Quick Facts
- Location
- Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha
- Snow Park ticket
- From AED 195 (slides, snowballs, tobogganing)
- Ski slopes
- From AED 295 (5 runs, black run included)
- Penguin encounter
- AED 240–280 (separate booking required)
- Temperature inside
- −1°C to −2°C on slopes
- Opening hours
- Daily 10am – 11pm
Ski Dubai inside Mall of the Emirates is one of the world's great travel paradoxes — a fully operational indoor ski resort with real snow, five ski runs (including a black run), a snowboarders' half-pipe, and penguin encounters, in the middle of a desert city where outdoor temperatures reach 45°C. Snow Park tickets start from AED 195; full ski slope access from AED 300. This guide covers what's included in each ticket tier, the skill levels catered for, the penguin encounter sessions, and how to make the most of a 2–4 hour visit.
Ski Dubai Ticket Types Explained
Ski Dubai offers two main ticket categories. The Snow Park ticket (from AED 195) covers the non-skiing section — tobogganing runs, a bobsled ride, snowball fight zones, an ice cave, and the 85-metre-long indoor ski chairlift (as a scenic ride only). This is the right choice for families with young children, non-skiers who want the snow experience, or visitors on a budget.
The Slopes ticket (from AED 295 for a 2-hour session) includes full access to all five ski runs, a chairlift, and ski/snowboard equipment rental. Lesson packages (from AED 350) include a beginner lesson with an instructor plus slopes time. The black run is genuinely challenging by indoor standards. Helmet rental is mandatory; jacket and boots are included in the slopes price.
The Penguin Encounter: Worth It?
Ski Dubai is home to a colony of live penguins (King and Gentoo) that live permanently in the facility. The penguin encounter allows guests to enter the penguin habitat for a 45-minute supervised session — you can observe, interact with, and photograph the penguins at close range with a trainer present. Tickets (AED 240–280 per person) must be booked separately and in advance; the encounter runs at specific times and groups are limited to around 15 people.
For animal lovers and families with children, the penguin encounter is the highlight of Ski Dubai and arguably worth the extra cost. Animal welfare-conscious visitors should note that Ski Dubai has received mixed assessments from wildlife organisations — the penguins are captive-bred and the facility is climate-controlled, but this is a matter of personal perspective.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Ski Dubai is located inside Mall of the Emirates — arguably the most accessible of Dubai's major attractions by metro (Mall of the Emirates station, Red Line). Combine with a mall visit for a full day out. The slopes area gets coldest in the early morning (around 10am); afternoon visits tend to be busier but the queues for key rides are more manageable later in the day.
Wear layers — the transition from the 35°C outdoors to −1°C inside is extreme. Dubai Mall's Ski Dubai entrance has coat-check facilities. Lockers are available inside. All gloves, jackets, and boots are provided with the slopes ticket, so you don't need to bring anything. Children under 3 enter free with a paying adult.
The Dubai Tickets Editorial Team
Our guides are researched and written by Dubai-based travel writers and attraction specialists with direct, first-hand experience at every venue covered. All ticket prices, opening hours, and operational details are verified against official sources and updated for 2026.