Need a break from the city? Or do you simply want to be in shape for free?Unwind on a spot of grass with our helpful directions.
Just don’t forget your picnic basket and, even though it’s cooler now, don’t forget the hat and sunglasses.
Quranic Park
Quranic Park, located near Al Khawaneej, is one of Dubai’s newest parks. The Quranic Park aims to provide a greater cultural and educational knowledge of Islamic history while also being a fun destination for children, families, and people interested to discover more about the Holy Quran.
The park is 60-hectares in size, but it has two primary attractions that provide tourists a bright, trained glimpse into the many areas of the Holy Quran: the Cave of Miracles and The Glasshouse.
Aside from the stunning plants in the Glasshouse, there are growing plants, flowers, and trees throughout the park, as well as orchards. The orchards are scattered around the park, but search for signboards decorated with gold Arabic writing that will send you in the proper way.
One Coffee House, a charming cafe with friendly staff providing coffee, chocolates, and pastries, is located in one of the park’s corners. A little playground for kids is located directly next to the café, so they could be entertained while you eat.
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Mamzar is a quiet gem and an unsung hero of Dubai’s parks. It is a lushly planted park and immaculate beach all tied into one, perched beautifully on a cliff at the mouth of Khor al-Mamzar near Sharjah.
It spans 99 hectares and includes four beaches, a big groomed grass, swimming pools, an amphitheatre, children’s playgrounds, basketball courts, and football and volleyball fields. If you choose, you can even rent a cottage or cruise along the park’s huge network of bicycle lanes. You may also be ensured of shade with 1,600 palm trees and 300 coconut trees.
The park’s 28 BBQ locations, still and a 12-foot concrete half pipe that is highly popular with the city’s skate scene, are two highlights. Anyone who has a child who enjoys kick-flips and ollies will see the appeal.
There are now 15 park chalets available for rent by the day. There are five big chalets that will fit up to 12 people for Dhs200 per day, while the other ten smaller chalets can accommodate up to eight people for Dhs150 per day. Sunday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Thursday through Saturday and public holidays from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Small kiosks offering drinks, ice cream, and other delights are scattered around the park, but picnics and grills are the primary appeal.
Sunday to Wednesday 8am to 10pm, Thursday to Saturday (and official holidays) 8am to 11pm, Al Khaleej Street, Al Mamzar Entry is Dhs5 per person, with free entry for persons of determination and children under the age of two.
Al Barsha Pond Park
Don’t be put off by the simple reality that this is one of Dubai’s lesser parks. There’s much to keep you engaged, not least the big centre man-made lake that it’s constructed around.
To begin, there is a 1.5-kilometer cushioned running track and someone with cycle route that ring the lake. There are further tennis courts, fitness equipment, motorcycle rentals, children’s play areas, bouncy castles, and pedal boats available for rent.
Therefore, if getting in shape is your aim, you could do much worse than going Al Barsha Pond Park on a regular basis. Tennis courts, football fields, and volleyball courts can all be reserved at the onsite office.
Creek Park
Beautiful green lawns, botanical gardens, playgrounds for children, train rides, BBQ spaces, restaurants, and burger stalls are only the beginning. A variety of unusual attractions may be found across one of Dubai’s largest parks. There’s a mini golf course and go-kart track, along with a paved promenade and theatre and the park’s own cable car. The latter, suspended 30 metres in the air, extends for 2.3 km along the length of the park and offers amazing perspectives of Old Dubai’s skyline.
Safa Park
Safa Park, a Dubai classic that first opened in 1975, may be lower in size than it previously was, but it still has a central-city environment.
It is beautifully manicured and located just off Sheikh Zayed Road, with lakes, trees, more than 200 kinds of birds, and stunning views of both the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Water Canal. The latter currently runs through one side of the park and is primarily blamed for its shrinkage.
What stays however, is happiness. Its barbecue spaces and play areas are some of the nicest in the city, and grassy lawns occupy nearly 80% of the park, making it perfect for picnics and social events. One of its appealing features is a 3.5-kilometer spongy running track that around the park’s perimeter. It’s difficult to beat as a scenic running route within Dubai’s racing community.
8am to 10pm everyday, Al Wasl Road and Al Hadiqa Street, Dhs3 entrance, free for people of determination and children under two.
Zabeel Park
In recent years, Zabeel Park has grown. This public park is no longer just a green place with the normal variety of facilities; it is a highly 21st Century space. It is the size of 45 football fields and is remarkably peaceful considering its proximity to some of Dubai’s busiest crossroads. Grilling and picnic sites, restaurants and boat rides, a running track and health building, botanical and horticultural areas, and a cricket pitch that may be reserved for matches are all available.
But that’s only the start. There are three zones: the Alternative Energy Zone, the Communications Zone, and the Techno Zone, which are all technology-based and contain educational and interactive displays. Dubai Garden Glow, with its animatronic dinosaurs and glow-in-the-dark garden made of 10 million energy-saving illumination and yards of recycled luminous cloth, is another option.
Last but not least is The Dubai Frame, the city’s eye-catching architectural feature. It is a truly amazing spectacle, with incredible views of both old and current Dubai. It is 150 metres tall and has a glass floor all over much of its 93-meter-long bridge, so if you have vertigo, you may have difficulty walking on the glass. What is the best solution? Don’t lower your gaze.
Bark Park
Because it is illegal to walk your dog off-leash, the rightfully titled Bark Park is a paradise for pet fans. The Dubai government has verified and approved the desert park as a completely fenced, clean, and private location for dogs to exercise and socialise off leash.
It is divided into areas for little and large dogs, allowing all canines to play and explore without being frightened by their larger counterparts, and it is brightly illuminating at night, which is an added plus.
A huge chlorine-free swimming pool for large dogs, a cool down pool for smaller dogs, agility equipment and obstacles, shaded spots to relax in, and a shop for completing up on all your four-legged friends’ favourite things are among the amenities.
Dubai Police Academy Park
Dubai Police Academy Park, off Umm Sequim Street, is located near to Dubai Police Academy and is perfect for an inner-city avenue without having to travel too far out of town.
While it’s quiet during the week, it comes alive on weekends because to the introduction of The Ripe Market, which runs on weekends. There are many shops to explore, with everything from organic produce and freshly baked breads to stalls brimming with vibrant clothes, charming beach cover ups, eccentric created jewellery, handpainted artwork, crafts, and more.
When it comes to entertainment, The Ripe Market has something for everyone, with yoga sessions, kids’ activities, a petting zoo, horseback riding, workshops, and live music.
