Emirates Sports Ice Rink to unveil world-class arena in May 2025

Excitement is building as Dubai prepares to welcome a dazzling new addition to its sports and leisure scene — the Emirates Sports Ice Rink.

Built and managed by Emirates Sports Group, the Middle East’s first professional ice rink and world-class facility is set to open its doors in May 2025.

Positioned as a state-of-the-art facility, the ice rink promises to become a vibrant hub for skaters of all ages and skill levels.

The modern complex will feature an international standard ice rink and advanced amenities designed to host everything from professional ice hockey matches to international figure skating events.

“We firmly believe that the establishment of the first professional ice rink will revolutionize the landscape of winter sports in the region,” said Vladimir Burdun, CEO of Emirates Sports.

“The Emiratis have been playing hockey for a long time, and this new arena will undoubtedly offer significant support to the national team.

“We’ve already initiated discussions with the UAE Winter Sports Federation to establish this facility as a dedicated training base for both the national figure skating and ice hockey teams ahead of major events and world championships.”

Having the capacity of 526 standard and 44 VIP seats, the rink will also host events including regular Emirates Ice Hockey League matches and figure skating competitions.

“Additionally, plans are in motion to host President’s Cup events at the Emirates Sports Ice Rink, further supporting the local community and contributing to the sustained development of ice hockey and figure skating in the UAE.

“Currently, there is no dedicated ice sports academy in Dubai, with the existing academies located in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. This new facility will fill that gap, serving as a hub for aspiring athletes.

“The ice rink will also feature designated facilities for female players and coaches, ensuring a comfortable and professional environment.

“Moreover, we plan to organize dedicated matches for women’s teams, which will play a pivotal role in increasing interest and participation among female athletes,” he added.

While the public has long cherished iconic ice rinks such as the Dubai Mall Ice Rink, Al Nasr, and Coca-Cola Arena, this new facility marks a transformative step forward. Specifically engineered for elite athletes, Emirates Sports Ice Rink will maintain optimal ice temperatures at international standards, ensuring a flawless surface that meets the demands of professional training and competitive play.

“A key highlight of the facility is its carefully regulated temperature, consistently maintained between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius — a standard that significantly surpasses existing ice rinks in the region,” said Daria Ratobylskaya, CFO of Emirates Sports.

“This attention to detail ensures an optimal environment for high-performance training and international-level competition,” she added.

Ice hockey’s journey in the UAE began modestly with expatriates sharing their passion for the sport at makeshift rinks. Burdun was the first to start developing hockey in the UAE 20 years ago and brought it to a professional level.

The formation of the Dubai Mighty Camels in 1994 marked a pivotal moment, establishing the region’s first organised hockey team. The Emirates Ice Hockey League, established in 2009 under the governance of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and the support of the UAE sports authorities, has played a critical role in formalizing competitions and nurturing local talent.

Currently, the EIHL features six competitive teams with players representing 20 countries.

Dubai Mighty Camels, Abu Dhabi Shaheen Falcons, Abu Dhabi Storms, Al Ain Theebs, Galaxy Warriors, and Dubai White Bears are among the best-known teams in the UAE.

“We are looking forward to launching the Emirates Sports Ice Rink as a spectacular event, featuring NHL stars and exhibition matches adding to the excitement,” added Ratobylskaya.

“The ice rink has been a vision three years in the making, as we want to elevate the standard of sports in the UAE,” said Viktorija Burdun, COO of Emirates Sports Group.

“The launch has been highly anticipated, and we are receiving an overwhelming number of enquiries regarding the opening.

“This reflects the immense interest and excitement surrounding this initiative. We are actively engaged in discussions with federations and government bodies from several countries, all of whom are eager to experience what we have to offer.

“Many of these organizations have expressed a strong desire to collaborate with us to bring similar top-notch facilities to their own regions.

“These conversations are not only promising but also highlight the global appeal and potential impact of our initiative. We are confident that these partnerships will pave the way for a new era of excellence and innovation on an international scale,” she added.