A Dubai School Is Installing an Outdoor Ice Skating Rink | EWmums.com
 

A Dubai School Is Installing an Outdoor Ice Skating Rink

And find out where else you can enjoy the ice while living in Dubai

Posted on

13 September 2017

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A School In Dubai Is Welcoming An Outdoor Ice Skating Rink

Dubai is leaving nothing to the imagination when it comes to technology – from 12-minute rides to Abu Dhabi in a Hyperloop, ski slopes inside a mall, to flying taxis – the city of gold is cutting every edge of urbanisation.

Now, the once-desert city is going all the way by planning what seems almost impossible – given the country’s climate – and building an ice skating rink that requires neither energy nor water. And the best part? It’s outdoors!

The aforementioned rink will be placed in the Next Generation School in Barsha 3, and will be called Glicerink. Students will be able to use it this school year (no, it’s too late to switch schools now).

"Glice ice is based on a complex molecular technology using high quality polymers and other ingredients to create an artificial surface that looks like ice and has the same glide effect, but doesn't require any water or energy," said Glicerink Communication Manager Florian Kretzschmar.

"Since it is a synthetic surface, once it is installed it requires no further resources for operation. When a skater glides over the surface, the blade cuts open the molecules, which then release an auto-lubricating glide agent," Kretzschmar explained.

The technology will be able to operate in every weather condition, which means students can enjoy this rink any time of the year.

“Finally, ice skating is possible in corners of the world where people have never seen a pair of skates before – in desert countries like Dubai and in the tropics,” said Kretzschmar.

Glice rinks, or Synthetic ice rinks, were initially developed for professional reasons. However, they have grown popular around the world in the past years, and more of them are being installed in hotter-climate locations to bring the pleasure of skating to more people around the world.

Where else you can ice skate in Dubai:

1. The Dubai Ice Rink

Located in Dubai Mall, The Dubai Ice Rink always comes first when considering ice skating in the desert city. It offers a variety of sessions over the week, and welcomes people from 10 AM till 10 PM on weekdays, and from 11:15 AM till 12AM on weekends.

The Olympic-sized rink is located next to a host of cafes, restaurants, and shops, which makes it an attraction to both residents and tourists.

Pricing: AED 60 for adults, AED 25 for children less than 100 cm tall.

2. The Galleria Ice Rink

One of the very first ice rinks in Dubai, located in Deira as a part of the Hyatt Regency Hotel, The Galleria Ice Rink is one of the oldest, yet the most beautiful rinks in the city.

Opening timings vary, so one needs to check their schedule before paying a visit. But as for the pricing, it’s fixed on AED 40 during weekdays, 45 on Thursdays, and 60 on Disco nights.

3. Al-Nasr Leisureland Ice Rink

Located behind the American Hospital in Bur Dubai, Al Nasr Leisureland Ice Rink is also one of the oldest ice skating venues in Dubai. The rink is the home of the Dubai Mighty Camels - the UAE’s homegrown men’s ice hockey league – as they practice there frequently.

Calling ahead for timings before showing up is advised. And the 2-hour skating session is for AED 25 – skate rental included - making the rink one of the most affordable in the city.

Oh and yeah, Tuesday is Ladies Day.