ABU DHABI// Residents are returning to Mushrif Central Park, which reopened its doors this week after a six-week summer shutdown.
The visitor destination, located at the corner of 15th and 24th streets in the capital, was closed throughout August and the beginning of this month while upgrades were made to its infrastructure.
On Wednesday afternoon, visitors braved the heat and humidity to explore the park’s latest offerings.
Ahmed Mubeen, visiting for the first time with his wife, said he was impressed with the amenities such as prayer rooms and cafe, as well as the “affordable” Dh5 entry fee.
“It’s a nice place to hang out, but not too many people are here yet,” he said.
Other popular features include the memorial Wisdom Garden honouring the legacy of Sheikh Zayed – which now includes English translations of the engraved quotes from the UAE’s Founding President – a botanical garden with native plants, and an animal barn operated by Emirates Park Zoo.
A park spokesman said work during the closure included more power cabling to accommodate events, landscaping improvements and maintenance, and additional signage outlining park rules such as the Dh500 fine for smoking. Minor renovations were also made to indoor areas.
As part of the changes, management announced that after listening to feedback from the public, and the park will be open from 8am to 10pm.
An announcement will soon be made regarding an entertainment schedule and the return of the Ripe Food & Craft Market – which brought more than 50 craft and 25 food vendors to the park on Saturdays before the closure.
Food and beverage options will also soon be expanded to accompany cafe Park Station, Mövenpick Ice Cream, and Burger Bureau restaurant.
Anya, a student at Zayed University, was visiting the park to take photos for a class project.
“It’s the nicest park, compared to all the others,” she said.
The park is one of the oldest and largest green urban areas in the capital, having first opened its doors in 1982 to women and children only.
esamoglou@thenational.ae
