Travel UAE

Tag: park

  • Leem Lake and Al Wadi Park, Hatta

    Leem Lake and Al Wadi Park, Hatta

    There are two parks in Hatta, Leem Lake, and Al Wadi Park, which are close together.

    At Leem Lake, you can enjoy the serene waters by renting a kayak. During winter, the Hatta Winter Festival transforms the park into a lively hub with festive decorations, local market stalls, and cultural performances.

    Al Wadi Park is located nearby and suitable for nature lovers and families. With its lush greenery, shaded walking paths, and open spaces, it’s perfect for picnics, strolls, or letting children play in a safe and calm environment. The peaceful surroundings make it a great spot to unwind after exploring the activities at Hatta Lake.

    GPS: 24.815268, 56.131061
    Google Maps
    Photos

  • Winter City

    Winter City

    Winter City is the winter event at Dubai Expo City. Every December Dubai Expo City is transformed into a magical land with a traditional chalet-style Christmas market, pine trees and fun fairground games, with a towering tree and a letter-to-Santa station. 

    GPS: 24.960379, 55.150772
    Google Maps
    Photos: 1, 2

  • Dubai Crocodile Park

    Dubai Crocodile Park

    I visited the crocodiles at Dubai Crocodile Park. Outside, the 25-year-old adult crocodiles were relaxing, while the 5-year-old juveniles in the aquarium were much more active. They look incredibly intimidating when rushing toward you, hoping for food. The aquarium is undoubtedly the most striking feature of the park and alone makes it worth a visit.
    The park also features a museum, a café, and the option to sign up for a crocodile feeding experience.
    Adding to the unique atmosphere, the park is situated near the glide path of Dubai Airport, so every few minutes, planes pass overhead, enhancing the unusual vibe of the place.

    GPS: 25.202835, 55.440891
    Google Maps
    Photos: 1, 2

  • Dubai Safari Park

    Dubai Safari Park

    Dubai Safari Park is a large park perfect for the whole family, offering a wide variety of animals and an abundance of greenery and flowers. One of the highlights is the safari experience, where you are seated on a bus and taken on a 30-minute (or a shorter 10-minute) guided tour through enclosures featuring different animals. Every half hour, there’s an opportunity to feed giraffes by hand. We were waiting in line for this experience, but despite the scheduled time, it wasn’t opening. It turned out they were waiting for a VIP tour. A group of local men arrived, and while mothers with children were kept waiting in a “pen” under the heat, this “special” procession calmly fed the giraffes. It was quite an odd scene to witness.
    We visited on a weekday morning, and there were plenty of school buses with children, leading to queues in some areas. By around 11 a.m., the crowds had thinned out.
    You can explore the park on foot or use internal transportation to reach specific zones. While the park isn’t enormous, the winding paths make walking under the midday sun quite exhausting. It’s a good idea to plan your visit, decide which areas you’d like to explore, and purchase the appropriate tickets (you can buy them online or at least review what’s available and included). Sticking to a plan will make your visit smoother.
    Right at the entrance, there’s a large Children’s Zone with a petting zoo. Kids can interact with goats and sheep in an open area or observe donkeys, parrots, and other animals.

    GPS: 25.176584, 55.447963
    Google Maps
    Photos

  • Dubai Miracle Garden

    Dubai Miracle Garden

    Dubai Miracle Garden is a large outdoor flower garden featuring various cartoon installations and even a real airplane covered in flowers. The park is not open year-round, so check its operating schedule. It’s a must-visit for flower enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys vibrant colors and beautiful displays.

    GPS: 25.059491, 55.245162
    Google Maps
    Photos: 1, 2

  • The Green Planet

    The Green Planet

    The Green Planet is an indoor mini-zoo in a tropical climate in Dubai. One of its highlights is a scheduled tropical rainstorm, during which actual rain falls throughout the enclosure.

    Inside, you’ll find a wide variety of birds, parrots, and other animals, as well as sections featuring snakes, fish, and more. The experience starts with an elevator ride to the top and a spiral path that gradually leads you back through the exhibits.

    While most animals can’t be touched, parrots are the exception. However, caution is advised with larger parrots—they can deliver a painful bite if provoked and can be pretty persistent in seeking attention.

    GPS: 25.206534, 55.260457
    Google Maps
    Photos: 1, 2

  • Dubai Frame

    Dubai Frame

    The Dubai Frame is an iconic structure in Zabeel Park resembling a giant photo frame. It consists of two towers, each 150 meters tall, connected at the top by a 93-meter-long glass bridge. The floor is glass, which visitors can walk across.

    From the top, you’ll enjoy stunning views of central Dubai, offering a unique perspective of the modern skyline and the older parts of the city. Inside, there’s a museum showcasing Dubai’s transformation over the years, while visitors can explore the beautiful park grounds outside.

    Highlights:

    • Panoramic views: A breathtaking look at Dubai’s contrasting past and future.
    • Glass walkway: A thrilling experience walking on the bridge’s glass floor.
    • Museum: Insight into Dubai’s remarkable history and development.
    • Relaxing park setting: Perfect for a stroll after you visit the Frame.

    The Dubai Frame is a must-see attraction for visitors looking to capture the city’s essence.

    GPS: 25.235443, 55.30011
    Google Maps
    Photos

  • Al Seef

    Al Seef

    The Al Seef Historical District stretches for 1.8 km along the shoreline of Dubai Creek, blending centuries-old traditions with modern innovations right in the heart of Dubai. It features numerous shops in authentic historical interiors, offering a glimpse into the past. Nearby, you’ll find a variety of unique restaurants to explore.

    The “old” town transitions into a modern waterfront area at a certain point. With its traditional architecture, the historical section gradually merges into contemporary spaces, creating a fascinating contrast.

    What to Expect:

    • Perfect for evening walks: The atmosphere becomes magical as the city lights up with millions of lights.
    • Daytime comfort: Shaded areas provide a cool retreat from the sun.
    • Convenience: Beneath the entire area lies a massive, free underground parking lot, making it easily accessible.

    Al Seef is a delightful spot for a stroll, combining history and modernity in one place.

    GPS: 25.264615, 55.301732
    Google Maps
    Photos

  • Global Village

    Global Village

    Global Village, a massive entertainment park in Dubai, offers a unique combination of cultural exploration, performances, and amusement rides. It’s divided into two main areas:

    1. Cultural Pavilions: Half of the park is dedicated to various national pavilions, each showcasing architecture and traditions unique to their respective countries. Here, you can explore local crafts, cuisines, and products from all over the world. However, despite the abundance of food stalls, seating is scarce, making it inconvenient to enjoy a meal comfortably.
    2. Entertainment and Rides:
      • The park features two large stages hosting theatrical and cultural performances, including a dedicated stage for children’s shows.
      • The rides section is vast, catering to all ages. The variety is impressive, from gentle rides for young children to adrenaline-pumping options for adults. However, the mix of attractions can be overwhelming—for example, a child on a gentle water ride might be startled by a loud adult ride passing nearby.
      • An open-air ice rink adds a unique touch to the experience.

    Unfortunately, personal scooters like your child’s are prohibited inside the park. Although rental mobility options are available, the sheer volume of visitors makes them hard to navigate or enjoy.

    Key Tips:

    • Plan your visit: The park opens in the evening (around 4–5 PM; check the schedule), with peak crowds arriving after 6 PM. Arriving early can help you avoid the worst of the crowds.
    • Tickets: Buy tickets online for a discount.
    • Be prepared for crowds: The park is extremely popular, and managing the sheer number of visitors can be challenging, especially if you’re with children.

    Overall, Global Village offers a unique cultural and entertainment experience, but the overwhelming crowds can detract from the enjoyment.

    GPS: 25.071815, 55.308498
    Google Maps
    Photos

  • Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre

    Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre

    Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre is a small nature reserve located on the coast of the Gulf of Oman. It is a peninsula with a small amount of shallow mangrove forest and, in some ways, an untouched natural habitat with diverse flora and fauna. It’s like a little sanctuary.

    The park features a museum complex and a café where you can cool off from the heat, admire aquarium wildlife, and learn about the various species that inhabit the area.

    The rest of the experience is outdoors. There’s a turtle pool, a pavilion with birds and gazelles running around, a bridge over a canal, and a small walking path through the mangroves. Additionally, several informative signs throughout the area offer insights into the local wildlife.

    GPS: 25.015033, 56.360364
    Google Maps
    Photos: 1, 2