On Al Maryah Island, family time does not need to be carved out as a separate trip across the capital. It is built into the island’s day-to-day rhythm, alongside the retail, dining and five-star hospitality that have shaped it into a complete lifestyle address.
For families, it is the best of both worlds: an open-air park that gives children space to burn off energy, while parents remain within immediate reach of luxury boutiques, all topped off by waterfront restaurants and the calm efficiency of a well-run destination.
That logic is clearest in the way the island handles outdoor space. Al Maryah offers two distinct experiences. One unfolds at ground level, stitched into the waterfront promenade and the island’s event-led public realm. The other sits above the shops, across The Galleria’s rooftop parks, where fresh air and play are folded neatly into the day’s schedule rather than treated as a separate outing.
Rooftop Parks at The Galleria: Three Zones, Three Distinct Moods
Al Maryah Island features three rooftop parks at The Galleria, each shaped around a different pace of family life: Family Park for play, Sports Park for movement, and Sky Park for calmer downtime.
Family Park: Level 2, Section C
Conceived as an outdoor space for kids all ages, Family Park is the simplest “drop-in” option at The Galleria, designed as a planned pause rather than a flying visit. The park is located on Level 2, bringing together dedicated play areas with shaded seating to provide parents with the means to both relax and supervise their children with ease. The setting is landscaped to soften the urban environment and create a calmer outdoor atmosphere within the mall. Safety and accessibility are given the same weight as the design, with child-appropriate play elements, impact-absorbing surfaces, and clear sightlines throughout. The park works naturally as a gentle stop between shopping, dining, or time spent along the waterfront promenade.
Sports Park: Level 2, Section B
Set on Level 2, Section B at The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Sports Park is recognised as the more energetic counterpart to the mall’s Family Park, curated for those who fancy an alfresco play break. It features casual, accessible sports facilities, including a basketball court, football pitch, and mini-golf, offering a straightforward way to stay active without committing to a full training session. The park is suited to pick-up games or quick exercise between shopping, dining, or work commitments. Easily accessed either directly from The Galleria’s North Car Park or via the air-conditioned Level 2 walkway near Debenhams, it sits comfortably within the island’s daily flow.
Sky Park: Level 4, Section C
Sky Park at The Galleria is widely regarded as the island’s most tranquil rooftop retreat, conceived as an elevated space dedicated to calm and wellness. Perched on Level 4, Section C, the park is arranged as a garden-like terrace with landscaped greenery and mature trees casting natural shade. From this vantage point, panoramic views stretch across the Abu Dhabi skyline and the Downtown waterfront, while open-air seating is arranged for quiet moments of relaxation or a coffee break. Complimentary “Get Active” sessions, including regular yoga classes, are held on select mornings during the week and at weekends. Its proximity to prayer rooms and Train Gym, both open daily with extended evening hours, adds to its appeal. Sky Park functions as a gentle counterpoint to the island’s more energetic spaces, offering a free, restorative pause within Al Maryah Island’s wider lifestyle landscape.
ACTIVE Al Maryah Island: The Structured Sports Address
For families with older children, or anyone who prefers a more considered approach than casual park time, ACTIVE Al Maryah Island is a dedicated sports and recreation destination. The venue offers a purpose-built facility: an air-conditioned indoor dome designed for year-round play, paired with football infrastructure that includes two full-size pitches built with a FIFA Pro Certified FieldTurf system, alongside options for futsal and five-a-side. Tennis is treated with the same level of attention and care, with four ATP-level courts, while the multi-sport courts are designed to adapt throughout the day. Configured for basketball, volleyball, netball and more, with adjustable hoops, the space remains accessible to younger players. ACTIVE Al Maryah Island is a well-considered sports address, accommodating over ten different sports across more than 20 specialised indoor and outdoor courts.
Plan Your Visit: Parking, Valet and Accessibility
Al Maryah Island benefits from clear, well-signposted access, though a little logistical planning is worthwhile, particularly at peak hours or when visiting with children. Car Parks A, B and C serve as the island’s primary visitor parking facilities, operating daily from 6am to 2am across four levels, from P1 to P4. Parking is managed through a digital number-plate recognition system, with the first four hours complimentary on weekdays, charges applying thereafter, and free parking available throughout weekends and public holidays.
Valet services are also available, with pick-up and drop-off points located at the north and south motor courts near COYA and Zuma. Valet operates daily from 10am to 1am and is a chargeable service, with pricing clearly set out on arrival. All car parks offer accessible parking for people of determination and families, with spaces positioned close to mall entrances.
Final Thoughts
These parks on Al Maryah Island are refreshing, open-air spaces set close to the mall’s high-fashion enclave. Among them are giant tube slides that give little ones a thrilling experience as they spiral down, while parents enjoy a carefully considered environment that caters to every generation, from tots to grandparents.
