A 400 sq m 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) for the international premier of an ice skating event.

Fantasy on Ice, an original production that combines the mystifying world of magic illusion and the unique artistry of ice skating, is specially tailored for Gulf audiences, said a statement.

Created by US-based Steve Wheeler Productions, the one-hour show will run from July 4 to 15 at Adnec’s Abu Dhabi Hall as part of the Summer in Abu Dhabi family festival running until August 4, organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA).

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 statement said.

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,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, events manager, ADTA.

“Fantasy on Ice will be a truly breathtaking show that dazzles, amazes and engages thousands of fans,” he added.

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, the statement said.

They will be joined by stars, Lucie Stadelmann and Sylvian Longchambon, who will perform in a choreographed tandem act. – TradeArabia News Service