Cool down with these sub-zero attractions.
Summer in the UAE can be intense, but the country knows how to keep things cool. Across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, residents and visitors can swap soaring temperatures for snow rooms, ice lounges, frozen rinks, aquatic adventures and wellness experiences designed to refresh both body and mind. Whether you want to glide across the ice, step inside a snow cave, brave a cold plunge or enjoy a family-friendly indoor escape, these chilled attractions offer plenty of ways to beat the heat this summer.
Dubai
Banya Forrest
Banya Forrest brings a traditional Slavic spa experience to Bluewaters, offering a refreshing way to reset during the summer months. The FACT award-winning wellness destination is home to the UAE’s first fully equipped traditional banya, alongside two cold plunge pools, ice bucket showers, a snow room and two saunas, including one of the largest banyas in the MENA region. Designed around contrast therapy, the experience alternates between intense heat and extreme cold to promote relaxation and renewal. There is also an on-site restaurant, making it a social spa escape for groups.
Where: Banya Forrest, Bluewaters Residences, Bluewaters Island, Dubai
When: Daily from 10am to 11pm
Contact: www.banyaforrest.com
Boo Boo Laand
Boo Boo Laand offers a playful indoor escape for families looking to cool down in Dubai. Located inside Dubai Mall, the entertainment destination brings together themed zones, rides and activities designed for younger visitors. The Snow Park delivers frosty fun away from the summer heat, while the Super Slide adds a dose of energy for thrill-seekers. Children can get creative in the Robot Art area, step into the Mini Chef’s Kitchen, or enjoy fairytale-inspired moments in the Princess Area. Bright, imaginative and fully indoors, Boo Boo Laand is a strong choice for a family day out.
Where: Boo Boo Laand, Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
When: Daily from 10am to 10pm
Contact: @booboolaand
Chillout Ice Lounge
Chillout Ice Lounge at Times Square Center is one of Dubai’s most distinctive summer escapes. The venue invites visitors to step into a sub-zero setting where the walls, tables, chairs and sculptures are carved from ice. Guests are provided with coats, hats and gloves before entering the frozen space, creating a fun contrast to the heat outside. Once inside, you can sip hot chocolate, coffee or tea while surrounded by glowing ice installations and frosty interiors. Equal parts novelty and photo opportunity, it is an easy indoor experience for families, couples and curious visitors.
Where: Chillout Ice Lounge, Times Square Center, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
When: Daily from 10am to 10pm
Contact: https://platinumlist.net
Contrast Wellness
Contrast Wellness has become a go-to destination for cold therapy in Dubai, with locations in City Walk, Dubai Creek, JVC and Palm Jumeirah. The experience centres around ice baths, saunas and recovery-focused treatments designed to help guests reset and recharge. During an ice bath session, participants spend a short period immersed in cold water under the guidance of trained staff in a calm, controlled environment. Popular with athletes and wellness enthusiasts, the practice is often used to support recovery, circulation and mental focus. For anyone looking to cool down with purpose, Contrast Wellness offers a refreshing summer ritual.
Where: Contrast Wellness in City Walk, Dubai Creek, JVC and Palm Jumeirah
When: Daily from 7am to 10pm
Contact: @contrastwellness
Dubai Ice Rink
Dubai Ice Rink brings winter energy to the heart of Dubai Mall. The Olympic-sized rink offers public skating sessions, lessons and themed experiences, making it suitable for beginners, families and confident skaters alike. It is a reliable summer escape, with crisp temperatures and an energetic atmosphere that feels far removed from the heat outside. Visitors can lace up their skates and glide across the ice, join a lesson to improve their skills, or watch ice hockey and other special events. Fun, active and easy to access, Dubai Ice Rink remains a classic cool-down attraction.
Where: Dubai Ice Rink, Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
When: Daily from 10am to 10pm
Contact: www.dubaiicerink.com
Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai continues to prove that snow in the desert is not only possible, but also seriously fun. Located inside Mall of the Emirates, the indoor snow park features ski slopes, snowboarding, tobogganing, chairlifts and family-friendly snow activities. Visitors can choose from runs of varying difficulty, making it suitable for first-timers and more experienced skiers. Beyond the slopes, the venue also offers zip-lining and penguin encounters, adding to the sense of Alpine escapism. Whether you are planning a full day of adventure or a quick break from the heat, Ski Dubai is a summer staple.
Where: Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai
When: Open daily from 10am to midnight
Contact: http://platinumlist.net
Abu Dhabi
Anjana Spa Snow Cave
Anjana Spa at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island offers one of Abu Dhabi’s coolest wellness experiences. Located on the shores of Saadiyat Island, the spa is home to the capital’s only snow cave, creating a frosty retreat within a luxurious resort setting. Maintained at -2°C, the icy room is designed to refresh the body before or after a treatment. Guests can pair the experience with signature massages, facials and traditional wellness rituals for a full day of relaxation. Serene, atmospheric and soothing, Anjana Spa is ideal for anyone seeking a chilled escape with a premium feel.
Where: Anjana Spa, Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, Al Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Daily from 12pm to 9pm
Contact: www.rixos.com
Snow Abu Dhabi
Snow Abu Dhabi at Reem Mall brings a winter wonderland to the capital. The indoor snow park offers a family-friendly escape from the summer heat, complete with snow-filled attractions, slides and plenty of space for playful adventures. Visitors can wrap up in winter gear, step into a frosty setting and enjoy the novelty of snow in the middle of the desert. From snowball fights to themed activities, the attraction is designed for children and adults looking for something different during the hotter months. Fun, immersive and easy to enjoy, it is one of Abu Dhabi’s coolest indoor experiences.
Where: Snow Abu Dhabi, Reem Mall, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Daily from 10am to 10pm
Contact: https://platinumlist.net
The National Aquarium
The National Aquarium in Al Qana offers a cooling journey beneath the surface. As the largest aquarium in the Middle East, it is home to striking marine life, immersive exhibits and interactive experiences that make it a strong choice for families. While the entire attraction offers an indoor escape from the heat, the Frozen Ocean zone brings a particularly chilled edge. Here, visitors can discover Arctic-inspired waters, spider crabs and what is believed to be the only puffin display in the region. Educational, engaging and visually impressive, it is a refreshing way to spend a summer afternoon.
Where: The National Aquarium, Al Qana, Abu Dhabi
When: Daily from 10am to 10pm
Contact: https://platinumlist.net
Zayed Sports City Ice Rink
Zayed Sports City Ice Rink is a long-standing Abu Dhabi favourite for anyone looking to cool down and stay active. The indoor rink offers public skating sessions, lessons and a fun atmosphere for families, friends and groups. Whether you are a complete beginner or already confident on the ice, the rink provides a welcome break from the summer heat. Lace up your skates and glide across the frozen surface, or make it a social outing with children and friends. Accessible, energetic and refreshingly cold, it remains one of the capital’s best classic summer activities.
Where: Zayed Sports City Ice Rink, Zayed Sports City, Al Rawdah, Abu Dhabi
When: Daily from 9:15am to 6pm
Contact: www.zsc.ae