The Dubai Mall unveils Olympic-size 'Dubai Ice Rink'

Located in the comforts of a climate-controlled environment, Dubai Ice Rink at The Dubai Mall offers an exciting and diverse mix of family fun, sports and entertainment for the entire city, as the Olympic-size venue prepares to host a diverse calendar of events from figure skating competitions to hockey matches and live concerts.

Open to the general public, Dubai Ice Rink at The Dubai Mall will be a year-round family attraction for skating enthusiasts or the fresh beginner.

Dubai Ice Rink will offer complete programs tailored to all levels of skill and interest ranging from basic 'Learn to Skate' classes to the more specialised figure skating and hockey camps.

A dedicated team of instructors and education coordinators will ensure Dubai Ice Rink provides both a scholastic approach to learning, under the watchful eyes of trained professionals.

Mr Yousif Al Ali, General Manager, The Dubai Mall, said:

'Dubai Ice Rink's Olympic-size proportions and multi-purpose usage is the first of its kind in Dubai providing a true leisure differential for residents and tourists. Designed with an open-air feel, Dubai Ice Rink is completely visible from three levels of the mall's main thoroughfares, offering a theatre-like show to the enjoyment of shoppers passing by. Children and families will flock to Dubai Ice Rink to be entertained - whether skating on the ice rink floor, or people-watching from above, for year-round family fun.'

Boasting Olympic-size measurements, Dubai Ice Rink at The Dubai Mall is an ideal destination to host international ice skating and ice-hockey events with the professional hockey dasher boards and glass being NHL-certified.

Built using the latest technology in indoor ice rink construction, Dubai Ice Rink will comprise a built-in thermostat system to adjust the temperature differential needed to maximse competition-standard figure skating events or ice hockey matches.

Dubai Ice Rink also serves as a multi-purpose venue for various events and private functions, with the ability to covert into a concert or festive venue hall.

Customised floor panels can be installed to cover the ice rink floor while doubling as an insulator to prevent melting.

A massive 20m x 10 m LED screen will double up as a scoreboard, and will be integrated into the venue's overall multimedia system.

While Dubai Ice Rink has permanent seating for 350 spectators, temporary stands can be erected to accommodate larger audiences, depending on the event.

Mr Al Ali added: 'Dubai Ice Rink at The Dubai Mall will feature the world's most advanced systems in indoor ice rink design and execution to offer a world-class multi-purpose venue. A team of seasoned professionals from marketing to operations will be appointed to focus on maximising visitor interaction and event-related opportunities. Dubai Ice Rink will be able to offer a diverse portfolio of activities year-round including school skating programs, hockey camps and also host its own calendar of exciting, international events. It will be the city's newest entertainment destination.'

Dubai Ice Rink at The Dubai Mall will offer public skating daily, at specified times. Skate and locker rentals will be available onsite, as are trained medical staff.

Dubai Ice Rink will also have general concession and refreshments stands, an arcade room, and a Pro-Shop for visitors to purchase hockey and ice skating equipment.

An upper mezzanine level will be available for rental for private functions and events.

Other leisure and retail attractions at The Dubai Mall to open in the coming months include a world-class Aquarium & Discovery Centre, the region's first SEGA indoor theme park; the world's largest indoor Gold Souk with 220 retailers; a fashion precinct with 70 flagship stores dedicated to haute couture; the Middle East's first Galeries Lafayette department store; KidZania, a children's 'edu-tainment' centre; a 22-screen Cineplex; and The Grove, an indoor-outdoor streetscape with fully retractable roof.