Discover the Best Parks in Dubai

Despite being a sprawling urban metropolis in a desert, Dubai has a surprising number of lush parks and beautiful green spaces to visit and enjoy.

Dubai’s parks come in all shapes and sizes, offering a wide array of amenities, from simple lawns and playgrounds to sanctuaries for wildlife migrating between Africa and Asia. Some parks host pop-up farmers’ markets and small shops on the weekends. It’s important to note that some parks may charge an entrance fee for access to the area.

1. Zabeel Park

Zabeel Park, a vast expanse filled with palm trees and other greenery providing ample shade, is a favorite weekend destination for families. It boasts various activity zones, including a picturesque lake with boat rides, an adventure playground, covered barbecue areas, a jogging track, and a miniature train. Zabeel Park also features the Dubai Frame, which offers stunning views from its 500-foot (150m) viewing gallery. Additionally, a flea market takes place on the first Saturday of each month from October to May.

2. Al Barsha Pond Park

Al Barsha Pond Park is a delightful green space surrounding a charming man-made lake, where visitors can rent whimsical swan boats for paddling around the water—an enjoyable activity for kids. The park features a jogging track, bicycle rentals, playgrounds, and tennis courts. Moreover, the Ripe Night Market is held every Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm, featuring food stalls, yoga classes, and activities for children.

3. Creek Park

Creek Park is one of the emirate’s oldest and largest parks, extending approximately 1.6 miles (2.6km) along Dubai Creek. It is particularly popular among Bur Dubai residents who flock to the barbecue pits on weekends. The park features lovely gardens, although some family-oriented attractions like playgrounds and mini-golf may appear a bit outdated.

4. Dubai Miracle Garden

Entering Dubai Miracle Garden feels akin to stepping into a surreal Alice in Wonderland scene, as it spans nearly 22,000 sq ft (2000 sq m) and is marketed as the largest natural flower garden globally. Visitors can wander amidst unique floral displays, including peacocks, clocks, and castles, with a 60ft-tall Mickey Mouse being a highlight in 2018.

Those looking to relax can unwind in a cabana adorned with flowing drapes and floor cushions. Home to an impressive 100 million flowers and adjacent to the Dubai Butterfly Garden, this popular attraction draws around 55,000 visitors weekly. To avoid crowds, consider visiting during the week, as weekends and public holidays tend to be particularly busy.

5. Al Khazzan Park

Al Khazzan Park, one of Dubai’s oldest parks, has undergone a complete transformation and is now entirely solar-powered, earning it the label of the first “zero-energy” park in the United Arab Emirates. The park houses a historical water tower and features a relaxing café, Inn the Park, which offers a collection of vintage Middle Eastern magazines along with a shaded area next to the playground for parents to unwind.

6. Safa Park

Safa Park presents a green oasis in the city center, hugging the newly constructed Dubai Canal, which has somewhat reduced its size. The park includes a boating lake, jogging track, shaded picnic areas with barbecue pits, and a children’s playground, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

7. Mushrif National Park

Dating back to 1974, Mushrif National Park is one of Dubai’s oldest parks, covering more than 2 sq miles (5 sq km) of natural ghaf forest, serving as a haven for numerous bird species, including owls, Orphean warblers, hoopoes, and black redstarts. In addition to its natural beauty, the park offers walking trails, bicycle pathways, a comprehensive playground for children, as well as pony and camel rides, and barbecue pits. Visitors will also find a couple of basic yet acceptable dining options scattered throughout the park.

8. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

Interestingly situated amid bustling highways, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary serves as a vital stop for migratory waterbirds along the East Africa-West Asia flyway. This remarkable sanctuary showcases graceful pink flamingos during winter but also offers birdwatchers the opportunity to observe more than 170 species within its diverse salt flats, mudflats, mangroves, and lagoons across approximately 2.3 sq miles (6.2 sq km).

Three observation platforms equipped with high-quality binoculars provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching. Visitors frequently encounter broad-billed sandpipers and Pacific golden plovers, with sightings of great spotted eagles and other raptors being particularly common during winter months.

9. Al Ittihad Park

Al Ittihad Park is a pleasant green oasis for families, featuring a jogging track, playgrounds, an adult exercise zone, and numerous grassy areas ideal for picnics or simply relaxing. The park is adorned with plenty of greenery and features numerous labeled plants and trees, making it an educational experience as well. Conveniently located nearby are a variety of cafes and restaurants, ensuring easy access to refreshments.