In Dubai’s desert climate averaging 40c in the summer and mid – high 20C in the winter months, the last place you would expect to see in this desert wonderland would be an ice café! But here in Dubai where all things are possible, Dubai has indeed created a café where the temperature is sub-zero, visitors are required to wear thermal suits and shoes (provided for by the café for a nominal cover charge) and all cutlery, glasses, plates, tables, chairs, chandeliers etc are sculpted out of ice!

It’s an experience not to be missed and located in the Times Square shopping mall next to the famous Dubai Ski Dome located in Mall of the Emirates, complements this theme of snow bound Dubai created by forward thinking and innovative entrepreneurs. Called appropriately ‘Chillout Café’ it has a great menu as well as fantastic ice sculptures of the local landmarks in Dubai such as the famous 7 star hotel The Burj Al Arab.

Chillout café runs at a freezing –6C and is staffed by personnel from cold countries such as Romania and Russia as the more temperate nationalities are less able to withstand the constant sub zero temperatures.

To keep your extremities warm whilst seated and partaking in the delicious fare this café has to offer, the chairs, although made from ice, have acrylic seat pads so the cold does not penetrate parts that you’d rather remained at body temperature! The lighting is run from special LED’s that do not emit heat so as not to compromise the freezing temperatures the ice café operates at. Contrary to popular belief, the inside of the ice café is not wet, maintained at a constant -6C it is a dry cold with no humidity or dripping areas and the flooring is made from special ceramic anti-skid tiles.

There are other countries that run Ice Cafes but surely the Dubai Ice Café, ‘Chillout’ has to be the most ironic place to open. But the relief of stepping into an ice cold environment after being outside in blistering 40+ C heat is quite something and makes this café well worth a visit. For a nominal charge of DHS 60 (which includes a beverage) you will be provided with a thermal suit, disposal gloves and cover shoes to keep you warm whilst sipping on your choice of delicious mock tails, juices or hot coffee or nibbling on cold cuts, sandwiches, ice creams and the like. Then, if it gets too cold for comfort, ask for one of their sheepskin throws to huddle into while you finish your meal.