Ice Mall | Eilat

Information
Landmark: Ice Mall
City: Eilat
Country: Israel
Continent: Asia

Ice Mall, Eilat, Israel, Asia

The Ice Mall is a major duty-free commercial and entertainment center located in the northern hotel district of Eilat. It is distinguished by a centralized Olympic-sized ice skating rink and a geodesic dome architecture that maintains a sub-zero climate in the desert environment.

Visual Characteristics

The mall is a two-story circular structure capped by a massive glass and steel geodesic dome. Its centerpiece is an 1,800-square-meter ice rink on the ground floor, visible from all interior corridors and upper-level balconies. The interior features modern retail facades, glass elevators, and a mix of synthetic and natural lighting. The refrigeration system maintains the ice surface while the surrounding areas are climate-controlled for visitor comfort.

Location & Access Logistics

The complex is located at 8 Kampen Street, approximately 2km northeast of the Eilat city center. It is situated adjacent to the eastern lagoon in the North Beach area. Drivers can access the mall via Highway 90, turning onto the local hotel district roads. Free multi-level parking is provided on-site. Public transport options include municipal bus lines 1, 2, and 5, which serve stops within walking distance of the main entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Opened in 2012, the Ice Mall was developed to provide a multi-purpose indoor attraction for Eilat's domestic and international tourism markets. It was engineered specifically to withstand the extreme heat of the Arava Desert, utilizing high-efficiency cooling technology to sustain the ice rink. The mall operates under Eilat's "Free Trade Zone" status, established by the State of Israel to promote regional economic growth through VAT-exempt retail.

Key Highlights & Activities

Ice skating sessions are available for all ages, with skate rentals provided on-site. The "Ice Play" and "Babylon Park" sections offer amusement rides, including a zip coaster, a human claw machine, and bumper cars. Additional activities include a 7D cinema, a laser tag arena, and a flight simulator. The mall contains over 150 retail stores and regular figure skating performances are held in the central arena.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The mall features a comprehensive food court on the second floor, along with various cafes and restaurants surrounding the ice rink. Public restrooms, baby changing facilities, and prayer rooms are located on both levels. The entire building is wheelchair accessible with elevators and ramps. There is full 5G cellular signal throughout the dome, and visitors have access to free public Wi-Fi.

Best Time to Visit

The mall is most utilized during the peak heat hours of 12:00 to 17:00 as a climate refuge. To avoid crowds, early morning (09:30–11:00) or late evening (21:00–23:00) visits are preferable. Photography is most effective during the day when the glass dome allows for natural light to illuminate the central rink without the glare of artificial night lighting.

Facts & Legends

The Ice Mall is one of only a few shopping centers globally to house a full-sized Olympic ice rink within a geodesic dome in a desert climate. A unique local feature is the VAT-free status, which makes it a primary destination for Israelis from the north seeking electronics and luxury goods at lower prices. The mall frequently hosts diverse sporting events, ranging from international figure skating to the finish lines of national cycling races.