We know there are lots of animal-lovers in Abu Dhabi.
Owning a pet has proven psychological benefits and being able to get out and take your dog for a walk encourages overall well-being. But you might be wondering: where are the dog-friendly places in Abu Dhabi?
While there may have been only a few places to take your dog in the past, that has started to change. Over the last couple of years, the capital has really opened itself up to its dog owning residents.
Not everyone has a villa with space for their pet to romp and play, so owners will be happy to know that more and more the emirate is accommodating their dogs at a variety of venues.
From a lazy morning coffee outside a café or running on the beach, there is a growing number of places where more time can be spent with your best friend, making the city even more appealing for expats.
Here are the most dog-friendly places in Abu Dhabi.
Beaches
Kite Beach
A little off the beaten track, this accessible beach doesn’t require a 4×4 and is easy to get to. Kite Beach provides the perfect spot to spend a lazy weekend hanging out with with your dog. Go for a leisurely stroll or let them run loose in the surf for some exercise, either way you’re guaranteed to recharge your batteries with a quick escape from the city at this dog-friendly beach.
Off the Sheikh Khalifa Highway, Yas Island (no number).
Cafes and restaurants
Coffee Architecture
Situated on Reem Island, not only does this café offer the chance to enjoy a cuppa that is pure art, but your furry friend can join you while you relax as dogs are welcome at the outside tables all day long. Head to this dog-friendly café with Fido, you won’t regret it.
Open daily, 7am-10.30pm. thecoffeearchitecture.com (02 554 4467).
Daikan
If you’re after a steaming bowl of ramen and a dog-friendly restaurant, you’re going to love Daikan. Not only is the food superb, the venue allows dogs on the terrace. Be sure to go for a jaunt around Yas Bay waterfront after your meal.
Open daily, noon-midnight (02 235 8680).
Stars N Bars Abu Dhabi
Love brunch but hate leaving your best friend at home? That’s right, the Stars N Bars “hair of the dog” brunch is back and dogs are more than welcome to join. The dog-friendly brunch is just Dhs99 for your meal and a drink, plus water and treats for rover. You can also upgrade to two hours of unlimited bevvies for an additional Dhs99.
Click here to learn more about the dog-friendly brunch at Stars N Bars.
Dhs99 (food, one drink), Dhs198 (2 hours house). Sat noon-4pm. Stars ‘N’ Bars, Yas Marina (02 565 0101).
The Sportsman’s Arms
This casual family sports bar offers something for everyone, from great food, a kids’ play area and a spot to watch your favourite sports. It also offers one thing that would make a family outing perfect – a dog-friendly outdoor terrace where your four-legged family member is most welcome.
Open daily 8am-2am. International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City (02 447 1066).
Nolu’s Café
A casual café with a strong Afghani influence, dogs are welcome to relax at the outdoor tables while the humans grab a bite to eat. A great spot to chill with a coffee after going for a walk, Nolu’s is also a super spot for a quiet breakfast. This is one of the best dog-friendly places in Abu Dhabi.
Open daily 9am-11pm. Al Bandar, Al Raha Beach, nolusrestaurants.com (800 66587).
Hotels
W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
Looking to take a dog-friendly staycation in Abu Dhabi? The luxurious W Hotel Abu Dhabi will not just allow pets, but if you book your stay until November 16 2022, then they will host your furry friend for free. Your canine bestie will also be given treats, toys, special welcome amenities, and a discount on the hotel’s PAW menu. Just use the code U8D when booking in.
For more pet friendly hotels in the UAE, click here.
W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, marriott.com.
Parks and outdoor areas
Abu Dhabi corniche
If you’re looking for the perfect place to socialise with your pooch, the Abu Dhabi corniche walking track is open to dogs and it’s the perfect place to take them for a walk.
Corniche Road.
Al Khubeirah dog park
Grab your pup and get ready for some fun. The Al Khubeirah dog park offers a secure and gated environment for dogs to play freely with dedicated spaces for large and small dogs, play equipment, open green spaces, and more. Whether you’re looking to do some serious agility training, or just want your furry pal to make some friends, a dog park can be a great option. Al Khubeirah dog park strives to be a spot for all types of dogs and their humans.
Click here to learn more about Al Khubeirah dog park.
Open daily 6am-10pm. Al Khubeirah.
Al Reef
Not a park in the strictest sense but if you’re in the area, the gated Al Reef community is the place to walk your dogs on the city’s outskirts. It’s a great dog friendly spot to see a familiar face (or muzzle), and dogs are able to develop healthy social skills. Waste bins are dotted along the way in convenient intervals to ensure everyone keeps the area clean.
Near Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Formal Park
Another pro-pooch park with barbecue and washroom amenities, Formal Park is open 24 hours and is perfect if you want to relax with the family or, if you’re more actively inclined, take a jog on the running track or have a game of badminton in the open space. This is one of the top dog friendly places in Abu Dhabi.
24 hours, Sultan Bin Zayed the First Street.
Public Park Al Khaled Al Arabi
With plenty of space to let your dog run free this is the perfect spot to visit and relax, this is a great dog-friendly park to bring your bff to. Weekends can be a bit crowded because it is popular with families, but during the week it is a lot more mellow. With its predominantly flat terrain it is also an ideal spot for picnics and where kids can play.
Off Khaleej Al Arabi Street.
Yas Bay Waterfront
Everybody is hanging out at Yas Bay Waterfront lately, and that includes the pooches. Head to this poppin’ area of Abu Dhabi to take a walk down the promenade with views of the water. Loads of the top Yas Bay Waterfront restaurants allow dogs on their terraces too. Woof.
Yas Island.
Training areas
Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
No, this isn’t a mistake, the falcon hospital offers myriad of activities to test and develop your dog’s obedience, speed and agility. There’s no restriction on what size dog is welcome, and the dog training gives you a great chance for some quality one-on-one time with your pet.
Open daily 8am-6pm. Al Shamakh, falconhospital.com (02 575 5155).
Posh Pets dog gym
Looking to keep your dog active without braving the UAE heat? The Posh Pets indoor dog gym has specially made dog treadmills that promise to be a great way to keep your dog happy and active indoors. Posh Pet’s dog gym is open from 1pm to 9pm daily and is located in Baheen Tower on Reem Island.
Click here to learn more about Posh Pets dog gym.
Dhs60 (one hour). Daily, 1pm-9pm. Baheen Tower, Reem Island, instagram.com/poshpets12 (054 411 2499).
