A snow park in the middle of a desert city is the epitome of real-world surrealism, but here in the UAE, the surreal has become the standard. While there’s plenty to do in Abu Dhabi this winter, from water slides at Yas Waterworld to gallery-hopping in the Saadiyat Cultural District, few attractions feel quite as attuned to the season as Snow Abu Dhabi. Opened in 2023 as part of the wider Reem Mall development on Reem Island, this sprawling indoor park spans nearly 10,000 sq. m. (roughly the size of two football fields) and is one of the largest in the world. But beyond the sheer scale is a fantastic sense of immersion: inside, it’s a permanently frosted landscape kept at a crisp -2°C, inspired by whimsical forests and alpine villages. Whether you're going to skate, sled or zip-line, here's a complete guide on what to expect at Snow Abu Dhabi.
Inside the Park: Rides, Zones, and Snowy Escapism
Unlike its sister park in Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates (Ski Dubai), Snow Abu Dhabi isn’t built around a towering ski slope. Instead, it’s closer in spirit to a theme park – a whimsical snowscape with glowing trees, themed creatures, and playful storylines. There are more than 20 rides and attractions across the park, each designed to suit different ages and energy levels, from calm snow play to action-packed tubing. It’s a setting just as well-suited to a family day out as it is to an unconventional date night.
At the heart of the experience is the Snowflake Garden, a wide open space designed for free play: snowball fights, casual wandering, and a refreshing first step into the cold. This is where most visitors start, and it’s also where younger guests tend to linger the longest.
For those after more adrenaline and movement, the Drift’s Downhill Run is a fast sledding hill built for repeated runs. Next to it, you’ll find Ice and Floe’s Bumper Tubes – colourful inflatable rings that spin and slide as they race down icy lanes. A more relaxed experience awaits above on the Flight of the Snowy Owl – a short but scenic zip-line that glides over the park. It’s not exactly high-altitude, but the views are lovely: snow-dusted faux pine trees below, glowing lights overhead, and the full layout of the forest revealed in one slow swoop.
Where to Eat and Drink at Snow Abu Dhabi
When in need of refreshment, most visitors find themselves drawn to the Enchanted Café in the heart of the park. Styled like a rustic alpine cabin, it’s all timber tones and cosy details, serving hot chocolate, pizzas, and winter-style comfort food. It’s more casual than fine dining, but it fits the mood perfectly – a welcoming midpoint where you can warm up and refuel before heading back into the snow.
A more substantial meal can be enjoyed at The Lodge, just outside the snow zone, with a slightly more elevated setting. Think stews, soups, baked pastas, and generous family-style plates, all served in a space that blends ski chalet atmosphere with Reem Mall polish. Reservations aren’t required, but queues can build on weekends. Throughout December, The Lodge is hosting a daily festive Breakfast with Santa for its youngest guests.
For something more formal, Reem Mall is home to a bounty of local and international restaurants, including Paul, Wagamama, Café Bateel, and more.
Ticket Prices and How To Get There
Tickets for Snow Abu Dhabi start at AED 215 per person, which includes unlimited access to all rides and attractions, plus full thermal gear (waterproof trousers, jackets, boots, gloves, and socks). Everything is provided at the entrance and fitted by staff before you step inside.
Family passes are also available, priced at AED 1,995. These include entry for five guests, a private VIP suite, and a three-course meal – ideal for birthday celebrations or special occasions. On Wednesdays, Snow Abu Dhabi hosts a dedicated Ladies Night, offering discounted entry for women and girls aged 14 and up.
While the park is open year-round, winter is by far the most atmospheric time to visit. Festive décor, seasonal Winter Wonderland programming, and a general sense of novelty all peak during the cooler months. In-park photographers are on hand throughout the day, so you can leave your phone in the locker and avoid draining your battery in sub-zero temperatures.
Located on Reem Island, Snow Abu Dhabi is about a 15-minute drive from the Corniche and Downtown Abu Dhabi. For visitors arriving from Dubai, the journey takes just over an hour by car, and there’s plenty of underground parking. Local taxis, Careem, and Uber are widely available in the area.
Final Thoughts
In a city where winter usually means 24°C and sunny skies, Snow Abu Dhabi offers something delightfully out of step. This isn’t artificial fluff or an AC-blasted foam party either – the snow here is real and perfectly crunchy underfoot, created by misting the air with fine water vapour that crystallises on contact. With its snow-capped trees and clean, crisp air, the result feels a little like stepping inside a snow globe.
Whether you're bringing the kids, dodging another beach day, or just curious to see how Abu Dhabi does alpine, it’s well worth the visit. And, if the experience does spark a taste for more serious fun in the cold (professional ski lessons, for instance), there’s always Ski Dubai an hour down the road, operated by the same team.
