

How to get there

Take the red metro line to Mall of the Emirates station; the ski hall is inside the mall, and you can watch the slope for free from the Après-ski café windows. Staying nearby? Check our Al Barsha hotel picks – several rooms literally overlook the snow.

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