You won’t believe this, but Abu Dhabi isn’t just about the sand dunes and sunshine, it’s also home to some seriously cool (literally!) indoor winter sports. Yep, we’re talking figure skating, ice hockey, and all things frozen fun. Picture this: you’re gliding across smooth ice while it’s 40°C outside. Wild, right?
Here’s the thing, if you’re looking for new things to do in Abu Dhabi, this one’s a total surprise. The city has built amazing indoor rinks where locals and tourists can skate, spin, and chill (pun totally intended). Whether you’ve always wanted to try figure skating or just want to escape the heat for a few hours, Abu Dhabi’s ice scene might surprise you. So, grab your gloves, lace up those skates, and let’s dive into how you can try figure skating in the heart of the desert.
What figure skating + Indoor winter sports scene looks like in Abu Dhabi
You won’t believe this, but despite the UAE being warm most of the year, Abu Dhabi has full-on indoor ice rinks, skating clubs, and figure skating is growing. A few things I discovered:
- Zayed Sports City Ice Rink is the rink. It’s Olympic-size (ice surface ~1,860 square meters, with ~1,280 seats).
- They host “figure skating, ice hockey, ringette, recreational skating, lessons for beginners through advanced.”
- Entry/session costs: there are public sessions, lesson timings, etc.
So yeah, it’s legit. You can learn, practice, even watch competitions. Plus, there are events like the Union Figure Skating Trophy 2025 at Zayed Sports City. Over 200 top skaters.
Where are these rinks, and what neighborhoods are nearby (so you know where to stay or visit from)
The main rink (Zayed Sports City Ice Rink) is located in Al Rawdah, on Airport Road.
It helps to know about surrounding neighborhoods (so you can figure out transport, stay-vibe, etc). Here are some neighborhoods and what they offer:
| Neighborhood | What Makes It Good | Convenience to Ice Rink & Winter Sports |
| Al Rawdah / Zayed Sports City area | Right where the main rink is. So travel is easy. If you stay near here, you’re closer to the action. | Very convenient, basically walk or short drive to the rink’s location. |
| Al Mushrif | Green, family-friendly, centrally located in Abu Dhabi. Access to parks, schools, cultural spots. | Might be a moderate drive, depends on traffic. Could be a good balance if you want amenities + reasonable access. |
| Khalifa City / Al Raha | More suburban, quieter, newer housing, spacious. In some parts you’re closer to the airport, and to major roads. | You may need to travel a bit to reach Zayed Sports City, but roads are good. If you don’t mind driving ~20-30 mins, it’s doable. |
| Al Khalidiyah, Corniche, Al Maryah, Al Reem Island | These are more central, upscale, lots of amenities, restaurants, beachfronts, etc. | They are farther than Rawdah but still accessible by car or maybe public transport / taxi. If you want more city life, they’re appealing. |
Tips if you want to try figure skating here
So, if you’re thinking “Alright, I want to try this ice thing,” here are some suggestions (from us to you):
- Start with a lesson
Even for basic balance, gliding forward/backward, stopping. The instructors at Zayed Sports City offer beginner lessons. - Gear up lightly
They provide skates rental usually, maybe socks and protective gear. But gloves help, and dress in layers (you’ll feel cold indoors). - Pick good session times
Mornings or non-peak times are less crowded. Plus you’ll have more space to try messing around without feeling watched. Maybe mid-week? - Watch some competitions / shows
Events like the Union Trophy let you see what good skating looks like. Helps with motivation + ideas for moves. - Stay hydrated + warm outside
Because you’ll go from AC-cold to outside heat, dress appropriately, warm-ups are important.
Challenges & things to check out
Because nothing’s perfect, here are a few things to think about:
- Cost: Lessons + skate rentals + possibly membership if you want regular access can add up.
- Scheduling: They often have “ladies only” sessions (nights or specific days), and public vs private times differ. Must check schedule in advance.
- Distance & Transport: If you’re staying far out, commuting to the rink adds time. Traffic might be a factor.
- Temperature shock: Getting used to cold ice surfaces + returning to hot outdoors takes adjustment.
Wrapping It Up
So yeah, figure skating in Abu Dhabi isn’t just some random novelty, it’s a real thing, and it’s growing fast. The city’s got a proper setup for anyone curious enough to try sliding across ice instead of sand. Whether you’re here for a few days or live nearby, grabbing a pair of skates and hitting the ice at Zayed Sports City is a fun way to break the routine.
You’ll leave with tired legs, a few laughs, maybe a bruise or two, but definitely a story worth telling. Who would’ve guessed that one of the best places to chill out in the UAE involves actual ice?
What do you think, would you give it a try next time you’re in Abu Dhabi?
Can anyone try figure skating in Abu Dhabi?
Yep! The rinks welcome beginners, families, and pros. You don’t need any experience, just rent some skates, grab a helmet if you’d like, and give it a go.
Where’s the best place to skate?
Zayed Sports City Ice Rink in Al Rawdah is the main spot. It’s Olympic-sized and offers public sessions, lessons, and even local competitions.
How cold is it inside the rink?
It’s kept around 16–18°C to keep the ice solid. Bring gloves and a light jacket, it feels chilly at first, but you’ll warm up once you start moving.
Do they rent out skates?
Yes! You can rent skates at the rink. They usually have sizes for kids and adults, plus gear like socks or gloves if you need them.
