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If you’ve lived in or even just visited Abu Dhabi, chances are you’ve heard whispers about Khalifa Park—but maybe you’ve never actually made the trip. Here’s the thing: while this sprawling park doesn’t get the same hype as Corniche Beach or Yas Island, it might just be one of the capital’s most underrated gems.
Tucked away in the eastern part of Abu Dhabi, near the ministries and the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Khalifa Park is massive, lush, and full of surprises. It’s more than just grasses and trees—think interactive museums, libraries, a miniature train, dancing fountains, and family zones with loads of space to chill, play, or just escape the concrete jungle.
It’s the kind of place where you can happily spend an entire day without even getting a twinge of boredom. If you enjoy peaceful nature strolls, are curious about Emirati culture, attempting to contain a boisterous toddler, or merely need somewhere quiet to read—this park will be for you. And the best part? You don’t have to break the bank. The entrance is only a few dirhams, and the majority of the attractions within are free or very low-cost.
Read on as we dive deeper into what Khalifa Park Abu Dhabi has in store!
Location & How To Reach
Khalifa Park is located in the Eastern District of Abu Dhabi, very close to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. It’s perfectly central but remote enough, so you’ll enjoy it without missing out. As for the directions, whether you’re coming from downtown, Mussafah, or the Corniche, simply follow signs to Al Salam Street and you’ll get there.
If you are driving, there is ample parking outside the park. It is immediately after the bridge off Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street, and the park is well indicated on Google Maps, so it is easy to find. Parking is generally free and trouble-free—unless you go during the afternoon on a weekend when it might take a minute or two to find a good place.
Not driving? Worry not. Abu Dhabi’s public transport is decent and will not cost an arm and a leg. Several of the bus routes will stop near the park—most notably, route 56 and 34. Just double-check the timings in advance.
Upon arrival, you will immediately notice the massive gates and the tree-lined walkways from the start. The entrance fee is a very affordable AED 2 per head, rendering it one of the most affordable activities in the city. Frankly, for the price of a cup of karak, you are getting to make use of immaculately kept gardens, educational facilities, and peaceful picnic areas.
Things To Do In Khalifa Park
This is where the action happens. Khalifa Park is not just a place to walk or sit—there are lots of things to do there, for kids and grown-ups.
1. Ride the Miniature Train
Yes, Khalifa Park actually possesses its own train! It’s probably one of the park’s most loved attractions, especially among families. The train loops around the park and gives you a mini guided tour of all the major spots inside. It’s cheap, cheerful, and actually a great way to scope out what you want to check out next.
There are several playgrounds sprinkled around, each meant for a different set of age groups. Kids can play on the swings, climbing frames, enjoy mini slides, and interactive games. The play equipment is new and well-maintained, with plenty of shaded seating areas for parents to chill while the kids go wild. There are also lots of open grassy areas where you could run, fly a kite, or have a little family picnic.
Another hidden gem? The water fountains. While they’re not meant for swimming or splashing, toddlers and young kids LOVE watching them dance and light up—especially in the evenings.
2. Visit the Maritime & Heritage Museum
This is a must. The Khalifa Park Museum is surprisingly detailed and beautifully curated. It walks you through the history of Abu Dhabi—from Bedouin times to pearl diving, all the way to the oil boom and the city’s transformation into a global capital. Kids will enjoy the interactive dioramas and short films.
3. Check Out the Library
Yup, there’s a full-fledged library inside the park. It’s air-conditioned (thankfully), and you’ll find everything from Emirati literature to English-language novels and children’s books. It’s a great place to wind down and escape the heat if you’re there in the warmer months.
4. Unwind on nature’s lap
While you’re here, take your time to wander through the greenery—it’s calm, refreshing, and full of life. Splashes of colour from blooming flowers brighten up the space, giving it a gentle charm that’s hard to resist. Don’t forget to check out the waterfall—it’s one of those spots that stays with you, especially if you’re into photography or just enjoy peaceful views. Whether you’re up for a slow stroll, snapping a few beautiful shots for your gallery, or simply sitting back and letting the calm sink in, this place has a quiet kind of magic that makes it easy to forget the buzz of city life.
5. Plan a picnic
One of the best things about Khalifa Park? It’s made for picnicking. Seriously, bring your blanket, your biryani or sandwiches, and enjoy a lazy afternoon under the trees.
There are designated barbecue pits, especially popular on weekends and public holidays. People come early to claim their spot, so if you’re planning a BBQ, try to arrive by 10 AM. The BBQ zones are set far enough apart that you’re not crammed next to the next family, and most have benches, shade, and trash bins nearby.
Prefer a low-key setup? No problem. The park’s wide lawns and shady trees make it easy to find a quiet corner to stretch out and relax. Kids can run wild, and adults can just sit back, snack, and scroll—or better yet, unplug and take in the scenery.
Didn’t pack food? Don’t worry. Grab a burger, shawarma or chai from the many food trucks which are pocket-friendly and add to the park’s charm.
Whether you’re spending a full day or just a couple of hours, the vibe is always friendly and family-oriented. It’s the kind of place where you’ll see multi-generational families gathered for lunch, teens chilling with friends, and couples taking quiet walks.
Best time to visit
Abu Dhabi gets hot—no surprise there. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy Khalifa Park year-round; you just need to time it right.
The ideal time to visit is from October through April. This is when the weather is cool enough to really enjoy everything the park offers, especially the outdoor zones.
Mornings are best if you wish to go on a jog, walk, or picnic. The air iscrisp, the crowds are smaller, and you get to spot birds around trees and fountains.
Evenings are also quite nice, especially during weekends. Families come together for barbecues, couples stroll out in the time of sunset, and the place is lively but not overpopulated. Plus, the park is lit up beautifully at night, making it a totally different vibe.
If you’re visiting during summer, don’t rule it out entirely—just go in the early morning or late evening. The library and museum are air-conditioned, so don’t miss to visit these. Besides, the park is better off on weekdays when the crowds are less and it’s quieter and calmer.
Nearby Attractions
When you’re here, you’ll also be able to visit some of the other popular attractions in Abu Dhabi, which are literally a stone’s throw from the Khalifa Park. Here’s what you must not miss:
- Al Maqta Fort
- Emirates Palace
- Rabdan Marina
- Zayed Sports City
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Khalifa Park 1 (Al Fan Park)
Dining Options
While the park has several food trucks, there are also few restaurants located within the park. These include:
- Mamak Restaurant
- Park Healthy Kitchen
- Blk. Restaurant
Other hotels near the park include:
- Park Rotana Abu Dhabi
- Beach Rotana
- Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi
- Emirates Palace
Details
- Entry fee: AED 2
- Timings: 8 am – 10 pm
- Phone: +971 056 522 9267
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