Zabeel Park is a green oasis amid the bustling city of Dubai. Spanning 120 acres, the park features gardens, playgrounds, and cafes, as well as a boating lake and picnicking areas.
The centrepiece of the park is the Dubai Frame, a 150-meter structure that offers sweeping views of the city. During the cooler months, the park comes alive at night with the Dubai Garden Glow, a light and sound show set against a backdrop of colourful flowers and plants.
Whether you’re looking to relax in nature or explore Dubai’s attractions, Zabeel Park is the perfect place to start.
The park is divided into three sections (A, B, and C), divided by Sheikh Zayed Road, but linked by pedestrian bridges.
A schematic map showing the areas of the park can be found at the end of this article.
Area A – Dubai Frame, Children’s Playgrounds, Bike Rentals, BBQ Areas
The Dubai Frame is the major crowd puller in this area of the park. It is the largest picture frame in the world and consists of two towers connected at the top by a 93-metre-long bridge; the Sky Deck. The exterior is clad in stainless steel and coated with titanium nitride to give a golden appearance.
The attraction was designed to symbolise the city’s transition from a traditional trading hub to a modern metropolis. Visitors ascending to the Sky Deck are offered stunning views of both old and new Dubai.
From one side of the Sky Deck, visitors can see the historic skyline of Dubai; Bur Dubai, Deira, and the Dubai Creek. The other side offers views of the modern areas of the city, including the Burj Khalifa and the skyscrapers on Sheikh Zayed Road.
The Dubai Frame has quickly become one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions and is well worth a visit.
This area of Zabeel Park is home to several children’s playgrounds, each with a unique selection of slides, climbing frames, swings, and other play equipment. They are a great place for kids to burn off energy.
Awnings offer shade from the sun, and there is plenty of seating for parents who want to supervise their children while they play. They are well-maintained and safe.
Taking a stroll through the park is a great way to enjoy some fresh air and spend time with family or friends. But why not up the ante and explore the park on two wheels?
Bicycles can be rented from the concession located near Gate 3. Single, twin, and family bikes are available, so there’s something for everyone. The park has a wide variety of walkways, making it perfect for exploring by bike.
So next time you’re looking for a way to add some excitement to your day, remember that you can always rent a bike and hit the park trails. Who knows? You might just discover a new favourite spot.
Zabeel Park is one of the best places in Dubai to enjoy a barbecue. The park has numerous BBQ areas. They are located near Gate 1.
Each BBQ spot boasts a grill and a seating area with a table. They are fairly spacious, so you can invite all your friends and family for a fun day out. Awnings and trees offer plenty of shade. Many have a children’s play area nearby.
With its convenient location and wide range of amenities, Zabeel Park is the perfect spot for a fun and relaxing barbecue.
This area of the park also features an amphitheatre, numerous cafes and refreshment kiosks, fountains, sculptures, and more.
The park’s sculptures include one celebrating the twinning of Shanghai and Dubai, which was gifted to the park by the Shanghai municipal government.
A jogging track runs outside the perimeter of the park.
Stargate, a children’s edutainment centre, opened in 2009. It was operational for a couple of years before closing.
Area B – Dubai Garden Glow, Boating Lake, Cricket Pitch
Dubai Garden Glow is a seasonal attraction open in the winter evenings. An area of the park is transformed with fantastic light displays. It also includes attractions such as Dinosaur Park (animatronic dinosaurs) and Ice Park (ice sculptures).
If you’re feeling active, you can rent a boat and explore the park’s boating lake. There’s also a cricket pitch if you want to play a game or just watch from the sidelines.
Area C – Amphitheatre
Area C lies on the eastern side of the park. It is home to an amphitheatre, used mainly for events and shows.
Park Timings
Zabeel Park is open every day of the week. Timings are Monday to Thursday 8 am to 10 pm and Friday to Sunday 8 am to 11 pm. Opening hours on public holidays are 8 am to 11 pm.
The park is close to Karama, a built-up residential area popular with expatriate workers from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. It can get very busy at weekends (now Saturday and Sunday in Dubai) and holidays.
Entrance Fee
The entrance fee to Zabeel Park in 2022 is 5 AED (£1.09, €1.28, $1.36). Children under 2 enjoy free entry. Payment is by NOL card (contactless travel card) only.
The basic entry price does not include admission to the Dubai Frame and Dubai Garden Glow. Tickets for these are sold separately.
Visitors who have paid for entry to the Dubai Frame, enjoy free entry to the rest of the park.
Location and Getting There
Zabeel Park is located in the Zabeel neighbourhood of Dubai, between the Dubai World Trade Centre and Karama.
The nearest Metro Station is Max (formerly called Al Jafiliya), a station on the Red Line. Gate 1 is just a few hundred yards away.
The closest bus station is Al Jafiliya Bus Station. Buses to here include:
- 10 – Gold Souq Bus Station to Al Quoz Bus Station via Al Jafiliya Bus Station.
- 27 – Gold Souq Bus Station to Dubai Mall via Al Jafiliya Bus Station.
- 91A – Gold Souq Bus Station to Jebel Ali Bus Station via Al Jafiliya Bus Station.
Feeder bus F09 departs from Max Metro Station and goes to Gate 4, the entrance to the Dubai Frame.
Zabeel Park Gates
The park has multiple entrances (gates):
- Gate 1 – Located on the western side of Area A. The closest entrance to Max Metro Station. Convenient for the children’s playgrounds and BBQ areas.
- Gate 2 – At the northern tip of Area A. At the junction of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street (D88) and Sheikh Rashid Road (D75).
- Gate 3 – Located on the northern side of Area A. Just off Sheikh Rashid Road and near the footbridge to Karama.
- Gate 4 – On the eastern side of Area A. This is the gate for the Dubai Frame.
- Gate 5 – Lies on the eastern side of the park. The entrance to Area C.
- Gate 6 – Situated on the southern side of Area B, off Al Majlis Street. The entrance for Dubai Garden Glow.
- Gate 7 – Located on the western side of Area B, near the Trade Centre Roundabout. Another entrance for Dubai Garden Glow.
Parking
Zabeel Park offers several car parks. The biggest car parks are near Gate 1, Gate 2, and Gate 4. Parking charges apply. They were introduced following complaints that many commuters were abusing the free parking.
Additional Information
The park opened in 2005 and is operated by Dubai Municipality.
Free WiFi is available throughout the park. There are also several clean and well-maintained toilets.
Prayer rooms offer a quiet place to reflect and pray.
