Olympic ice skating arena at The Dubai Mall

Located on the Ground Level, near the south car park, the Ice Skating Rink will be the chief attraction of the Carnival Zone, the Mall's entertainment and activity hub featuring cinemas, an Imax theatre and bowling alleys.

Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Executive Director, Retail, EMAAR Properties, said: "Better known for hosting the world's richest horse race, The Dubai World Cup, the Desert Classic, the ATP Tennis and the World Powerboat Championship, among others, every year, Dubai has today emerged as a popular destination for other exciting sports including ice skating.

"The Dubai Mall was envisioned as the ultimate one-stop entertainment destination, offering a wide array of fun filled and thrilling activities guaranteed to attract all age groups. With this latest addition to the Mall's diverse entertainment portfolio, ice skating enthusiasts both in Dubai and worldwide can look forward to enjoying the sport in a state-of-the-art arena boasting international standards."

The Olympic size skating rink will be the ideal venue for ice hockey matches, figure skating events and competitions. A grand stand with a seating capacity for five hundred spectators will skirt the rink and provide an unobstructed view of the skating arena

Visitors to the Mall will be able to view the rink from its various levels. For those wishing to catch a closer glimpse of the excitement, colourful balconies extending out from the upper level will offer a panoramic view of the beautifully designed rink and the skaters as they move freely and gracefully across the floor.

"The Ice Skating Rink has been designed to offer entertainment to the entire family. So, whereas the children experience the delights of skating, their parents can enjoy a leisurely afternoon shopping or dining at the Mall, or having coffee or a light snack at the surrounding cafes, all in the cool comfort of the rink away from the discomfort of the hot weather," continued Al Hashemi.

"Our objective is to make The Dubai Mall a favourite haunt of shoppers, and sports and entertainment lovers alike. With our diverse games and activities portfolio designed to attract every true sport lover, we are confident that we will succeed in our objectives, " Al Hashemi concluded.