Video: Impressive ice sculptures at Dubai Garden Glow

It took 500,000 hours to build the entire sculpture park into an inspiring piece of art.

About 4000 years ago, Inuits travelled across Alaska, Canada, and Greenland, and started building ice and snow houses for shelter, known today as igloos. Records dating back to 600 BC revealed that in the highlands of northwest China, farmers would flood their fields with water and then wait for it to freeze over. They would then harvest blocks of ice and store them in insulated facilities to preserve perishable food items. In Ancient Rome and India, the wealthy used ice to eat and drink extravagantly. In the 1600s, fishermen in the northeastern Chinese province of Heilongjiang began molding lanterns from ice. They would freeze water inside buckets, remove them, and insert the candles. As years went by, the usage of ice spread across all lands.

In 2017, impressive ice sculptures have been carved in Dubai by over 150 talented artist to raise awareness about global warming. It took 500,000 hours to build the entire sculpture park into an inspiring piece of art. These crystallise pieces showcase the artists' technical dexterity. Although these sculptures might look functional and fun, it holds lots of intricacies and symbolism.

Artists used tools ranging from chainsaws, handsaws, hairdryers, irons, and chisels to carve the ice and worked in ultra-cold environment to guard against melting. These artists have taken their work to big proportions, implemented their creative vision, and technical skills. How exactly do such clever artists transform ice into art? Have a look at these images, better yet - visit Dubai Garden Glow latest attraction.

Artists weren't just limited to the ice park, in fact, the entire glow-in-the-dark park has been handmade. Over 500 people contributed over 1 million man hours to create the luminous work of art. The structures have been designed and created by hand, utilizing approximately 10 million LED lights and endless yards of recycled luminous fabric. The artists have seamlessly integrated the fabric and lights to create color, movement, texture, design statement, and bring the space to life. Dubai Garden Glow's new season is unusual and distinct.

When visiting the space - take the time to explore each creation, it might just inspire you to create something of your own.

Tickets to Dubai Garden Glow costs Dh60 per head. Children under three go free. Entry fee to the Ice Park is Dh40. For more details, visit http://www.dubaigardenglow.com/

• UAE
• KT Engage