'I went from skiing in Arctic weather to relaxing on the beach all in one day'

31 August 2023 , 11:24

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Josh Sandiford took a trip to Abu Dhabi (Image: DAILY MIRROR)

Just minutes after escaping the steamy 40C temperatures my fingers were frozen to the bone.

I had already become accustomed to Arctic air-conditioning but this was more like stepping into a parallel world. That’s the magic of Snow Abu Dhabi, a surreal year-round winter wonderland bringing a touch of frost to a usually boiling part of the Middle East.

In what felt like minutes, I went from being drenched in sweat to kitted out and cosy in bulky ski gear. The new family-friendly venue, on Level 2 of Reem Mall on Al Reem Island, is among the largest snow parks in the world, covering 105,700 sq ft, and has 20 amazing rides and attractions.

In a constant climate of -2C, visitors can launch themselves down two icy giant slopes, ride the Polar Express Train, the Crystal Carousel, the Magic Carpet and Flight of the Snowy Owl, and eat in the Ice Cafe,

While Abu Dhabi has long been a financial powerhouse, tourism bosses are increasingly keen to show it can also compete with glamorous neighbour Dubai when it comes to amazing leisure experiences. It’s hoped visitors will spend a ‘spectacular summer’ experiencing its majestic landmarks, tranquil white sand beaches and thrilling theme parks and attractions.

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'I went from skiing in Arctic weather to relaxing on the beach all in one day'

Abu Dhabi is more than the soaring skyline (Shutterstock / prochasson frederic)

But before embarking on its other adrenaline-pumping escapades, I journeyed back in time to discover how the oil-rich desert metropolis transformed from its humble fishing roots. The Heritage Village on Marina Mall Island shows a traditional way of life in the desert with an old-world souk, a mosque and camp, and with demonstrations of crafts including glass-blowing and weaving fabric on a loom. Life before it morphed into the Manhattan of the Middle East – if New York had 200 individual natural islands, of course.

And it’s not just the US skyline this enterprising nation has borrowed from. Located on Saadiyat Island, The Louvre Abu Dhabi, established with help from the French, became the Arab world’s most-visited museum within two years of opening in 2017.

Its permanent collection comprises 700 works from every period and civilisation, with another 300 on loan from partner museums. The contents fight for attention with the building itself, designed by Jean Nouvel. Bright white walls left me dazzled, while its party-piece roof simulates the effect of date palm fronds found in an oasis (louvreabudhabi.ae).

On the same island, Saadiyat Beach Club is a seriously cool place to relax and enjoy the Middle Eastern sunshine. It occupies a tranquil setting, on a private Blue Flag beach where you might see dolphins playing in the bay or hawksbill turtles on the shore.

With Balinese beds, private cabanas, infinity pools and spa services, you will feel a million dirhams as you people-watch and sip on cocktails – yes, alcohol is readily available in hotel restaurants and private beach clubs.

Josh spent a day whizzing down the slopes at Snow Abu Dhabi (DAILY MIRROR)

An impressive welcome to Abu Dhabi island between Mussafah Bridge and Maqta Bridge, is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest and most striking in the world. This modern masterpiece of Islamic architecture has more than 1,000 columns, 82 domes, 24 carat gold chandeliers and houses the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet. You cannot fail to be impressed, especially at night when it is beautifully lit up.

The vision of Sheikh Zayed, founding father of the UAE, who wanted a cultural haven, it is open to non-Muslims and is his final resting place. Another must-see is The Founder’s Memorial, a tribute to the Sheikh. Its centrepiece, The Constellation, features a 3D portrait of him and 1,327 geometric shapes suspended on cables which shine like stars at night.

My jaw-dropping base for the trip was the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. Dripping in crystal chandeliers and with jewel-encrusted ceilings, all 69 storeys of the glass-fronted towers are supremely decadent. My double room had a seating area, remote control for the lighting and curtains, and enormous windows to make the most of the sea views.

There are 12 dining options, three pools, a private beach and a spa. There’s a gorgeous cocktail bar on the 62nd floor plus an observation deck that offers the city’s highest vantage point. On the final day of my trip I checked out the go-karting station at Yas Marina Circuit – venue of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Letting loose at speeds of 56mph around a palm tree-lined track really gets the pulse racing. Although my race suit left me drenched in sweat, it was one of the most exciting things I’ve ever done on holiday.

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So much more than just sun and sand, a trip to Abu Dhabi is a dazzling wonder of extraordinary attractions, experiences and culture. With its phenomenal wealth, gorgeous weather and the wow-factor at every turn, you won’t believe your eyes.