Sharaf Group launches 'Chillout', Middle East's first-ever ice lounge in Dubai

Chillout is a unique concept - entirely made of ice wherein you step into a sub-zero environment with the walls, tables, chairs and even your own personal glass with a cool mocktail made out of ice. Chillout will be the first Ice Lounge in the world serving a selection of cold sandwiches and salads apart from a range of beverages such as Asian Mount Everest, Canadian MT Logan, The Chillout Mix, Lawrence of Arabia amongst others.

On the occasion, commented Mr. Ibrahim Sharaf, Chairman - Sharaf Group, 'There are a very few ice lounges in the world, that too mainly at places with cold climate. So, the idea of building an ice lounge in Dubai was not only intriguing but also challenging. It was a fantastic vision and I am very delighted that today we have successfully been able to turn our dream into reality. It was a great challenge, a technological landmark and it gives me immense pleasure that Sharaf Group has pioneered this idea.'

When you arrive at Chillout, you are provided with thermal clothing - designer parka with hood, one time use hand gloves, protective footwear if you require one otherwise your normal shoes are good enough and beverage served in ice glass. So stick out your arms, and stand still while a Chillout host fits you with parka. Next, you step into an air lock, close the door, and open another door that leads into the Chillout's frozen inner sanctum. To prevent body heat from damaging the pristine surface of the ice blocks, it has a maximum capacity of 45 visitors.

The ice used in Chillout is made by a special process so that it is crystal clear with no opaqueness providing an immaculate look to the entire lounge. 'Chillout' as it stands today, true to vision, is a gallery showcasing the finest form of art conveyed through ice consisting of seven feet high chandelier, ice curtains, coloured ice portrait of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, skyline of Dubai along with other points of interest.

Mr. Shyam Kapur, Vice President of Sharaf Group said 'Chillout is a technological innovation in refrigeration, lighting and architecture and from architectural point of view is an interesting combination of ice, glass and steel. All these elements have been intelligently composed to create one of the best ice lounges in the world, which gives you reason to get closer and chill yourself.'