A holiday in Dubai often means hanging out at one of the celebrated hotels and beach resorts in UAE, going on a desert safari, checking out the tallest building in the world, and indulging in various luxurious food and experiences.
But aside from doing the usual touristy stuff, you can also commune with nature in this city known for its hot weather and rolling deserts. There are several beautiful parks and gardens you also have to visit in Dubai.
Mamzar Beach Park
Although this park is a bit far from Dubai’s central commercial area, the trip here will be worth your time and effort. This is because Mamzar Beach Park is one of Dubai’s top and biggest beach parks.
This park covers acres of open grassland, five beaches, and one large outdoor swimming pool. It has several restaurants and cafes and barbecue pits if you want to grill your favorite meats and veggies.
The Mamzar Beach Park is also home to:
- Beach cabins
- Basketball and football courts
- Children’s play areas
- Grocery stores
- Bikes for hire
- Train rides
- Running and bike path
If you want to hang out at a beach but still have access to other activities and facilities, you won’t go wrong with spending a day at the Mamzar Beach Park.
Creek Park
One of the oldest and most popular parks in Dubai is the Dubai Creek Park. It is located in the heart of the old city, on the shores of Dubai Creek.
Aside from being amazed by the beautiful landscape and green turf and getting a feel of Old Dubai, there are various activities here everyone has to try. These include:
- Riding the cable car
- Biking or cycling
- Riding the miniature train
- Roller skating
- Riding the go-karts
Enjoy al fresco dining in this park by bringing your own picnic basket and using one of the barbecue grills. If you don’t want to cook, you can have your fill of great dishes, snacks, and beverages at a restaurant or café here.
Safa Park
Safa Park is another well-known and relatively old park in Dubai. This 150-acre urban park has three lakes, over 200 species of birds, and 16,924 types of trees and bushes. 80% of the park is covered by grassy lawns and, as such, it is one of the greenest and loveliest places you can visit in this emirate.
The park also has a little forest, a waterfall flowing from the hill, and three lakes, with one featuring a fountain.
Other facilities you will find in this place are:
- Playgrounds
- Fun fair
- Picnic areas
- Washrooms
Zabeel Park
Zabeel Park is one of the more modern and largest parks in Dubai. This park is so big that it is split in half by a road (Shaikh Zayed Road). To traverse the whole area, you can use the pedestrian bridges which connect the different parts of the park.
Aside from marveling at the landscape and interesting plant life, you can also enjoy these fun activities here:
- Ride a bike along the cycle track
- Ice skating
- Explore the maze
- Play tennis
- Climb the 45-meter panoramic tower
- Karting
- Hang out at the Stargate – an educational entertainment center split into five domes
Similar to the other parks, you can also enjoy a picnic here or eat at one of the top-notch restaurants and cafes located within the park.
Mushrif Park
This family-oriented park is located in the eastern part of Dubai. It has a swimming pool which visitors can use for escaping the heat temporarily.
One of the biggest attractions of this park is the Small World replica houses. In this area, you will find replica models of traditional houses from the Arabic and Western worlds.
Other activities worth trying out here are:
- Riding the train
- Visiting the mini-zoo
- Playing basketball, volleyball and handball
- Horse and camel riding
- Cycling
- Enjoying a concert at the outdoor theatre
Mushrif Park is also great for picnics and barbecues. There are also several cafes and restaurants worth visiting here as well. It is simply a fantastic place for simply enjoying the outdoors with a green, lush background and fresh, cool breeze.
A visit to Dubai doesn’t only mean basking in the sand and crystal blue waters. You can also marvel at the green, lush landscape and plant life which you will find at its various local parks. You will also find a variety of fun, exciting things to do at these parks, too.
AUTHOR BIO
Thomas Grundner is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for JA Resorts & Hotels. He has more than 20 years of expertise in the hospitality and leisure industry – across international markets including Germany, Egypt and Spain. Grundner oversees all sales, marketing and revenue efforts as the company continues to build on its key growth and development strategies and further cultivates its unique blend of “Heartfelt Hospitality” and “Casual Luxury.”
