The dining options in Abu Dhabi cover every type of cuisine you could ever wish for, but sometimes it’s nice to roll up your sleeves and rustle something up yourself, isn’t it?
Plus, when the weather is pleasant outside there’s nothing like getting out in the fresh air for a barbecue with family and friends.
We don’t know what exactly it is about grilling and eating meat sandwiched between a bread roll outdoors, but we think there are few finer pleasures in life.
So here are our top five places for barbecuing in Abu Dhabi.
Al Khaleej Al Arabi Park
If you’ve ever driven along Khaleej Al Arabi Street of a weekend you’ll doubtless have seen the cars parked up along the road and droves of people heading here for barbecues. The waterfront space has got to be one of the most popular places in the capital for a Friday or Saturday grill session and there’s lots to love about it. There’s plenty of shady spots and children’s playgrounds, and with glittering water running along one edge of the space, it offers truly lovely views, too.
Free. Khaleej Al Arabi Street.
Formal Park
This green space is way more fun and laid-back than the name might suggest. Found right next to Lake Park and opposite the Corniche, you’ll find plenty of pretty spots for a barbecue, play areas, a maze for kids and even exercise stations if you fancy earning your grilled sausages before you tuck in. The, once you’re done barbecuing, you simple have to cross the road and you are straight onto the white sands of the Corniche for a sunbathing session. Perfect.
Free. Corniche East.
Heritage Park
This scenic park is found right at the end of the Corniche near Mina Port, and it’s definitely got one of the best layouts of any park in the city. The fountains and rock features provide plenty of interest, and kids will find slides, swings and more to keep them entertained. The barbecue pits are there to invite you to cook up a storm with your family and friends, and as the Mina fish and fruit and vegetable markets are just a short walk away, you can always nip over and re-stock if you fancy throwing on a few more shrimps on the grill.
Free. Corniche East.
Khalidiyah Garden
This is a popular spot for walking and jogging groups to meet in the early evening, but it’s also perfect for a barbecue at any time of day. The designated barbecue pits mean you’ll be well kitted out with everything you need (just don’t forget the key elements like meat and ketchup), and date palms provide plenty of shade if you fancy escaping from the sun for a while. There’s also a big children’s playground and paved walkways running through the park to help you explore.
Dhs1, free (kids aged 10 and under). Khalidiyah, between 30th and 16th Streets.
Yas Gateway park
Did you know there is more to Yas Island than theme parks, bars, shops and Formula One? Well located just off Sheikh Khalifa Highway is Yas Gateway Park. The park is split into North and South section, with the highway running through the middle. While both halves are lush, developed and well-manicured, the North side is where you’ll find the barbecue area that’s kitted out with individual barbecue stations. There’s plenty of room to spread out your picnic blanket and if you feel inclined, work off your burgers with a kick about afterwards, too. You’ll also find playgrounds and sandpits for kids.
Free. Sheikh Khalifa Highway, Yas Island.
