After seven years of planning, three years of construction and an investment of Dh179 million, we finally get to see the new Mushrif Central Park today. Given its previous designation as a park for women and children only, many will never have seen it, but such is the scale of the transformation that even previously regular visitors will not recognise it.
One change is that it will be open to everyone, with the goal of the ambitious design being to offer something to every visitor. There is a petting zoo, an amphitheatre that can accommodate 2,500 people, a botanical garden and shade house, and an inspiration garden enscribed with quotes from Sheikh Zayed.
One cannot help but feel that the UAE’s founding father, who was known for putting so much energy into making the capital a true oasis of greenery, would approve of what has been achieved. As for the rest of us, expect an endorsement through its popularity.
