There is no other location in the world that can join two seemingly opposite extremes the way Dubai does it.  Only in Dubai does skiing simultaneously takes on two forms —one that of sand and one that of snow.

Sand skiing is a popular adventure sport in Dubai.  What is usually connoted with snow and hilly slopes, the lack of both certainly did not seem as a huge hurdle for Dubai to attract ski enthusiasts and high-speed junkies.

Just like traditional snow skiing, sand skiing involves skidding down an inclined slope.  However, what makes this adventure sport quite unique is the location where this unusual sport takes place—on the sand dunes in the deserts of Dubai.  Often much easier to master than snow skiing, this adventure sport affords the same rush and thrill when speeding down from the top to the bottom of the dune.  Customized sand skis are used for this sport.  Another similar activity that drew its origin from traditional snow sports is sand boarding.  Traditional snow boards and sledges serve just as well in surfing over the sands.

A particular popular location for sand skiing in Dubai is the massive dune that is located half-way down the main road to Hatta.  Its red sands gave rise to its nicknamed “Big Red”.  The huge dunes near the Liwa oasis are also popular sand skiing areas.

Desert safaris often include this adventure sport in their tour.  There are also dedicated sand ski tours arranged by tour companies and hotels.  Engaging in pre-organized desert skiing tours affords convenience in terms of transportation, finding a good location, and the equipment necessary for the activity.

Apart from sand skiing, Dubai visitors can also enjoy a traditional ski down a snowy slope.  Not content with a 7-star luxury hotel, the world’s tallest building, three man-made islands, and an archipelago of the map of the world, the arid emirate of Dubai has made another phenomenal feat by introducing the Alpine weather to the desert.

Most people would think it crazy to talk about snow skiing in a desert city such as Dubai.  However, the newly opened facility of Ski Dubai has proven such extreme concepts may not be quite as improbable as they seem.  The first ever indoor ski resort in the Middle East, this mountain theme attraction offers an incredible artificial snow setting for skiing, snow boarding, and tobogganing.  As an indoor snow resort, visitors can enjoy a fun-filled time in the snow at virtually any time of the year.

Located just off the Sheikh Zayed Road, this 22,500 square meter 85 meter high tube-like structure is part of the Mall of the Emirates, which is the largest shopping mall in the city.  Its facility is supposed to hold over 6,000 tons of snow, wherein it features the following attractions and facilities:

• five runs with varying difficulties, height, and gradient
• the world’s first indoor black run that stretches for 400 meters and with a  drop of 60 meters
• freestyle zones ideal for snow boarders
• a 3000 square meters interactive indoor snow park for children
• tow lift, Quad chairlift, and flying carpets
• 25 qualified professional ski instructors at the Snow School
• An exclusive retail shop called Snow Pro hand
• Themed restaurants of St. Moritz Café and Avalanche Café
• Private children’s party rooms
• Rental of winter clothing and equipment
• Changing areas with locker rentals

Ski Dubai opens daily at 7am and closes at 10pm.  Entry prices to the facility starts at 115 dirhams, inclusive of hiring of equipment, skis, jacket, trousers, boots, and disposable socks.  Entry to the Snow Park is at 80 Dirhams for adults and 75 Dirhams for children.  Use for the ski slope for a minimum of two hours is rated at 180 Dirhams for adults and 150 Dirhams for children, with an extension rate of 40 dirhams and 30 Dirhams respectively.  A peak-day slope pass costs 300dirhams for adults and 240dirhams for children.  Tuition fee at the Snow School starts at 220 dirhams for an hour and a half group lesson, with a rate of 190 Dirhams for children below3 years.  , and moves up to 150dirhams for a private one hour lesson.

Another indoor snow resort set to be put up in Dubai is the Snowdome.  This massive AED 3.7 billion indoor ski dome project is part of the attractions found in the mega tourism project of Dubailand.  It will cover an area of 130 thousand square meters and will contain a range of snow- and ice-based activities for guests of all ages.  The Snowdome will comprise of a ski dome, hotels, residential towers, a shopping mall, restaurants, cafes, and other retail shops.

The Ski dome is envisioned to be a transparent steel dome with a controlled climate.  The structure will measure 220 meters in diameter and 75 meters in height.  Marking its entrance are two real-ice massive columns, and will house a rotating ski deck-slope, mountain run, toboggan run, an ice skating rink, flying theater, a training area, snow play area, winter and 4-season aquaria, pinguinarium, snow castle, cold and warm bath spas, and an iceberg-shaped five-star deluxe hotel.

Surrounding the Snowdome are the nine winter-themed residential towers of Iceberg Residences, which is flanked by another two winter-themed apartments of crystal Towers.

Upon its completion in 2008, Snowdome and Ski Dubai will certainly add up to the phenomenal achievements that this Arabian port city had accomplished, which often showcases its ability to make the most improbable things probable.  It is but one of the few locations in the world that actively reinvents itself, never allowing the limitations of geography and its environment to deter its plan and vision.  Truly now, Dubai can most certainly call itself a premiere tourist destination that caters to every attraction and interest of its visitors.  And it won’t be long before Dubai is set on the map of snow sports enthusiasts, together with the established winter destinations of France, Switzerland, Italy, and the United States.