The Best Parks for BBQ in UAE
As winter unfurls its cooler embrace across the UAE, the country welcomes the season with open arms — and open grills. Gone is the scorching summer heat, replaced by a pleasantly cool climate that beckons locals and tourists alike to step outside and indulge in the time-honored tradition of barbecuing.
This article will journey through UAE's best parks for BBQ, where the atmosphere is as inviting as the mouthwatering aromas wafting through the air. So, get ready to explore the vibrant BBQ scene that truly comes alive in UAE's winter tranquility.
DUBAI
Zabeel Park
Zabeel Park in Dubai, renowned for its vast green spaces and tranquil environment, has become a delightful destination for barbecues and picnics during winter. Its expansive area, equivalent to 45 football fields, offers ample space for families and groups to enjoy outdoor activities in a serene setting.
Key Highlights for BBQ at Zabeel Park:
- The park features several designated areas for barbecuing, allowing visitors to cook and dine amidst the lush scenery. These spots are strategically placed near tall palm trees, providing both shade and a beautiful backdrop.
- There are numerous picnic chalets and open areas where families can spread out and enjoy a meal together. The winter weather in Dubai, being mild and pleasant, makes it an ideal time for picnicking in the park.
- Zabeel Park is well-known for being family-oriented. With its safe and clean environment, it's a perfect spot for families with children to spend a day outdoors.
- Apart from BBQ and picnics, the park offers various recreational options like mini-golf, skating, skateboarding, and a BMX track, adding more fun to the outdoor experience.
- The park's extensive greenery, water features, and beautiful landscaping offer a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle, making it a great place to relax and rejuvenate.
- The park is easily accessible and equipped with all necessary facilities, including restrooms, play areas for children, and ample parking spaces.
- During the winter, Zabeel Park often hosts events and markets, adding to the vibrant atmosphere and providing additional entertainment for visitors.
The park is accessible through seven different gates, each leading to different sections of the park.
Location: Zabeel District, Near Al Jafliya Metro Station
Timings: Sunday - Wednesday: 8 am - 10 pm | Thursday - Saturday: 8 am - 11 pm
Entry Fee: AED 5
Hatta Hill Park
Hatta Hill Park, located in the serene exclave region of Hatta, Dubai, offers a perfect getaway for families and nature enthusiasts. Established in 2004 and covering over 63,915 sqm, this park is a blend of natural beauty and recreational facilities.
This park becomes a particularly appealing destination for BBQ during the winter season as the cooler temperatures and scenic backdrop of the Hajar Mountains create an ideal setting for outdoor activities.
Key Highlights for BBQ at Hatta Hill Park:
- The park offers designated areas for barbecuing, allowing visitors to grill amidst the natural beauty of the mountains. Winter's mild weather is perfect for enjoying a BBQ feast with family and friends.
- With ample green spaces and picnic areas, Hatta Hill Park provides a peaceful setting for families to gather and enjoy meals outdoors. The park's elevation offers stunning views, enhancing the picnic experience.
- Equipped with a play area and a swimming pool, the park is a hit with kids, offering various activities to keep them entertained while adults relax and enjoy the BBQ.
- For those looking to combine their picnic with a bit of adventure, the park offers hiking opportunities to its watchtower. The hike is a great way to work up an appetite before settling down for a BBQ.
- The park is well-equipped with necessary amenities, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience for visitors.
- The picturesque landscape of Hatta, especially during winter, provides excellent opportunities for photography enthusiasts.
Location: Zabeel District, Near Al Jafliya Metro Station
Timings: Sunday - Thursday: 8 am - 11 pm | Friday - Saturday: 8 am - 12 am
Entry Fee: Free
Safa Park
Safa Park in Dubai, located near Sheikh Zayed Road in the Al Safa community, is a popular destination for families and nature enthusiasts. Established in 1975, it has become a staple in the city for outdoor activities and relaxation.
During the winter months, Safa Park in Dubai becomes an especially attractive destination for BBQ enthusiasts. Its pleasant climate and lush greenery provide an ideal backdrop for outdoor grilling and picnicking.
Centrally located, bordered by Al Haqiqa Road and Al Wasl Road, the park is easily accessible via public transportation, including the Safa Park Metro Station and nearby bus stops.
Key Highlights for BBQ at Safa Park:
- Safa Park offers designated BBQ spots equipped with essential facilities. These areas are well-maintained and ideal for setting up a grill and cooking your favorite meals.
- With its beautiful landscapes, including lakes and a variety of bird species, Safa Park offers a serene environment to enjoy a meal outdoors.
- The park's vast green spaces and children's play areas make it a family-friendly destination, where kids can play while adults relax and cook.
- Post-BBQ, you can enjoy a stroll or a jog along the park’s 3.5-kilometer track, making it a wholesome experience combining food, fun, and fitness.
- The park is centrally located and easily accessible, with ample parking and facilities like restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit.
- The park maintains high standards of cleanliness and safety, ensuring a pleasant experience for all visitors.
Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Safa
Timings: Monday - Wednesday: 8 am - 10 pm | Thursday - Sunday: 8 am - 12 am
Entry Fee: Adults: AED 3 | Kids: Free
ABU DHABI
Yas Gateway Park
Yas Gateway Park in Abu Dhabi, particularly known for its BBQ spots, becomes an ideal location for outdoor grilling during the winter months. The park's layout and amenities cater perfectly to families and individuals looking to enjoy a BBQ in a picturesque setting.
Key Features of Yas Gateway Park for BBQ:
- The park is equipped with multiple barbecue stations, particularly in the Yas Gateway North area, providing a perfect setting for grilling burgers, sausages, and other BBQ favorites.
- Spread across two sections - Yas Gateway North and South - the park offers vast open spaces and landscaped paths, making it ideal for picnics alongside BBQ.
- With dedicated play zones, it's a family-friendly spot, ensuring kids have plenty of activities to engage in while adults enjoy the BBQ.
- The park also features tennis courts and open spaces for sports, adding to the leisure options available post-BBQ.
- While the park's layout can be initially confusing, its well-connected trails and underpass linking the North and South sections make it an enjoyable space once familiarized.
- Yas Gateway Park is known for its tranquil ambiance, accentuated by cool and pleasant winter weather, making it a relaxing BBQ destination.
- Though restroom facilities are limited and often locked, the proximity to Yas Mall provides additional amenities and options for visitors.
Location: Al Falah Road
Timings: Monday - Sunday: 8 am - 10 pm
Entry Fee: Free
Dolphin Park
Dolphin Park, situated near Qasar Al Bahar Palace within the Eastern Mangrove Park in Abu Dhabi, is a renowned spot for picnics and barbecues. Accessible via Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street (E10), the park is easily reachable from Abu Dhabi City and offers free parking for visitors.
Renowned for its distinctive dolphin fountain, Dolphin Park is a favorite among locals, especially for evening BBQs under the stars. Its tranquil setting near the mangroves offers a unique outdoor experience.
The park has recently undergone a renovation, enhancing its facilities and overall appeal. These upgrades have revitalized the park, originally built about 30 years ago and overlooking the city's Mangrove National Park.
Key Features of Dolphin Park for BBQ:
- Situated near the Eastern Mangroves, the park offers a serene and beautiful natural setting, enhancing the BBQ experience.
- Equipped with 10 designated barbecue spots, Dolphin Park caters to visitors looking to grill and dine outdoors.
- Following the newly done renovation, the park features updated amenities, including rejuvenated fountains and refreshed greenery, creating a more inviting atmosphere.
- With renovated playgrounds and sports courts for football and basketball, Dolphin Park is family-friendly, offering activities for all ages.
- The park offers free parking, making it convenient for visitors to bring their BBQ equipment and supplies.
- The park's layout and facilities are conducive to picnicking, allowing visitors to spend a leisurely day.
- The park’s distinctive dolphin water fountain adds to its charm and is a popular feature among visitors.
Location: Qasr Al Bahr, Eastern Mangrove, Abu Dhabi
Timings: Monday - Sunday: Open 24 hours
Entry Fee: Free
SHARJAH
Shees Park
Shees Park, located in Khor Fakkan within the Sharjah emirate, offers a refreshing change from the usual urban attractions of the UAE.
Accessible within an hour's drive from Sharjah and a little more from Dubai, Shees Park stands out with its rugged terrain and beautifully manicured gardens. The park's primary attractions include a 25-meter man-made waterfall, an artificial lake, an open-air theater with a capacity of 70 people, and a playground area for children, making it perfect for family outings.
Key Highlights for BBQ at Shees Park:
- Set amidst the Hajar Mountains and Shees Wadi, the park offers a stunning backdrop for a BBQ experience.
- The park includes designated BBQ areas, allowing visitors to grill and enjoy meals in a serene natural setting.
- With a vast area of 11,362 square meters, Shees Park provides plenty of space for families and groups to set up their BBQ spots comfortably.
- In addition to BBQ, the park's environment is ideal for picnicking, with shaded seating areas where visitors can relax and dine.
- A dedicated area for kids ensures that young visitors stay entertained, making it a family-friendly destination.
- Post-BBQ, visitors can explore the walking trails and enjoy the stunning views from elevated points within the park.
- The 25-meter man-made waterfall adds to the ambiance, creating a picturesque setting for a winter BBQ.
- The park also features an outdoor theatre, which could be a source of entertainment if any events are scheduled during the visit.
Location: Wadi Shees, Khor Fakkan, Sharjah
Timings: Monday - Sunday: 8 am - 11 pm
Entry Fee: Free