Mushrif Central Park, Abu Dhabi - Timings, Entry Fee, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 5 km from Qasr Al Hosn and 32 km from Abu Dhabi International Airport, Mushrif Central Park is a sprawling urban park of Abu Dhabi. Also known as Umm Al Emarat Park, it is one of the oldest and largest parks in the city and among the famous places to visit in Abu Dhabi.

Initially meant only for women and children, the park was named as Mushrif Central Park because of its central location in the city. The design of the park is meant to continue the legacy of the late President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who had a great love for nature and emphasized the conservation of the environment. It also includes elements of Islamic design, such as pavilions, wind, water, shade, and quadripartite patterns.

Covering an area of 14.5 hectares of land, the park features a range of educational and recreational experiences in a safe and secure environment for the community. Large metal structures near one of the sandy playgrounds seem to be illustrating the laws of physics. There are pulleys to play with, levers to pull that direct wind through tubes to sound a musical note, and a huge, metal contraption that you can push and watch as it slides downhill then returns to its original spot. There are also carnival mirrors that distort your reflection. The park feeds a child's imagination. The mammoth metal structure over the outdoor amphitheater area resembles the ribcage of a dinosaur and can provide hours of play.

There is an open-air botanic garden, shaded by a 28-meter-high structure, in which tropical plants and trees grow in a moisture-controlled environment, which means a continuous, cool mist envelops the area. To add to the sense of adventure, the structure has two upper-level viewing platforms overlooking the park and surrounding areas, accessible by stairs or a lift. Goats, sheep, ponies, donkeys and camels are the highlights of the Animal Barn area and kids are encouraged to feed them, pet them and observe as their stalls are cleaned. It offers a free camel ride every day from 5 PM to 9 PM.

The park also has a tree-lined promenade, running from one end of the park to the other, with a stream full of fish. Along the promenade, one can find a running trail around the perimeter of the park where visitors can walk, jog, or cycle. A small, colorful train chugs its way through the park from noon onwards.

Timings: 10 AM - 10 PM

Entry: AED. 5 for Person & Free for Children below 3 & AED. 15 for Toy Train