December is one of the busiest months in the UAE. UAE National Day falls on 2 December, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend follows in early December, and New Year’s Eve and the winter festival season keep venues, brands and event companies busy well into January. Dates and programmes can change, so check official announcements for the events you’re planning around.
For many of these events, fog, cold displays and cold-chain catering all depend on one product: dry ice. This guide explains where it is used, how to plan for the busy season, and how to keep it safe at crowded events.
Why dry ice is popular at UAE events
Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide at about -78.5°C. It turns directly into gas, which is called sublimation. When it meets warm water, it produces thick, low-lying white fog that doesn’t need a machine, so you can place it anywhere you need an effect. It also keeps food and drinks frozen without leaving water behind.
Where dry ice is used at National Day, winter and New Year events
- Entrances and walkways: a low blanket of fog sets the mood as guests arrive.
- Stages and performances: floor-level fog for entrances and reveals.
- Photo spots and brand activations: props, plinths and product displays surrounded by fog.
- Product launches and exhibitions: dramatic reveals and display effects.
- Weddings and private celebrations: first-dance fog and table centrepieces.
- Catering and food service: keeping frozen food, desserts and ice cream cold at outdoor and temporary venues.
- Drinks and hospitality: visual effects around drinks, handled with the rules below.
You can read more about dry ice for events on our applications page.
Plan early: the busy-season timeline
Peak weekends are the hardest time to find supplies at short notice, so plan ahead.
Two to three weeks before
- Decide where effects will go and what you need.
- Confirm who on your team will handle dry ice.
- Contact your supplier with your date, location and the effects you want.
A few days before
- Confirm quantity, size (pellets or blocks), and the delivery or collection time.
- Prepare insulated containers, gloves, tools and warm water for fog.
- Brief your team.
On the day
- Collect or receive the dry ice as close to the start time as you can, because it sublimates over time.
- Test one effect before doors open.
- Plan restocking for the evening, away from public areas.
After the event
- Leave leftovers outdoors or in a well-ventilated place to sublimate.
- Don’t dispose of dry ice in sinks, toilets or sealed bins.
Pellets or blocks?
Pellets are easy to portion and work well for fog. Blocks and slices last longer, which helps if you need to store dry ice before an event or keep food cold for hours. Read our guide to dry ice pellet and block sizes before you order.
How much dry ice do you need?
It depends on the number of effects, how long they must run, the size of the space, the water temperature and how thick you want the fog. Warmer water gives denser fog but uses the dry ice up faster. Outdoors, wind and open space thin the fog quickly, so effects in open air usually need more care and more dry ice than effects in enclosed areas.
Tell us your event type, venue, duration and the effect you want, and we’ll recommend a quantity.
Safety at crowded and outdoor events
Dry ice is safe when handled properly, but events add risks because many people are around.
- Ventilation first. Dry ice releases carbon dioxide, which is heavier than air and settles in low areas. Be careful in tents, marquees, tunnels, corridors, back-of-house rooms and vehicles. Don’t use large amounts in any enclosed space.
- Keep guests away from it. Dry ice can cause cold burns on contact. Put fog containers out of reach, and keep children away completely.
- Brief your staff. Gloves, no bare hands, no sealed containers, no swallowing, and what to do if someone is hurt. Use proper cryogenic gloves, plus a handling shovel or tongs.
- Handle drinks with extra care. Never let anyone swallow dry ice, and make sure it has completely disappeared before a guest drinks. Keep it in an outer bowl around the drink where possible. Bars can use swizzle sticks made for dry ice.
- Never seal it in an airtight container. The gas builds pressure. Use an insulated container that is not airtight.
- Check local requirements for effects and food service with your venue and the relevant authorities.
Keeping catering cold at winter events
Cooler weather doesn’t remove the need for a cold chain at outdoor events, especially when food waits in the sun or in temporary kitchens. Dry ice keeps frozen items frozen, while gel packs suit chilled items. Ask us which suits your menu.
What about liquid nitrogen?
Liquid nitrogen is a different product. It is much colder, at about -196°C, and needs special containers and trained handlers. It is not suitable for casual use at a crowded event. If your business or laboratory has trained staff and a real need for it, contact us to discuss supply.
Event checklist
- Effects planned and positioned away from guests
- Quantity and size confirmed with your supplier
- Delivery or collection time agreed
- Insulated containers, gloves and tools ready
- Staff briefed on safety
- Ventilation checked, especially in tents and enclosed areas
- Restocking plan in place
- Venue requirements confirmed
Frequently asked questions
Is dry ice safe for crowded events?
Yes, when it is managed properly: trained staff, ventilation, safe containers and no guest handling.
Can we use dry ice in a tent or marquee?
Be careful. Carbon dioxide settles in low areas of enclosed spaces. Use small amounts, make sure there is airflow, and get your venue’s approval.
How far ahead should we order for December events?
As early as you can, especially for busy weekends. Contact us with your date and location.
How long does dry ice fog last outdoors?
Wind and open air thin the fog quickly. Each batch lasts a limited time, so plan to top it up.
Can we put dry ice in drinks?
Never let anyone swallow it. If it is used near a drink, keep it in an outer bowl and make sure it has completely gone before serving.
Can I get dry ice near me for a last-minute event?
Contact us with your location and date to confirm availability. See our page on dry ice near me in the UAE.
Do you supply dry ice for events in Dubai?
Yes. Learn more about dry ice in Dubai and what we supply.
Order dry ice for your event from IceJet
Planning a National Day, Grand Prix weekend, New Year’s Eve or winter event anywhere in the UAE? Share your date, venue and the effects you want, and we’ll help you choose the right product and quantity. Contact us or message us on WhatsApp.
