Best 15 Parks in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is one of the most important tourist destinations in the world, blending rich heritage with modern luxury. The city is home to many prominent landmarks and recreational spaces offering exceptional experiences for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we will take a look at the top 15 recreational parks in Abu Dhabi that we highly recommend visiting for an unforgettable experience in this magnificent city.
1. Al Jubail Mangrove Park
Al Jubail Mangrove Park is located on Jubail Island, offering a unique educational, natural, and recreational experience. The park is situated between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island. It provides visitors the opportunity to explore a sanctuary for native bird species and marine life while raising awareness of the ecological importance of mangrove habitats and supporting biodiversity protection along Abu Dhabi’s coastline. The winding path through the mangrove trees offers a thrilling opportunity to discover Abu Dhabi’s essence in its natural form.
Note: Tickets are available for park activities such as biking or boating.
Operating hours: Daily from 07:00 to 21:00
2. Heritage Village
Experience the ambiance of the Heritage Village in Abu Dhabi, a recreation of traditional desert life. This immersive village represents the past of the UAE, with an old-world marketplace, mosque, and traditional desert camp. Located near Marina Mall in the city center, the village offers a unique shopping experience with the opportunity to discover traditional crafts like pottery, glassblowing, and weaving. You can also visit the Emirates Heritage Club to attend workshops and watch artisans showcase their skills, and even try out some of their crafts.
Note: Don’t forget to visit the small spice shop in the village, which offers a variety of dried herbs, handmade soap, and plenty of souvenirs that you can take home for family and friends.
Operating hours: Daily from 09:00 to 16:00, with two shifts on Fridays: 7:30 to 12:00 and 15:00 to 21:00
3. National Abu Dhabi Aquarium
The National Abu Dhabi Aquarium houses the largest collection of marine life in the Middle East, with over 46,000 animals spread across 10 different zones. The aquarium also includes more than 200 species of sharks and rays, representing 25 different species, all cared for by a team of 80 marine life experts. In addition, the aquarium focuses on education, with a dedicated section to enhance environmental knowledge, and receives up to 50,000 students annually.
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 to 22:00
Entrance fees:
- Aquarium journey starts from 110 AED (children under 3 years old enter for free).
- Animal encounters: General entry + Jungle encounter from 190 AED.
- All-inclusive entry: 190 AED (children under 3 years old enter for free).
- Annual pass: 399 AED.
- VIP package for five guests: 2,500 AED.
4. Jebel Hafeet Desert Park
Explore Jebel Hafeet Desert Park in the Garden City of Al Ain, where you can dive into the history of the region while enjoying breathtaking landscapes. The park covers an area of nine kilometers on the slopes of Jebel Hafeet, where families can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, or camel riding. Additionally, the park offers the opportunity to explore archaeological remains dating back to the Neolithic era, including tombs that are over 5,000 years old.
5. Al Forsan International Sports Resort
Al Forsan International Sports Resort is a world-class destination for sports, fitness, and entertainment, covering an area of 1.6 square kilometers and offering a wide variety of sports activities, facilities, and restaurants. Opened in September 2010, the resort is strategically located in Khalifa City. It features karting tracks, running and cycling paths, water sports parks, FIFA-standard football fields, an accredited equestrian center, a polo field, diverse restaurants, conference facilities, and a luxurious Marriott-managed hotel. The resort also employs specialized staff in sports, food services, and support to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Note: With its numerous facilities, the resort can host corporate bookings and events for groups ranging from 10 to 15,000 people. These events include conferences, team-building activities, family fun days, banquets, weddings, birthday parties, and more.
Operating hours: Daily from 07:00 to 23:00
Entrance fees: Tickets are available for specific resort activities such as horseback riding and more.
6. Umm Al Emarat Park
Umm Al Emarat Park, established in 1982, is one of the oldest and largest urban parks in Abu Dhabi. Initially dedicated to women and children, the park closed in January 2013 for redevelopment and reopened in March 2015 under the name "Umm Al Emarat Park" in honor of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak. The park's new design reflects the heritage of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and focuses on preserving the cultural and environmental history of the UAE. It includes recreational and educational facilities. In 2016 and 2017, the park won the Green Flag Award for green spaces and parks.
Note: Children under 3 years old and people with disabilities, along with their companions, are eligible for free entry. Free tickets can be obtained at the ticket counter at the entrance.
Operating hours: Daily from 08:00 to 00:00
Entrance fee: 10 AED for adults.
7. Emirates Park Zoo Resort
Emirates Park Zoo Resort offers a unique experience combining entertainment and wildlife adventures for the entire family. Located at the heart of Emirates Park Zoo, it features a variety of animals. The resort offers air-conditioned chalets with scenic views, an outdoor pool with slides and a waterfall, free Wi-Fi, and free entry to the zoo.
The program includes activities like animal talks and interactive magic shows. For a unique experience, guests can choose the Giraffe Arena Theme Chalets, which provide views of the giraffe feeding area and direct access to animal feeding and other activities.
Note: The resort is just a 14-minute drive away, and you can easily reach Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, SeaWorld, and Yas Water Park with exclusive packages. The international airport is a comfortable 20-minute drive from the resort.
Operating hours: Daily from 09:00 to 21:00
Entrance fee: Starting from 50 AED, with free entry for children aged 1 to 2 years (advance online booking required).
8. Khalifa Park
Khalifa Park was established in 2007 as a tranquil retreat away from the city’s hustle and bustle. It allows guests of all ages to enjoy the park’s spaces and attractions in a safe and fun environment. The park includes a cultural library and a marine museum, offering visitors the chance to learn about the history of Abu Dhabi and marine life. It also features the Coral Splash Park, which provides children with numerous water games and lazy river rides. Khalifa Park aims to ensure visitor satisfaction and provide the best possible experience during their visit.
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 to 22:00, except Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays when the park closes at 23:00
9. Capital Garden
Capital Garden is a wonderful place for picnics and gatherings, offering clean and safe areas that create a welcoming atmosphere, along with playgrounds and walking paths for added appeal. Located in the heart of the residential district, it is easy to access. The garden features areas for children to play and enjoy horseback riding. While there are limited benches, the park offers grassy areas and trees for relaxation.
Operating hours: Daily from 08:00 to 23:00
10. Family Park or Corniche Park
Corniche Park stands out for its breathtaking natural views and tranquil gardens that offer a green space for both residents and visitors. It features walking and cycling paths along the waterfront, and it includes public beaches for relaxation while enjoying the sun and sea. The park also has children’s play areas and a variety of restaurants and cafés. Some areas provide recreational facilities such as fitness stations and sports courts.
Note: There is a designated BBQ area in the park, but it can get crowded on weekends.
11. Dolphin Park
The Dolphin Park in Abu Dhabi is known for its lively atmosphere and includes a designated play area for children. The park is set amidst beautiful mangrove trees and offers stunning views of the mangrove park, where you can enjoy BBQ moments with loved ones. It’s easily accessible via public transport buses that pass by the park’s main road. This park is located just outside the city's main crowds.
The park offers a BBQ area, proximity to the sea, a children’s play area, and walking and cycling paths. There are also prayer spaces, drinking water supply, and restrooms nearby. Additionally, there are benches and swings for both children and adults, as well as areas for fitness activities, with parking arrangements available.
Note: It’s recommended to visit early in the morning to enjoy the cool breeze and watch the bird flocks.
12. Abu Dhabi Canal
The Abu Dhabi Canal aims to offer a unique experience for restaurants and entertainment along the waterfront, featuring seven main areas across 2.4 km. It offers various attractions with world-class facilities, such as waterfront restaurants and cafés, the largest independent cinema, an aquarium, a modern lifestyle center with health facilities, an esports academy, a virtual reality gaming hub, a children’s area, a Riviera-inspired marina, a small shop, and community green spaces.
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 to 22:00, except Fridays and Saturdays when the site closes at 00:00
13. Zayed Sports City
Zayed Sports City is a premier sports and entertainment destination in the region, designed to realize the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE. It offers a variety of activities, from local sports to international events. The facilities include five famous stadiums, a stadium that holds over 44,000 spectators, a tennis court with a capacity of over 5,000 spectators, bowling and ice-skating facilities, as well as outdoor event spaces and airport stadium areas.
Operating hours:
- International Tennis Center: Monday - Friday, 07:00 - 22:00, Saturday and Sunday, 06:00 - 22:00
- Khalifa International Center: Bowling, Sunday - Saturday, 12:00 - 00:00
- Ice Skating Rink at Zayed Sports City: Monday - Thursday, 12:00 - 21:30, Friday, 12:00 - 23:30, Saturday, 10:15 - 22:30, Sunday, 10:15 - 21:30
Entrance fee: Tickets are available for specific events such as tennis, football, and more.
14. Mangrove National Park
The Mangrove National Park is home to clusters of mangrove trees that grow in saltwater, forming a unique environment for biodiversity and protecting the beaches while purifying the water. You can see a forest of trees and a waterway passing through, and the wildlife includes hundreds of species of birds and plants, including flamingos, rock herons, and crabs. Get closer to nature by taking kayaking tours through the trees for two hours.
Note: We recommend visiting during daylight hours to get a clear view of the mangrove trees and enjoy your time there.
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 to 00:00
Entrance fee: You can visit and enjoy viewing the mangrove trees for free, but there are fees for the guided tours from the Eastern Mangroves Hotel by Anantara. The cost for a two-hour kayaking tour is 160 AED as of the current information.
15. Bounce Abu Dhabi
Bounce is an innovative trampoline community that combines movement games and adventurous challenges to provide an unparalleled entertainment experience in the world of action and fun. Founded in 2012 in Melbourne, Australia, it is the main player in the global Bounce X network, with 32 locations in 16 countries. Their freeplay arenas feature an exciting integration of trampolines, parkour elements, ninja courses, and free features spread across a massive 5,000 square meter indoor space.
Bounce aims to inspire everyone to forget the serious stuff and dive into adventure and fun. It offers a unique experience that caters to family members and group friends alike. By providing an exciting and safe environment, Bounce allows trampoliners, jumpers, and jumpy souls to engage their adventurous spirits.
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 to 22:00, except Fridays and Saturdays when the site closes at 00:00
Entrance fee:
- Regular ticket for two hours: 110 AED
- Children's ticket for two hours: 85 AED (requires advance booking before visiting).
Whether you're looking for adventure or a fun-filled family holiday, Abu Dhabi is the perfect destination to fulfill all your aspirations. Don't miss out on the great offers available on our website to easily book your ticket to Abu Dhabi.
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