Abu Dhabi’s Khalidiyah Park reopened in March after a two-year redevelopment, offering a reminder of the range of experiences UAE public parks offer.
From barbecue spots and children’s play areas to contemplative waterfront walks, birdwatching and coastal getaways, there is plenty to see and do.
Here are 11 parks across the UAE worth visiting.
Abu Dhabi
1. Khalidiyah Park
Best for: Family time, walking and light exercise
The revamped Khalidiyah Park offers 660-metre cooled walkway, children’s play areas, sports courts, an amphitheatre and a central gathering zone. It all makes for a modern neighbourhood park that provides a moment of calm and green in a largely bustling urban neighbourhood.
Daily, 8am-11pm; free entry; Al Khalidiyah
2. Umm Al Emarat Park
Best for: Family outings, evening walks and time on the lawn
One of Abu Dhabi’s most established parks, the erstwhile Mushrif Park has been a family haven for over four decades.
Relaunched as Umm Al Emarat Park in 2016, it has been upgraded with a manicured central lawn, botanic areas, children’s spaces, an amphitheatre and food trucks.
That mix allows it to offer various experiences, from family day outs and business meetings in the cafe to cultural experiences and sprawling grounds for power walkers looking to expend energy.
Daily, 8am-midnight; entry from Dh5; 15th Street, Al Mushrif
3. Reem Central Park
Best for: Waterfront walks, picnics and skating meet-ups
The park sits near the waterfront hugging Al Reem Island and its picnic areas make it a popular meet-up space for the community's residents. It is also a great place to shoot hoops on the basketball court and skate, with purpose-built ramps for Abu Dhabi skateboarders.
Daily, open 24 hours; free entry; Al Reem Island
4. Jubail Mangrove Park
Best for: Quiet walks and nature-spotting
It’s all about that scenic boardwalk at Jubail Mangrove Park, with its fauna and birdlife making it a fine place for those seeking some quiet time amid nature. Booking is encouraged, with the boardwalk ticket currently listed at Dh15.
Daily, 7am-9pm; from Dh15; Jubail Island
Dubai
5. Quranic Park
Best for: Quiet walks and educational family visits
Built across 60 hectares, this is a cultural destination in its own right. It features about 30 plants mentioned in the Quran and Hadiths, the recorded sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, including figs, olives, pomegranates and ginger. While entry is free, features such as the Glass House and Cave of Miracles charge Dh5 each, with the former essentially an audiovisual exhibition depicting some of the miracles attributed to Muslim prophets.
Daily, 9am-9pm; free entry; Al Khawaneej
6. Mushrif Park
Best for: Cycling, barbecues and long afternoons outdoors
Mushrif Park is made for languid weekend afternoons, with shaded picnic areas, open spaces, barbecue spots, as well as cycling and jogging routes.
Daily, 8am-11pm; Dh3 per person or Dh10 per car; Al Khawaneej Street, Mushrif
7. Al Mamzar Beach Park
Best for: Beach days, picnics and evening walks
Al Mamzar Beach Park is a long-time favourite for families as it combines five separate beach spaces with palm trees, making it a spot for picnics, a chance to play some sports or do some diving near the shoreline. It is also a great spot for evening strolls during the cool months.
It also has ladies-only days, every Monday and Wednesday.
Sunday to Wednesday, 8am-10pm, Thursday to Saturday and public holidays, 8am-11pm; Dh5 per person or Dh30 per car; Al Mamzar
Sharjah
8. Sharjah National Park
Best for: Family gatherings, barbecues and children’s play
One of the emirate’s largest family parks, this often finds children gambolling in its shaded play areas with jungle gyms, rope ladders and swings. Those looking for some respite can enjoy the duck pond and a mini-zoo home to deer, goats and various birds.
Daily, 8am-10pm; Dh6, free for children under 5; Al Dhaid Street, Al Qarayen
9. Al Majaz Waterfront
Best for: Evening walks, family outings and after-dark activities
Alongside the scenic Khalid Lagoon, the centrepiece of this family-friendly park is the Sharjah Musical Fountain, which hosts water, light and sound shows most evenings after sunset. You will hear the sound of joyous children as they run through water jets in the mini splash park, while adults can engage in an 18-round course of miniature golf. The waterfront is also home to restaurants and cafes. Some attractions are chargeable, although the park is accessible at no cost.
Saturday to Wednesday, 10am-midnight, Thursday and Friday, 10am-1am; free entry; Khalid Lagoon, Al Majaz
Northern Emirates
10. Saqr Park, Ras Al Khaimah
Best for: Casual family outings and children’s activities
Celebrating 35 years, Saqr is one of the largest public parks in Ras Al Khaimah and a community hub for families. There is an artificial lake with cascading water where you can rent pedal boats, plus a skatepark, shaded green spaces and dedicated barbecue spots. A miniature train offers tours of the expansive grounds, which span 47 hectares.
Saturday to Thursday, 7:30am-11pm, Friday, 7.30am-midnight; Dh5 per person, Dh20 for parking; Airport Road, Al Kharan
11. Umbrella Beach and park, Fujairah
Best for: Evening walks and family picnics
Though better known for the beach, the park itself runs along Fujairah’s seafront, with manicured green spaces and views of the Gulf of Oman. It is popular among local residents and also worth the trip from other emirates for its access to family picnic and barbecue areas, seaside strolls and children’s play areas.
Daily, open 24 hours; free entry; Fujairah Corniche
