From Prehistoric Glaciers to a Crystal Glass in Dubai: How ARCTIC ICE, a Greenland-Based Start-Up, Harvests Arctic Ice for the UAE
In the untouched wilderness of Greenland, glacial ice has been used for centuries in ways both practical and unexpected. Traditionally, it has served to preserve food and chill beverages, but today, visionary companies are elevating its purpose—transforming millennia-old ice into ultra-premium bottled water, artisanal beers, and even luxury vodka.
One such company is Greenland Ice Cap Productions, which harvests glacial ice under government authorization and supplies it to Premium Glacier, a Canadian firm that refines and distributes these high-end products. While numerous entrepreneurs have attempted to export Greenland’s glacial ice for use in beverages, none have succeeded—until now.
ARCTIC ICE
Based in Greenland, it is a startup that was founded in 2022 by Malik V Rasmussen.
Arctic Ice: Redefining Luxury with Glacial Purity
Recently, Arctic Ice, a Greenland-based start-up, achieved what others could not: the first successful export of Greenlandic glacial ice. Earlier this year, the company shipped its inaugural batch—20 metric tons of pristine Arctic ice—to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), destined for the most exclusive hotels, bars, and restaurants in the region.
What makes this ice so extraordinary? According to Arctic Ice, it originates from Arctic glaciers that have remained frozen for over 100,000 years. Unlike standard ice, this natural glacial ice has never been exposed to soil or human-made pollutants, making it the purest H₂O on Earth. Not only is it free from impurities, but it also melts significantly slower than conventional ice cubes used in Dubai’s luxury venues, ensuring a superior drinking experience.
Harvesting Perfection: The Journey of Arctic Ice
The ice is meticulously sourced from naturally calved icebergs that break off Greenland’s glaciers and drift into Nuuk Fjord. Each iceberg undergoes a rigorous selection and inspection process before being carefully harvested by specialized vessels. Importantly, Arctic Ice does not extract ice directly from glaciers, ensuring minimal environmental impact. While millions of tons of icebergs break away from glaciers each year, the company maintains that its operations remain small-scale and sustainable—though the long-term ecological impact will depend on future expansion.
Once onboard, the ice is processed using food-grade equipment, including chainsaws, saws, and hammers, before being cut into smaller pieces and packed into insulated, food-safe containers for transport. Representative samples from each iceberg undergo laboratory testing to ensure compliance with strict food safety standards.
But then, how does ice get to the United Arab Emirates from Greenland?
From Greenland to Dubai: A 9,000-Nautical-Mile Voyage
Transporting this Arctic treasure to the UAE requires a highly specialized logistics chain. The journey begins with Eimskip, an Icelandic shipping company, which first transports the ice to Denmark. From there, it is transferred to another vessel bound for Dubai, navigating through Europe and the Suez Canal—a 9,000-nautical-mile route spanning 19 days.
Arctic Ice emphasizes that its shipment to Denmark is "low-carbon-intensive," as Greenland imports far more than it exports. The ice is transported in containers that would otherwise leave the country empty, making the process more sustainable.
The Ultimate Cocktail Experience
Upon arrival in the UAE, the glacial ice undergoes another round of quality inspections before being distributed to the country’s most prestigious hospitality establishments. Used in the world’s most exclusive cocktail bars, this ice offers an unparalleled drinking experience. Unlike conventional ice made from tap or mineral water, Arctic iceberg ice has little to no taste, ensuring that the delicate flavors of high-end cocktails remain unaltered as it melts. Additionally, its dense structure allows it to melt more slowly, preserving the integrity of a drink for an extended period—an essential feature for premium mixology.
A Sip of Natural History
The next time you visit Dubai and you indulge in a cocktail at a prestigious hotel, bar, or restaurant, take a moment to appreciate that you’re not just savoring an expertly crafted drink—you’re also experiencing a piece of Earth's natural history. With every crystal-clear iceberg fragment in your glass, you're tasting a story that began over 100,000 years ago in the frozen heart of the Arctic.
Luxury, Reinvented
The UAE continues to redefine the boundaries of opulence and exclusivity. Today, it is not just a symbol of wealth and grandeur but also a playground for innovation in luxury experiences. The arrival of Greenlandic glacial ice in Dubai is yet another testament to the nation’s pursuit of the extraordinary.