The first-ever Quranic Park in the World, the attraction aims to promote values of peace, tolerance, and love through the attraction that is a treat to the eyes and souls of not only tourists but residents alike.
In an interview with the Emirates News Agency, Faeqa Akram, Dubai Municipality architectural engineer, said:
‘The Quranic Park aims to provide bridges of intellectual and cultural communication with different cultures, religions and peoples and to showcase the achievements of Islam in the field of plant ecology’
Spanning over 64 hectares, the Quranic Park first opened its doors to the public in 2019 with an ecstatic response from the crowd of about 100,000 visitors in its first week.
Where is the Quranic park located?
The Quranic park is in Al Khawaneej, facing the Last Exit, next to Al Habbai Mosque in Dubai. It can be accessed by bus, metro and car. There are plenty of parking spaces available for visitors.
When is the park open?
The park is open daily for visitors.
The timings of the park are:
Saturday - Thursday 9 AM - 9 PM
Friday 3 PM - 9 PM
(timings may differ during Ramadhan and public holidays)
Is there an entrance fee to the park?
Entrance to the Al Khawaneej Park, in general, is free. However, entrance to the glass house and cave of miracles is charged at AED 5 per person, per attraction.
The park accepts payments by NOL cards.
Exploring the park
Divided into four sections, Cave of Miracles, The Glasshouse, The Lake, and The Orchards, the park explores multiple facets of the Islamic world and Arab culture.
Including but not limited to, miracles performed by the Holy Prophets of Islam explained through an immersive audio-visual experience, the multiple fruits and herbs mentioned in the Quran and the different stories of the prophets and traditions that have plenty of values and lessons to provide from the Quran.
The Glasshouse
Entry Fee: AED 5
Inside the glass house, you will find 29 different types of plants mentioned in the Quran and the Sunnah. The Sunnah refers to the traditions of the last Holy Prophet of Islam.
Using state-of-the-art facilities to help plants thrive, the Greenhouse, also known as the Glasshouse, houses plants mentioned in the Holy Quran that are unsuitable to the climate of the desert.
The spot contains intelligently integrated air ducts and vents that are designed in the form of multiple artificial trees that blend seamlessly into the scenery while providing the perfect environment for the green inhabitants of the place.
The building management system of the facility also ensures temperature control, and you will find stout nozzles located around the facility that spray the plants with their needs and keep them looking and feeling fresh and healthy.
Aside from the hi-tech management that leaves you astounded, the architecture and design of the Glasshouse gives each visitor a chance to fully immerse into the experience with a ramp that floats above the Greenhouse providing the visitors with stellar scenery. This ramp also gives way to an observation deck where you admire the glasshouse and catch a moment of peace amidst the atmosphere.
Being a tourist attraction open to the general public, the park aims not only to astound but also inform all its attendees. Each plant in the greenhouse is accompanied by an information board outlining the details of the plant, and its relevance to the park and the Holy Quran.
Some plants present include, corn, olive trees, basil, barley, pomegranates, banana, wheat, and some beautiful flowers too.
Near the Glasshouse
Located outside the glasshouse, you will find a small food stall that will quench your thirst and hunger after the insightful trip.
Cave of Miracles
Entry Fee: AED 5
As the name mentions, the beautifully crafted cave walks you through the miracles of the multiple prophets mentioned in the Holy Quran.
Dimly lit by a warm ambience, the cave is divided into sections which explain the miracles of each Holy Prophet through immersive audio and visuals.
Designed especially with kids in mind, the animated videos are a wonderful opportunity for Arabic-speaking children to gain more insight.
The design of the man-made cave is set to replicate a real cave with stalactites (mineral structures, that look like icicles, hanging from the ceiling of a cave). Using top-notch technology once again, the cave will immerse you with holograms and the latest interactive technologies.
As you walk into the cave, you are greeted by an introductory video about the miracles of the Holy Prophets, after which you can view the seven different ones displayed in the cave.
The miracles that the cave includes are:
- Prophet Ibrahim’s (A.S) miracles when he revived a bird
- Prophet Mosa’s (A.S) miracle when he split the sea
- Prophet Jesus/Issa’s (A.S) miracle when he created a bird out of clay
- Prophet Uzair’ (A.S) miracle when he revived after sleeping for 100 years
- Prophet Mohammad’s (PBUH) miracle when he split the moon into two
- Prophet Younus’s (A.S) miracle when he survived in the belly of a whale
- Prophet Suleman’s (A.S) miracle in hearing the plea of an ant
The Lake
Symbolising a miracle performed by the Holy Prophet Musa (A.S), the lake is split into two with a walkway in between. The walkway is surrounded by fountains on both sides. The miracle of the Prophet Musa ( A.S) was performed to protect the people of Israel by parting the Red Sea.
The lake makes for a refreshing moment of peace amidst the heat of the desert.
The Orchards
While some plants are housed in the Glasshouse, many that do not require temperature control and can thrive in the climate of the region are found in the 12 orchards placed outdoors in the park.
Some orchards include:
- Grapes Orchard
- Palm Tree Orchard
- Olive Orchard
Similar to the Glasshouse, the orchards also include information plates that give visitors details about the plants, herbs, spices, and more. They also include information relating to the Quranic verses that the plants are mentioned in, their benefits, and their uses in food and medicine.
FAQ’s
Can you spread out a picnic in the park?
Yes, visitors report that you may bring any eatables you’d like to enjoy a picnic in the park.
Is the park only open to Muslims?
The park is open to people of all faiths, cultures, and nationalities. The park aims to promote a harmonious relationship between citizens of the UAE in line with the aim of the Year of Tolerance commemorated in 2019.
Dawoud Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said:
In addition to its Islamic character and innovative concept, which make it a unique first of its kind project in the world, the Park is characterized by its modern designs and a number of international specifications. It also has its beautiful green landscapes and diversity, and the exhibits promote the dissemination of a culture of tolerance.
Are pets allowed in the park?
Currently, pets are not allowed to accompany visitors at the park. For more information, contact +971-800-900.
How long does it take to explore the park?
If you’d like to visit all parts of the park, we would recommend around 2-3 hours.
Are bookings required to enter the park?
You are not required to book in advance to enter the park. Over the weekends, there might be longer wait times for attractions such as the Glasshouse and Cave of Miracles.
Services and facilities
- WIFI
- The mosque is outside the Park, located to the left of Gate 3. Open areas for prayer are present inside the Park.
- Wheelchairs are available.
- Washrooms
- Kiosks and food cart
- Walking track
- Phone charging stations
- Cycling tracks
- Solar energy trees
- Shaded areas for children between 2 and 12 years
Last Exit Al Khawaneej
Located at a distance of 10 minutes by car, this spot is the perfect place to unwind and grab a quick bite after a trip to the Quranic park with its variety of options in cuisines served by food trucks.
Some joints available here are:
- Cupagahwa (cafe)
- Saddle Café
- DOH (mini doughnuts)
- Krush Burger
- Sushi Station
- Slice and Bun
How to get there
Take the metro and get off at the Centrepoint station (previously called Rashidiya). You can either hail a taxi to the park or catch the F05 or F06 bus that drops you off at a walking distance from the Quranic Park.
