Present right in the middle of the city, Umm Al Emarat is Abu Dhabi’s oldest tourist attraction spot. It is one of the largest parks in the city and is meant for kids and ladies. It was built in 1982 and was initially named Mushrif Park. Later on, renovations were made giving it a new look. Hence, Umm Al Emarat Park Abu Dhabi turned out to be a popular hotspot zone for locals and tourists.

Furthermore, the park is filled with some exclusive attractions and amenities. For example, the Shade House, Animal Barn, Great Lawn, Botanic Garden, Children’s Garden, Evening Garden, and Amphitheatre. The Animal Barn is a part of the Emirates Park Zoo. Thus, you will spot animals like cows, ponies, baby goats, and camels. Another major attraction is the Amphitheatre. It is a massive outdoor performing arts venue and can hold approximately 2500 people at a time.

Don’t miss the Shade House, which is an acclaimed structure. It features unique plant species, and the interior of the House is artificially moisture controlled. Besides, you will spot two upper-level decks from where you will get a spectacular view of the park with the enclosed surrounding view of the park.

Activities to try at Umm Al Emarat Park

Luckily Umm Al Emarat Park has something in store for everyone. For example, from unique exotic animals to stunning theatrical performances, the park is perfect to spend some relaxing time with your small ones. However, here is a detail of the activities that you should try here.

  • The Amphitheatre

Among the other attractions in the park, the one that will instantly grab your attention is the Amphitheatre. Present near the Entrance Pavilion, it is a noteworthy theatre stage. Often the theatre organizes events like music performances, plays, sports events, and cultural dances. Furthermore, movie screenings are also organized here. The spectator area can hold approximately 2500 people. Therefore, don’t miss out on enjoying any performances if you see one during your visit.

  • Children’s Garden

As already mentioned, the Umm Al Emarat Park was specifically made for young souls. So, finding a kid’s garden would be a no-brainer. You will find a huge interactive playing zone for them. Therefore, your small ones will get enough space to open up their world of imagination and let it flow. Besides, an outdoor cinema area is also present for them where animated films are mostly played.

  • Animal barn and petting zoo

Kids and their love for the zoo is an unbreakable bond. You will find an animal barn and petting zoo inside the Umm Al Emarat Park in Abu Dhabi. They will spend a great time with the adorable animals. The Emirates Parks Zoo is responsible for maintaining the zoo and its cleanliness. A few common animals you will spot here include goats, donkeys, camels, and more. Depending on the upcoming seasons, the animals are changed so that the visitors can have a new experience.

  • Shade house

The primary motive behind building Umm Al Emarat Park is for preserving and protecting the animals. If you want to know more about the conservation methods practiced here, explore the Shade House. It is yet another major attraction of the park and made it famous. Inside, you will spot more than 30 different plants growing inside a temperature-controlled environment.

  • Botanic garden

If you have a sheer affinity for unique exotic plants, don’t forget to visit the Botanic Garden. The garden is home to over 200 plant species, including exotic plants from the US, Latin America, Africa, and Australia. The pond water and the stone pools made a suitable climate for the plants to grow.

  • Great Lawn

It is impossible to think about a park without a huge lawn area covered with lush green grasses. Known by the name Great Lawn, it is another peaceful place in Umm Al Emarat Park after the Botanic Garden. The green space is perfect for different activities like outdoor games and yoga sessions.

  • Wonder Maze

Do you consider yourself a maze prodigy? The Wonder Maze can be your spot to show off your skills. It is not like any random maze you see in parks but a kaleidoscope with mind-boggling twists and turns. The maze length is approximately 3000 meters and takes almost 1 hour to complete. Furthermore, the grids are regularly changed so that the visitors can put their brains to the test.

Restaurants inside Umm Al Emarat

You might have understood by now that the activities inside the park will make you feel tired. Why not try the food joints and restaurants present in Umm Al Emarat? From juicy burgers, beverages, and sandwiches to mouth-watering desserts, get everything at Burger Bureau. However, if you and your little one are in the mood for ice cream, explore different flavors from Movenpick. Alternatively, the Park Station Cafe is also a good choice, a relaxing and chic café with an impressive ambiance that serves organic foods like sandwiches, salads, beverages, and salads.

Rules to follow

Staffs working here always strive to maintain a safe environment for the visitors. Listed below are a few rules that everyone should follow.

  • The tickets for the park cannot be transferred or exchanged. Also, if you want to participate in any park events, you have to pay additional charges.
  • Don’t carry any baggage or parcel before coming here, as it might not be allowed inside the park.
  • The entire park remains under CCTV surveillance.
  • If you want to try commercial photography or arrange events inside, you have to take permission from the management.
  • Bikes for kids are allowed inside. No, hoverboards or skateboards are allowed inside the park.
  • Smoking cigarettes or Shisha is not allowed inside.

How to reach Umm Al Emarat Park?

Located on 15th street right between Airport Road and Al Karamah Street, you can access Umm Al Emarat via public transport. Taxis and public buses from different parts of Abu Dhabi come here. Alternatively, you can drive yourself to the park.

Entry Timing & Ticket Price

  • Opening Hours: 08:00 AM to late night 12:00 AM
  • Ticket Price: AED 5 /
  • Pets Allowed: No
  • Address: 15th Street, Mushrif Area – Abu Dhabi – UAE

Best time to visit

Umm Al Emarat opens around 8 am. Therefore, the early morning hour is the ideal time, since you can avoid the crowd and uncomfortable heat. However, dusk is also a suitable time to visit here, if you want to enjoy the fountains and sunset views inside the park.

Final words

All in all, if you want to spend some time with your kids amidst nature away from the malls, Umm Al Emarat is definitely a perfect place to relax and unwind.