You may be in the desert but you can still get close to nature at one of the many public parks and beaches dotted around the city. So pack a picnic, grab the kids and find one near you.
Al Barsha Park
Sitting around a large man-made pond, Al Barsha Park has a cycling and jogging track, a gym, bouncy castles, football pitches and basketball courts. It’s also home to the Ripe Night Market every Saturday from 3pm to 9pm, running until the end of May.
Al Ittihad Park
Located on Palm Jumeirah, Al Ittihad Park houses more than 60 varieties of trees and plants indigenous to the UAE. Opened in 2012 to coincide with the UAE’s 41st National Day celebrations, it offers relaxing shaded surroundings as well as a 3.2 km jogging track.
Al Khazzan Park
Think big blue water tank, yes, that’s the location pin to find Satwa’s Al Khazzan Cadillac Park! Home to Inn the Park cafe, the park also boasts a library so stretch out on a blanket and take advantage of the free books that can be loaned while spending time at the park or the café.
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Located near the Dubai/Sharjah border, Al Mamzar Beach Park offers beautiful beaches, acres of green fields, beach cabins, swimming pools, sports fields, a skateboard platform, bike rental, barbecue area and restaurants. With all this, the entry fee of Dhs 30 per car and Dhs 5 per person is very reasonable.
Al Nahda Pond Park
Head to Sharjah’s Al Nahda Pond Park where you can play soccer, tennis, basketball and volleyball. If you like to run, the park also boasts a jogging track. The large pond is also worth a look, as it covers more than half of the park.
Al Sufouh Park
From playing football to picnics on the grass, Al Sufouh Park offers a variety of outdoor activities with a full-size basketball court, football pitch, 300-metre cushioned jogging track and some resistance-based training equipment.
Al Quoz Pond Park
Located at the intersection of Al Khail and Meydan Roads and offering a view of the Downtown Dubai skyline, this one offers playgrounds for kids, a running track around the pond and shaded spots for picnics.
Bay Avenue Park
In addition to a vast green lawn, Bay Avenue Park has a jogging track, two outdoor gyms, a skate park and a trampoline. Outdoor activities have recently been introduced that include Sunrise Yoga, Aerobics and Zumba. Located in the Business Bay area.
Burj Khalifa Island Park (Burj Park)
Set on an island, Burj Park is located within Downtown Dubai just a short walk from Dubai Mall and is accessible from Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard with ample underground parking. Even though there is no play equipment for the kids, this pretty spot is the perfect place to take time out of your hectic schedule with lush surroundings and great views of Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain.
Creek Park
As the name suggests, Creek Park runs along the side of Dubai creek. Although one of the earliest parks in Dubai, Creek Park has a modern layout with well-planned children’s play areas, recreational facilities, easy to navigate footpaths and a number of handy refreshment stands. Creek Park is also home to Dubai Dolphinarium, Children’s City, cable car rides, rental bikes, train rides and restaurants. Entry is Dhs 5 per person.
4x4 Beach
Named after the off-road vehicles regularly lined up along the shore, this public beach is located on Jumeirah Beach Road and is one of the more basic options. There are no real facilities on site, but it’s the perfect place to watch the sunset.
JBR Beach
With the latest developments at JBR, this beach has become one of Dubai’s most popular sunbathing and swimming locations. With sun loungers for hire and numerous changing rooms, you are only seconds away from ice cream shops, cafes, juice bars, cinema, water sports, a running track, a fully equipped outdoor gym and some of the city’s best shops. Take a change of clothes for the evening as this one really has it all.
Jebel Ali Beach
On the way to Abu Dhabi, turn right off Sheikh Zayed Road and follow signs to JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort, then at the roundabout you can either turn right towards the resort or follow the roundabout and turn left down a sand track to the beach. This beach is popular for camping and there are changing rooms and toilets.
JLT Park
Situated among the Jumeirah Lake Residences, JLT Park offers play areas for kids, a spring-loaded jogging track, basketball court and is also home to the JLT Outdoor Cinema, a monthly film evening (www.facebook.com/pg/jltoutdoorcinema).
Jumeirah Open Beach
This large, clean stretch of sand is lined with villas and is popular with families. It offers showers and toilets, snack stalls, and an artificial track for rollerblading or jogging. You will find it on Jumeirah Beach Road, close to Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa.
Kite Beach
On a breezy day, this is where kite surfing enthusiasts meet making for a truly beautiful sight especially when seen at sunset. While this particular beach was accessible long before it became as famous as it has, foodies are now spoilt for choice with the some of the most unique restaurants and cafes in Dubai. It has also become a hub for joggers who enjoy running on the special material running track. With views of Burj Al Arab and the soothing crash of the not too distant waves, this beach is sure to leave you feeling peaceful.
Nad Al Sheba Park
This one’s for the cyclists with numerous cycle tracks and air-conditioned changing rooms with showers and lockers to use before and after your workout. There is also a track for children with street signs, speed bumps and roundabouts to teach youngsters about road safety.
Port Saeed Plaza Park
The perfect escape from Deira’s hustle and bustle, Port Saeed Plaza Park is a welcome urban retreat with quiet spots as well as a 400-metre running track.
Safa Park
Located right next to Sheikh Zayed Road, Safa Park has been partially taken over by the Dubai Water Canal, though it still remains a popular retreat for families and fitness enthusiasts.
Sunset Beach/Umm Suqeim Beach
Popular with surfers and offering direct views of the Burj Al Arab, this is one of Dubai’s most photographed beaches. Take advantage of the showers and changing facilities, snack bars and nearby children’s play area. Located right next to Jumeirah Beach Hotel.
Umm Suqeim Park
Close to Jumeirah Beach Hotel opposite Sunset Beach, Umm Suqeim Park is a peaceful green oasis with plenty of space to fit in a workout. It’s a great place for some peace and quiet, offering a café, kids’ play areas and a beautiful beach right on its doorstep. A perfect spot to get away for a few hours in the morning or afternoon.
Zabeel Park
One of city’s largest and popular spaces, Zabeel Park’s facilities include barbecue and picnic areas, a boating lake, jogging track, pedestrian tracks, BMX track, skateboarding park, restaurants, ice skating, a cricket pitch and golfing area, shaded seating and children’s play areas. There is an exhibition gallery, prayer rooms, a fitness centre, and various monuments. Visitors also have access to WiFi internet. The entrance fee is Dhs 5 per person.