Sitting proudly in the centre of Abu Dhabi, Umm Al Emarat Park is a refreshing oasis of tranquillity in the heart of the city.
Located on 15th Street, between Airport Road and Al Karamah Street, you’ll find glorious gardens, seasonal sunset markets and open spaces to explore with the whole family. Explore emerald green lawns, admire beautiful botanicals and catch dazzling live performances at the amphitheatre.
Clear your head with a sunset stroll, stretch out at an outdoor yoga class or simply sit for a while and watch the world go by. It’s the perfect place for families too, with animals to meet and kid-friendly attractions to enjoy.
Kids and adults alike will love the family-friendly attractions inside Umm Al Emarat Park.
Burn off some energy in the vast, open spaces of the Great Lawn, complete with two sensory playgrounds. Fly kites together in the open skies, relax on the grass or play a game of football on the lawn.
Head to the Animal Barn to get up close and personal with all different species, including rabbits, turtles, emus, ponies, goats and camels. Pony rides around the park are also available from 4.30pm each day.
Wind down by watching new movies and family favourites on the big screen in the Children’s Garden. You’re sure to find something to enjoy in the line up of movies, screened from Thursday to Saturday.
Visit the stunning Shade House to enjoy glorious vistas of Umm Al Emarat Park and admire the city from its multiple viewing platforms. As one of the park’s most unique and interesting attractions, it’s a must-see for all ages.
Housed inside are various warm-climate plant species, including palm trees and cycads, covered by rotating mechanical shades that provide the optimum cooling temperature for their growth. Thirty different species live inside, with the Shade House’s structure designed to perfectly orientate specific compass directions. The shutters on the outside block the sunlight to provide the perfect amount of shade each plant needs to flourish.
Before you leave, be sure to wander around the stunning Botanic Garden and the Great Lawn.
While Umm Al Emarat Park is glorious by day, at night it’s simply exquisite. Open until midnight, guests can enjoy the twinkling lights that illuminate the winding pathways. Cool off at the incredible water fountains as they dance in the moonlight, before catching an outdoor movie screening or a live performance at the amphitheatre.
The Wisdom Garden, built in honour of the late Sheikh Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, looks especially beautiful in the evening light. The shimmering marble is decorated with Sheikh Bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s famous quotes to provide a peaceful place to reflect on his legacy and passion for conservation.
The evenings are an ideal time for enjoying a refreshing run around the park, hitting the many exercise stations or taking a tour on the little park train.
Based in Al Mushrif, Umm Al Emarat Park is just minutes away from the Abu Dhabi City Golf Club and easy to reach from all corners of the city.
Follow the Corniche Road with Corniche Beach on your left, then head inland, following the signs for Al Mushrif.
Leave Abu Dhabi Airport and join the E20 highway. Be sure to look to your right to see the palatial Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque as you approach Al Mushrif and the park.
Leave Saadiyat Island in the direction of the Corniche along the E12 and onto the mainland, to reach Umm Al Emarat Park in around 25 minutes.
If you’re planning on visiting the park for the day, you’ll need to buy your food and drink from the local businesses based in Umm Al Emarat park. The exceptions are food for small children and water bottles.
There are dine-in restaurants, food trucks and kiosks to choose from in the park. The Home Bakery offers decadent cakes, coffees and an extensive tea selection, while one of Abu Dhabi’s favourites - Salt Abu Dhabi - serves up fresh sliders and milkshakes.
Before being renamed to Umm Al Emarat Park in 2016, the park was known as "Mushrif Central Park". This is why some people in the city may refer to it as a different name if you are looking for directions.
It can also sometimes be called the People’s Park too, as it was built as a hub for the community to help them enjoy and benefit from the beauty of open spaces. While visiting, you’ll notice many locals enjoying the park alongside tourists. It’s one of the most popular open spaces in the city.
There is an entry fee of AED10. This gives you access to the park all day long, from when it opens at 8am to 12pm at night. Last entry is at 11pm. Some of the attractions inside cost a little more as well – the pony rides and animal feeds both cost AED10.
Parking is available at the front entrance of the park. The park is also easy to reach by bus or taxi, with many buses heading there each day. If you are booking a taxi to the park, you may be able to get a special entrance offer – ask the concierge at your hotel about them.
No, pets are not allowed in Umm Al Emarat Park, but assistance dogs are permitted.
Start your visit to the park in the afternoon after the heat of the midday sun – you can then spend the rest of the day here, to experience its magic by day and night.
Head to the stunning Wisdom Garden for some peace and reflection. Then make your way to the Shade House, so you can experience how the incredible structure works in the heat and take in the spectacular views of the city.
Pause for an ice cream or a refreshing juice, then take a stroll to the Animal Barn, so the kids can meet all the amazing animals and take a pony ride, which start daily at 4.30pm. You can enjoy an early dinner in one of the cafes or from one of the seasonal food trucks – there are sandwiches, salads and sweet treats available.
At sunset, go to see an evening performance in the stunning amphitheatre, one of the most spectacular venues in the city. As you leave, you’ll witness the glittering lights of the park by night.
Golden sands and turquoise waters, surrounded by beautiful gardens, play areas and cycle paths. Corniche Beach is the perfect place for a family day out in the city.
Discover more
Embrace Abu Dhabi’s natural beauty with a trip to this ecological haven. Kayak, birdwatch and remember to take your camera to capture dolphins and turtles playing in the water.
Enjoy the natural beauty of the city from the saddle. From sandy trails to wildlife parks, horse riding in Abu Dhabi is an unforgettable experience.
All imagery provided by © Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
