Despite being slap bang in the middle of a desert (although it’s easy to forget that sometimes) Abu Dhabi is home to some lovely parks and green spaces. Looking for the best parks in Abu Dhabi?
Perfect for a stroll, meeting with friends or having a picnic like Yogi Bear, it’s the perfect time of year to pack up some gear and head along for a chilled afternoon at one of these parks in Abu Dhabi.
And if you’re looking for more chilled things to do with your free time, we’ve got the best things to do for under Dhs100, the best things to do on Reem Island Abu Dhabi and the best kid-friendly pool days in Abu Dhabi.
Ready to explore? Here are some of the best parks in Abu Dhabi to spend some time in.
Al Fay Park
Located on Reem Island, the 27,500 square-metre space is the first urban park in the city that focuses on bio-diversity, and it’s home to 2,000 types of local flora including the UAE’s national tree, the ghaf. Plus the park is home to basket-ball, badminton and football courts as well as climbing walls and more to keep you busy. We’ve checked it out a few times and are happy to report it’s one of the great parks in Abu Dhabi.
Free. Reem Island www.facebook.com/alfaypark.
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 trip out. This is one of the most popular parks in Abu Dhabi.
Free. Khaleej Al Arabi Street.
Baniyas Park
If you don’t live in downtown Abu Dhabi or enjoy a quieter life outside the main city then this is one of the great parks in Abu Dhabi. Ideal for walking, jogging and picnics, families can unwind here and with a children’s play area the little ones will love it to.
Al Ain Road, Baniyas, near Al Mafraq.
Capital Garden
Also known as Al Asema Park, Capital Garden is in the middle of the city (it’s the one with the ornamental coffee pots at the entrance in Al Markaziyah). It was built in 1976 and enjoys the distinction of being one of the oldest parks in Abu Dhabi. Despite its downtown location, it’s actually quite peaceful once you’re inside the 5.6 hectare space.
The hustle and bustle of the streets are drowned out by the sound of sheer tranquillity and the spouting fountains in the central pond. Like most parks in Abu Dhabi, this one also caters to young families and has plenty for the kids with the usual play areas, including a mini climbing wall. It’s split into smaller separate gardens, some of which have vending machines for refreshments, plus there’s a café.
Sultan Bin Zayed the First Street.
Corniche Parks
If you’re heading to the Corniche, chances are you’re thinking of a beach day, but those sands are outlined by some lovely parks in Abu Dhabi, ideal for a shaded stroll, and on the other side of the road are a bunch more green spaces. Starting from the east side, near Sofitel Abu Dhabi, is Recreation Park. The biggest attraction is a large sun dial – always popular with curious little minds.
Next along the road is Formal Park, which is actually a lot more fun than its name suggests. It has barbecue pits, badminton courts, a concrete maze (for the kids?) and plenty of room to relax on the grass. At the end of the first stretch is Lake Park – with a 15m fountain and wooden bridges and walkways, it is a favourite with Instagrammers.
Further along towards A’l Bahar you’ll find more, each with plenty to offer, including skate parks, splash facilities and more. So, the next time you’re looking for a weekend outing, skip the beach and check out one of these parks in Abu Dhabi.
Free. Off Corniche Road.
Delma Park
Found at the junction of Delma Street and Salam Street, Delma Park is kitted out with fitness equipment and a proper running track that’s soft under foot. When it comes to refreshments, there are a few kiosks scattered around so you can treat yourself and the family to some tea, ice lollies and sandwiches. There’s also a table tennis area, a basketball court, chess tables and a climbing wall for kids at one of the top parks in Abu Dhabi.
Free. Delma Street.
Heritage Park
Looking for peaceful parks in Abu Dhabi? This place is great for families who want to picnic in peace. The pretty spot is tucked away opposite Mina Port and is somewhat overlooked. There are barbecue pits and kiosks that make it convenient for groups. There’s also a climbing frame to keep the kids entertained as you relax.
Free. Off Al Firdous Street, Corniche East.
Khalidiyah Garden
Drop by this downtown green spot in the morning or late evening and you will bump into gangs of determined walkers and joggers circling the paved pathways, getting in their daily dose of exercise. Scattered date palms provide visitors with plenty of shade, and the terrain here is mostly flat, making it an ideal spot for picnics or for a little nap under a tree once the temperatures fall. There’s a children’s playground to keep the young ones occupied and a water feature, too. Parking isn’t great around here, but it’s still worth heading to one of the best parks in Abu Dhabi.
Between 30th and 16th streets, Al Khalidiyah.
Khalifa Park
Located just next to the Park Rotana, Khalifa Park covers a massive area – 500,000 sq m in total. But it’s not all green grass and palm trees, there’s also a museum that takes you down a time tunnel and explains the history of the development of the capital, an aquarium, a library and a miniature train that takes you around the circumference. This is one of the most underrated parks in Abu Dhabi.
Next to Ministries Complex, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street.
Mangrove National Park
Okay, this isn’t your typical park, but our list of parks in Abu Dhabi wouldn’t be complete without a shout out to this stunning landmark. The thriving ecosystem is a sanctuary for a variety of birds and marine life. Its atypical salt-tolerant trees also act as a barricade against erosion.
Fun facts aside, you can marvel at the mangroves from the water (Captain Tony’s runs various tours), or stroll along the pathway next to Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara. The route is dotted with numerous cabanas under which you can take shelter, or set out a picnic basket.
Free. Eastern Mangroves, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street. www.ead.ae.
Old Airport Park
This big park near Zayed Sports City is a welcome blast of green in relatively urban surroundings. There are places for kids to play, bathrooms and a KFC, if your idea of a chilled night is sitting under the stars with a bucket of fried chicken.
Free. Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street.
Reem Central Park
Bringing a slice of urban relaxation to the mostly residential Reem Island is this space. While many parts of the island are still in development, there’s enough to see and do here to warrant a visit if you live nearby. There are a few places to eat, too and more opening up. Head out for a run and finish with a coffee and a bit to eat. Perfect.
Free. Reem Island.
Umm Al Emarat Park
Umm Al Emarat Park, or Mushrif Park as it was previously called, might be at the end of this list, but it should be right near the top of yours. There’s plenty going on here to keep the whole gang entertained. It was built in consultation with a few local groups who shared what facilities they’d like to see in a park.
As a result, there is the Wisdom Garden (a place to ponder life’s big questions), the Animal Barn (a petting zoo that’s managed by Emirates Park Zoo and includes camels, goats, ponies and more), the Children’s Garden, the Botanic Garden (which houses about 200 regional plant species), a 1,000-person amphitheatre, the Shade House (a structure that houses more than 30 species of shade-loving plants) and of course, rolling green lawns.
In cooler months, the Park Market pitches up every Friday and Saturday from November 4 until March 18, and there are also places to eat such as SALT, Parker’s and Home Bakery.
Dh10. Al Mushrif (02 666 9559).
