As Abu Dhabi has experienced exponential growth over the past couple of decades, the city has developed into one of the most modern on the planet. And among the skyscrapers, world-class hotels, and sophisticated retail outlets sit pockets of verdant green spaces where teenagers, families with pets and groups of friends can enjoy the outdoors. Abu Dhabi is home to a wide range of bucolic parks; these are the best the city has to offer.
Al Khaleej Al Arabi Park
One of the most popular parks in Abu Dhabi, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Park enjoys an ideal location on the waterfront. The park is a good option for those who like to enjoy an evening barbecue – in dedicated preparation spaces – surrounded by a lush wooded expanse, while also benefiting from the ocean breeze.
A long, lush green landscape, the park is also popular with groups who like to find their own picnic spaces, while the shade provided by the multitude of trees provides ample cover for the warmer days. These shaded areas also make this park a great option for runners.
Dolphin Park
Another ideal spot for a barbecue, Dolphin Park benefits from its coastal position. The park is ideal for people of all ages, offering an outstanding choice for cycling and walking, while also boasting exceptional views of the Mangrove Marine National Park across the water.
With vast open spaces full of lush green grass, the spot is an idyllic space to retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Immaculately presented with vibrant flower beds, well-maintained walking paths and a dedicated play area for little visitors, be sure to add Dolphin Park to your list of must-visit Abu Dhabi parks.
Khalifa Park
Just a short distance from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque complex, Khalifa Park covers a massive area of around 500,000 square metres. Thanks to its immense size, the park offers more than just green spaces and a few trees.
Of course, the park does offer beautiful garden spaces, but there is also the Cultural Library, as well as a museum, where visitors can learn about the history of Abu Dhabi. The on-site aquarium is particularly popular with children, while the waterpark enjoys a similar regard. Guests can have fun playing water games while parents can relax on the lazy river – ideal for warmer days.
Furthermore, the park offers a mosque, so visitors need not worry about missing prayer time, while there is also a hotel within the complex.
Umm Al Emarat Park
Located just north of Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, Umm Al Emarat Park functions as a green oasis within the busy city. The spacious, vibrant park features a shade house, a botanical garden and an amphitheatre, and also boasts large open spaces ideal for picnics.
Built after local groups shared what they would like to see added to the area, the space is well-maintained and includes a small zoo, perfect for your little ones. The zoo is home to deer, horses, camels and antelopes, offering an additional experience which allows children to feed them.
Well-equipped with cafés, a bakery, a dedicated children’s play area, and shaded by an abundance of trees, this park is one of the city's best destinations for families with young children. One not to be missed.
Heritage Park
For those looking for a slightly quieter, off-the-beaten-path sort of park, then look no further than Heritage Park. Located on Corniche Street between Al Lulu and Al Maryah Islands, the park is a bit of a hidden gem and represents the ideal location for families or young couples who wish to picnic in peace. Thanks to its somewhat tucked-away location, this space is often overlooked, meaning it doesn’t tend to experience the same crowds as its more well-known siblings.
The park also showcases beautiful landscaping, with colourful plants, bushes and trees welcoming visitors at every turn. Along with barbecue pits, a climbing frame for children and cosy gazebos, Heritage Park also boasts a small zipline, further solidifying its reputation as one of the best parks in Abu Dhabi.
Mangrove Marine National Park
While not a park in the traditional sense, we would be remiss not to include Mangrove Marine National Park in a list of Abu Dhabi’s best parks. This exceptional space, covering a huge expanse in the archipelago north of the city’s built-up area, is home to hundreds of bird species and functions as a haven for biodiversity, thanks to its mangroves.
One of the city’s most important ecological assets, the area also includes a wide range of plant species, in addition to a huge population of Greater Flamingoes when the season dictates. With further species such as the mottled crab and western reef heron, this area is a true paradise for nature lovers.
The best way to see the mangrove forest is undoubtedly via kayak, which are available for rent in two-hour slots.
Abu Dhabi offers an abundance of green spaces that serve as vital retreats from the bustle of city life. As the capital of the UAE, the city is home to a diverse population representing nearly every corner of the globe. Despite this cultural variety, one common thread unites many residents and visitors alike: a shared appreciation for nature and outdoor recreation. In response, Abu Dhabi has developed some of the finest parks in the country, welcoming spaces where individuals and families can enjoy barbecues, picnics, and a wide range of family-friendly activities.
