Last updated: July 2026
Ice skating is available throughout the year at Gondolania Ice Arena, giving residents and visitors an indoor escape even during Qatar’s hottest months.
Located inside Villaggio Mall in Aspire Zone, the Olympic-sized rink offers scheduled public skating sessions, with rental skates generally included in the admission price. The public timetable can change according to lessons, training and private events, so always check the latest weekly schedule before travelling.
Whether you are trying ice skating for the first time, searching for a weekend activity with the children or looking for structured skating lessons, here is what you need to know about ice skating in Doha, including the available rinks, current listed prices, session arrangements and clothing rules.
Where can you go ice skating in Doha?
Doha’s ice-skating options fall into three broad categories:
- Gondolania Ice Arena at Villaggio Mall: The main permanent recreational ice rink, offering public sessions throughout the year.
- The ice rink at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena: A specialised sports facility used for competitions, training programmes and occasional public workshops.
- Temporary seasonal attractions: Smaller pop-up rinks may occasionally appear during winter events or seasonal celebrations, but their dates and locations change.
For a regular recreational skating session, Gondolania is the most reliable option. Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena should not be treated as a walk-in public rink unless a specific programme has been announced.
Gondolania Ice Arena at Villaggio Mall
Gondolania Ice Arena is located inside Villaggio Mall in Aspire Zone. The Olympic-sized rink is accredited by the Ice Skating Institute Asia and is used for public skating, training and organised events.
You can combine a skating session with the other attractions inside Gondolania Entertainment City, the mall’s indoor canal, restaurants and shops.
Unlike an attraction that allows entry at any time, the rink operates through scheduled skating sessions. Visitors must enter during an available public slot and leave when that session ends.
Public skating session times
There is no fixed public timetable that applies every day of the year. Session times can change from week to week depending on lessons, ice maintenance, training and private bookings.
Before visiting:
- Check the current weekly schedule on the official Gondolania Ice Arena Instagram account.
- Contact the arena to confirm that the session is open to the public.
- Ask whether advance booking is available or whether tickets are sold at the counter.
- Confirm the session duration and recommended arrival time.
- Check for schedule changes during school holidays and public holidays.
Do not rely on the general opening hours of Villaggio Mall or Gondolania Theme Park, as these do not necessarily match the public ice-skating sessions.
Weekends and school holidays are normally busier, so arriving early for your chosen session can give you more time to collect and fit your skates.
Current listed prices
Prices can change, and Gondolania’s official website does not currently display a complete public-skating price list. As of July 2026, current local venue listings show:
- Adult public skating session: QAR 55
- Children under seven: QAR 65 and accompanied by an adult
- Gloves: QAR 15
- Socks: QAR 10
- Skating aid: QAR 20
Rental skates are generally provided with the skating session. However, visitors should confirm what is included when contacting the arena, particularly if booking for a young child or a group.
The final cost will depend on whether you already have suitable socks and gloves and whether you need a skating aid. Ask whether gloves are compulsory under the current rules rather than treating them as an optional extra.
How to book or enquire
Tickets and enquiries are handled directly by Gondolania Ice Arena. You do not need to use a government application or portal.
Current contact channels include:
- Ice arena telephone: 44507873
- WhatsApp: 74724455
- Email: skating@gondolaniaicearena.com
- Instagram: @gondolaniaicearena
Contact details can change, so check the arena’s official Instagram account or Gondolania’s website before calling.
When contacting the venue, ask for:
- The public-session timetable for your chosen day
- The current admission price
- Age restrictions and adult-accompaniment rules
- Whether skate rental is included
- The latest dress code
- Whether advance reservations are accepted
- Availability and cost of skating aids
- Lesson schedules and prices
Visitors enter through Villaggio Mall and can purchase or confirm their session at the ice-arena counter, subject to availability.
What to wear for ice skating
The rink is cold, and clothing also needs to be suitable for moving safely on the ice.
Wear:
- Long, comfortable trousers or fitted sports trousers
- Socks that cover the ankles
- Gloves
- A long-sleeved top
- A light jacket or hoodie that does not restrict movement
Avoid:
- Shorts or bermuda shorts
- Skirts and dresses
- Very wide or loose trousers
- Long, loose garments that could catch on the skates or trail across the ice
- Long scarves or accessories that may interfere with movement
Loose, floor-length clothing, including some styles of abaya, may not be permitted on the ice for safety reasons. Confirm the current policy directly with the arena before visiting.
Socks are needed inside rental skates. Gloves may also be required to protect the hands from the cold and from contact with the ice during a fall.
Children and complete beginners may also benefit from a suitable helmet and other protective equipment. Ask the arena whether these items are available or permitted.
Ice-skating lessons in Doha
Gondolania Ice Arena supports recreational skating and structured ice-sport training. The rink is accredited by the Ice Skating Institute Asia and has hosted figure-skating and ice-hockey activities.
Lessons may be suitable for:
- Children looking for an after-school or weekend activity
- Adults who want to become more confident on the ice
- Beginners learning balance, stopping and turning
- Skaters interested in figure-skating techniques
- Players interested in the basics of ice hockey
Current lesson prices, class formats, age requirements and coach availability are not published clearly on the public website. Contact the arena directly to ask whether individual, group or other lesson formats are available.
Before enrolling, confirm:
- The minimum age
- The number and duration of sessions
- Whether equipment is included
- The level of the class
- The coach’s availability
- Missed-class and cancellation rules
- Any assessment required before joining
Ice activities at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena
Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena at Al Sadd Sports Club now has a specialised ice rink used by the Qatar Winter Sports Committee.
The venue has hosted ice-hockey activities, curling demonstrations, skating workshops, training programmes and the 2026 National Short Track Speed Skating Championship.
However, it does not currently operate as a permanent walk-in recreational rink with daily public sessions. Access depends on the programme or event being organised.
Follow the Qatar Winter Sports Committee and relevant event organisers for announcements about:
- Public skating workshops
- Ice-hockey programmes
- Curling activities
- Short-track speed-skating events
- Family participation sessions
- Competitions and exhibitions
Always check whether registration is required before travelling to the arena.
Seasonal and temporary ice rinks
Temporary skating attractions may occasionally be announced during winter festivals, festive celebrations or hotel events.
These installations are normally smaller than a permanent ice arena and may use real ice or a synthetic skating surface. Their schedules, admission prices, age restrictions and equipment arrangements vary from one event to another.
Before visiting a temporary rink, confirm:
- The operating dates
- Whether it uses real or synthetic ice
- The session duration
- Whether skates are included
- Age and height restrictions
- The clothing requirements
- The official ticketing or registration platform
Do not assume that a rink advertised during a previous winter will return the following season.
Tips for your first visit
Confirm the schedule
Check the weekly public-skating timetable before leaving home. The mall may be open even when the rink is being used for lessons or a private event.
Arrive early
Allow enough time to purchase your ticket, choose the correct skate size and lace the skates securely before the session begins.
Bring socks and gloves
Even when these items are available to buy at the rink, bringing your own will reduce the final cost.
Wear practical clothing
Choose long, flexible trousers and a light warm layer. Avoid loose clothing that could interfere with the skates.
Use a skating aid carefully
A skating aid can help a nervous beginner find their balance. Ask staff how it should be used and whether it is suitable for the skater’s age and size.
Choose the correct skate size
Rental skates should feel secure around the ankle without causing pain. Ask for a different pair if the skates feel too loose, too tight or damaged.
Supervise young children
Children should remain under close adult supervision, both on the ice and around the rink entrance.
Follow the rink rules
Skate in the indicated direction, avoid sitting on the barriers and do not race, push other skaters or attempt advanced movements during a general public session.
Plan the rest of your visit
Villaggio Mall also offers dining, shopping, indoor entertainment and gondola rides. Aspire Park is nearby, although outdoor activities should be planned according to the weather.
Ice skating remains one of Doha’s most distinctive indoor activities. With the right clothing and a confirmed public session, it can work as a family outing, a social activity with friends or the beginning of a new sport.
For more weekend inspiration, browse the latest events and things to do in Qatar on Qatar Living.
FAQs
How much does ice skating cost in Doha?
As of July 2026, an adult public session at Gondolania Ice Arena is listed at QAR 55. Children under seven are listed at QAR 65 and must be accompanied by an adult.
Current listed additional prices are QAR 15 for gloves, QAR 10 for socks and QAR 20 for a skating aid. Confirm all prices directly with the arena before visiting.
Are rental skates included?
Rental skates are generally included with a public skating session at Gondolania. Confirm this when checking the latest timetable and prices.
You should bring socks to wear inside the skates.
What should I wear?
Wear long, practical trousers, socks, gloves and a light warm layer. Shorts, skirts, dresses and loose garments may not be allowed on the ice.
Confirm the latest dress code directly with the arena, particularly if you plan to wear a loose or floor-length garment.
Are gloves compulsory?
Gloves are strongly recommended and may be required under the rink’s current rules. They help keep your hands warm and protect them if you fall.
Ask the arena for confirmation before visiting.
How do I book a session?
Contact Gondolania Ice Arena by telephone, WhatsApp, email or Instagram to check the weekly timetable and whether reservations are accepted.
Tickets may also be available from the counter, subject to the capacity of the session.
Are ice-skating lessons available?
Gondolania supports skating training and is accredited by the Ice Skating Institute Asia. Contact the arena for current information about figure-skating and ice-hockey lessons, class formats, prices and availability.
Can I skate at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena?
Only when an organised programme or public event is announced. The venue hosts competitions, training and occasional workshops, but it is not currently a regular walk-in recreational rink.
Is ice skating suitable for young children?
It can be, provided the child meets the venue’s requirements and is closely supervised. Children under seven currently have a separate listed price and must be accompanied by an adult.
A skating aid may help beginners, but staff should confirm whether it is appropriate for the child.
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