10 to try: Parks in Dubai
3 Comments 25 January 2011
Mushrif Park
Best for: Families
This mammoth park is Dubai’s oldest and largest by a long way. It not only houses two (albeit retro) segregated swimming pools and an equestrian centre, but it’s also known as a prime spot for local birdwatchers, what with peacocks roaming around the aviary area and Bruce Scops owls hiding in the trees at night (keep an eye out for them near lampposts).
It’s particularly good for families, as there are endless activities to keep even the most energetic little ones entertained. A ride on the mini train that runs through the park is a good start (and offers a welcome rest, considering how large this park is, although you can also drive through it if you want to save your feet). A camel ride at the park’s petting zoo is another mode of transport on offer. The pièce de résistance, however, is the miniature international village: a surreal place featuring mini houses in the style of abodes from around the world (it’s officially for kids, but we found it pretty cool). On our last visit we spotted a white rabbit bounding through the park, providing a surreal Alice In Wonderland moment.
If you’re not an activities type, head to one of the many picnic areas packed with trees native to the region – the park is, in fact, a natural ghaf forest that was developed into a park in the ’80s. Admittedly, some areas are now a little run down, but that just serves to reinforce its historic character.
Dhs3 per person; Dhs10 per car. Pool access is Dhs10 for adults, Dhs5 for kids. Open daily 8am-11.30pm. Al Khawaneej Road, just outside Mirdif (04 288 3624).
User reviews:
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Posted by: Vishal on 01 Feb ' 11 at 10:41
Nice to see a feature on outdoorsy stuff, but I find the lack of proper biking tracks in Dubai a bit frustrating.....Having said that I have read about a development underway to expand the number of biking paths in the city
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Posted by: Ma. Jhonnette on 01 Feb ' 11 at 08:14
Nice info! Just to let you know the recently opened Al Barsha PArk is a must see and please include it. I must say very less people are coming (yey!) haha but I must say the place is nothing but tranquil. The 1.5km jogging track is awesome, the kids playground is inviting and for sports lover there are faciltiies to play basketball(full and half courts),tennis, volleyball.
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Posted by: Kash on 01 Feb ' 11 at 06:56
Nice listing & quite interesting, especially for a park-buff (or a green-buff, if you may call it !) like me. While most of my friends, even my family, love to hang out at big boring malls, always crowded and noisy, I always prefer a nice healthy stroll amongst lush greenery to feel fresh & rejuvenated & keep in tough with nature. But honestly I was disappointed with one beautiful park being missed out, the recently opened park at Muhaisnah-4 area (my locality); its small when you compare it to the bigger safa's and zabeel's, but yes, its a perfect well maintained green nicely landscaped park, good for family picnics, evening walks (with a lengthy tiring joggers track all around a lovely lake) & even some sports such as football & tennis. So try to include same in your next edition, since I believe its not worth missing out at all; still dont believe? most welcome to visit and then comment.
Cheers n Peace,
Kash
