A 400 square metre, state-of-the-art portable ice rink – the first of its kind to be used in the Middle East – has been laid at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) as the venue readies to host the international premier of ‘Fantasy on Ice’, an original production that combines the mystifying world of magic illusion and the unique artistry of ice skating.

Specially tailored for Gulf audiences by the USA’s award-winning Steve Wheeler Productions, the one-hour show will run July 4-15 at ADNEC’s expansive Abu Dhabi Hall as part of the ‘Summer in Abu Dhabi’ family festival.

Using revolutionary aluminium-based technology, a full layer of high-quality ice, capable of accommodating the show’s spectacular cast and their never-before-seen-routines, can be achieved in 18 hours. The company behind the rink, Germany’s Ice Business, offsets the power consumption to maintain the freezing temperatures via green-energy producing windmill-powered plants in Europe.

The ice, which is developed in a five layer process, is 70mm thick upon completion, and is overseen by a 30-strong team from the UAE and Germany.

“To create a full working ice rink in such a short amount of time is a remarkable feat. Fantasy on Ice will be a truly breathtaking show that dazzles, amazes and engages the thousands of fans who will be part of the coolest performance this summer,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, Events Manager, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), which organises the six-week Summer in Abu Dhabi family festival, running until 4th August across the emirate.

Taking to the specially constructed rink will be an international cast of skating stars from the USA, Austria, France, Ukraine, South Africa, Estonia, Canada, Italy and the UK.

Aerial ice artists – Fiona Kirk and Volodymyr Khodakivskyy – will perform awe-inspiring displays high above the rink as top male lead, Zabato Bebe, brings his unique storytelling to the ice in his signature charismatic and highly-athletic performances.

They will be joined by stars, Lucie Stadelmann and Sylvian Longchambon, who will demonstrate spectacular strength and power in a beautifully choreographed tandem act. Audiences will engage in the show’s light-hearted and comic acts.

Adult tickets for Fantasy on Ice are AED200 with children’s tickets, for youngsters under 12 years, costing AED75. They can be bought at ADNEC and via www.boxofficeme.com.>

As part of ADTA’s ‘one-for-one’ promotion around Summer in Abu Dhabi, for every ticket bought, another one is given for free, meaning twice the fun for families.

The show begins daily at 8pm, with doors opening from 7.30pm onwards.

For more information, please log onto www.summerinabudhabi.com
 

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