Al Barsha Pond Park
Name of the park: Al Barsha Pond Park
Location: 36X2+W94, opposite Al Barsha Mall, Al Barsha 2, Dubai, UAE
Size: Medium-sized; features a large central pond with surrounding landscaped areas
Opening hours / closing days: Open daily from morning until 11 PM; no official closing days
Entry fee: Free entry (no ticket required)
Type of Park
What Makes Al Barsha Pond Park Special?
Al Barsha Pond Park stands out as one of Dubai’s most loved urban parks, offering a refreshing escape from the city’s busy streets. Opened as part of Dubai Municipality’s initiative to enhance community spaces, the park is built around a large man-made pond — which gives it both its name and its peaceful charm. The vibe here is family-friendly, laid-back, and active, attracting joggers, cyclists, families, and friends looking for a beautiful, safe place to unwind.
What makes this park truly special is how it blends natural beauty with recreational facilities. While the central pond creates a calm, scenic backdrop with shaded walking paths, the park is also full of life with its sports courts, biking and running tracks, playgrounds, and open green spaces. Whether you want to jog around the 1.4 km track, enjoy a tennis match, paddle a boat on the lake, or let the kids play on the swings, there’s something here for everyone.
On weekends and evenings, you’ll often find families picnicking, children riding bikes, and friends shooting hoops at the basketball court — all under the glow of the city skyline. The park’s well-kept landscape, palm-lined walkways, and community-focused atmosphere make it a beloved spot for both residents and visitors alike.
Park Highlights & Attractions
Al Barsha Pond Park is packed with features that make it a favorite destination for families, fitness enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. Below is a detailed look at what you’ll find inside the park.
Walking Trails
The main walking and jogging track circles the large central pond and stretches approximately 1.4 kilometers in length. It’s a wide, paved trail suitable for walking, jogging, and running, and it’s lined with palm trees and benches for resting. Alongside the walking track, there’s a separate biking track designed for cyclists and children on scooters or rollerblades.
Facilities along the trails include:
Resting benches at regular intervals
Water fountains
Light posts for safe evening walks
Fitness stations for bodyweight exercises
The flat, well-maintained surface makes the trails accessible for all ages, including families with strollers and seniors looking for a leisurely stroll.
Playgrounds & Kids’ Zones
Al Barsha Pond Park has two main playgrounds:
Toddler Playground (Ages 2–5 years)
Small slides, swings, climbing frames, and soft rubber flooring
Shaded areas to protect children from the sun
Benches around the perimeter for parents to supervise
Junior Playground (Ages 6–12 years)
Larger slides, rope climbs, monkey bars, and balancing equipment
Sandpit area for creative play
Open space nearby for ball games or running
Both playgrounds are well-maintained, fenced for safety, and surrounded by green lawns where families often spread out picnic blankets.
Gardens & Green Spaces
The park features beautifully landscaped gardens with a mix of native plants, palm trees, and ornamental shrubs. There are:
Shaded garden paths for casual walks
Flower beds that bloom seasonally
Grassy lawns perfect for picnics, yoga, or just relaxing
There are designated family sections with large grassy areas where visitors can set up picnic mats or small tents. While BBQs are not officially allowed inside the park, many families bring light snacks and enjoy meals in these open spaces.
Lakes & Water Features
At the heart of Al Barsha Pond Park is the large central pond, a peaceful water body that covers a significant portion of the park. While swimming is not allowed, the pond is home to small boats and pedal boats (available for rent on weekends and holidays).
Highlights of the pond area include:
A small boating dock with life jackets provided
Waterfowl and occasional ducks that children love to watch
Viewing decks and small bridges for scenic photo spots
The pond reflects the city skyline in the evening, creating a beautiful, calm atmosphere especially popular with couples and photographers.
Facilities & Amenities
Al Barsha Pond Park is thoughtfully equipped with a range of facilities to ensure visitors have a comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable experience. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s available, where to find it, and whether there’s any cost involved.
Restrooms & Drinking Water
The park has three main restroom blocks, located near the entrances and close to the playgrounds and sports courts. These restrooms are:
Free to use for all visitors
Cleaned regularly by Dubai Municipality staff
Equipped with separate sections for men and women, as well as child-friendly toilets and changing tables in select locations
There are also free drinking water fountains placed at intervals along the jogging track, near the playgrounds, and close to the sports courts. Visitors are welcome to bring their own water bottles and refill them at these stations, which are maintained regularly for hygiene.
Parking & Accessibility
Al Barsha Pond Park offers ample free parking in a designated lot right next to the main entrance (opposite Al Barsha Mall).
Parking details:
Approximately 120+ car spaces available
Includes disabled parking spots close to entrances
No parking fee — completely free for visitors
Accessibility features include:
Smooth, wheelchair-friendly paths throughout the park
Ramps at curbs and entrances
Wide, flat tracks suitable for strollers and mobility scooters
This makes the park accessible to seniors, families with young children, and people with disabilities without the need for any extra services or costs.
Food & Beverages
While Al Barsha Pond Park does not have large food courts or restaurants inside, it offers several food and drink options:
Mobile food kiosks & coffee carts (usually operating in the evenings and on weekends)
Selling snacks like popcorn, cotton candy, ice cream, fresh juices, and coffee
Prices range from AED 5 to AED 20, depending on the item
Vending machines for water, soft drinks, and snacks located near the sports courts and entrances
Prices between AED 3 to AED 10 per item
For larger meals, visitors often bring their own picnic baskets or cross over to Al Barsha Mall, which is just across the street and offers a wide range of dining options.
Important to note: Barbecuing or open flame cooking is not allowed inside the park, and there are no dedicated BBQ stations.
Activities & Things to Do
Al Barsha Pond Park offers a wide range of activities, balancing fitness, leisure, and community fun — and most of them are free or very affordable, making it a popular destination for families, friends, and fitness enthusiasts across Dubai. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can do at the park.
Sports & Fitness
1. Jogging & Biking:
The 1.4 km jogging track and cycling track are completely free to use. Visitors bring their own bikes, scooters, rollerblades, or running shoes. Many locals come here for early morning runs or evening strolls under the lights.
2. Outdoor Gym / Fitness Stations:
Scattered along the track are outdoor fitness stations — pull-up bars, sit-up benches, and resistance machines — all free to use. These attract fitness enthusiasts looking for a bodyweight workout or circuit session.
3. Tennis Courts:
There are two full-size tennis courts available.
Booking is required through Dubai Municipality or via the on-site kiosk.
Charges: Approx. AED 30–50 per hour, depending on the time slot (peak evening hours may be slightly higher).
You must bring your own racket and balls.
4. Basketball Court:
Full-sized basketball court, open for public use.
Free to use, no booking required, but popular in the evenings — so groups often share playing time.
Bring your own basketball.
5. Boating on the Lake:
Pedal boats and small rowboats are available on weekends and public holidays.
Operated by a third-party vendor (often branded as “FunBoat” or similar).
Charges: Typically AED 40–60 per boat for a 30-minute ride, including life jackets.
Picnicking
The park is a top picnic spot in Al Barsha, especially on weekends.
Families spread out picnic mats on the large grassy lawns near the pond and playgrounds.
There are no fixed picnic tables or shelters, so most people bring their own mats, chairs, and small coolers.
Completely free — no reservation or permit required.
BBQs and open flames are not allowed, and there are no BBQ stations. However, cold snacks, sandwiches, and light meals are welcome.
Nearby, mobile vendors sell snacks like ice cream, fresh juices, and popcorn — usually priced between AED 5–20 per item.
Events & Festivals
Al Barsha Pond Park occasionally hosts community events, sports tournaments, school races, and seasonal markets.
Some examples include:
Dubai Fitness Challenge activities (October–November): Free group workouts, yoga classes, and fun runs organized with major fitness brands like Adidas and Nike.
School sports days & charity runs: Often organized by nearby schools or organizations — check in advance if parts of the park will be reserved.
Pop-up weekend markets or family fairs: These may feature food trucks, crafts, and entertainment — usually free entry, but items for sale are priced individually.
These events are typically announced on Dubai Municipality’s channels or local community pages. Regular visitors can join or watch most events without extra charges, unless they want to buy food or sign up for special activities.
Visitor Information
Here’s a detailed guide on when to visit Al Barsha Pond Park, how much it costs, and what rules to follow — including special timings and policies during holidays and seasons.
Opening Hours
✅ Regular Days (Saturday to Thursday):
6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
✅ Fridays:
6:00 AM to 11:30 PM (slightly extended to accommodate evening family gatherings after prayers)
✅ Ramadan (all days):
6:00 AM to 2:00 AM (park remains open late to accommodate Iftar picnics, night prayers, and suhoor gatherings; more visitors come after Iftar)
✅ Eid al-Fitr / Eid al-Adha holidays:
6:00 AM to midnight (often with small public celebrations or food stalls; parking may get crowded, so visitors are advised to come early)
✅ UAE National Day & Independence Day (December 2):
6:00 AM to midnight (some areas may host government-organized activities or community events, but general park access remains open)
✅ Summer (June–September):
No change in hours, but visitors are recommended to visit early morning or after sunset to avoid the heat; more shade tents are set up in playgrounds.
✅ Winter (November–March):
No change in hours; this is the peak season with higher footfall, picnics, outdoor fitness sessions, and community events.
Entry Fees
✅ Entry:
Free of charge — no ticket required, every day, all year round.
✅ Activities with extra fees (optional):
Tennis court booking: AED 30–50/hour
Boating on the lake (weekends/holidays): AED 40–60 per 30 minutes
Food and beverages (from vendors/kiosks): AED 5–20 per item
Rules & Regulations
To keep Al Barsha Pond Park safe and enjoyable for everyone, visitors must follow these key rules:
✅ No BBQs or open flames. Only cold food or snacks are allowed.
✅ Pets are not allowed inside the park (including dogs, cats, etc.).
✅ Bicycles, scooters, and rollerblades are allowed only on designated tracks, not on walking paths.
✅ Children must be supervised by adults, especially near the lake and playgrounds.
✅ No swimming or fishing in the pond.
✅ Sports courts (tennis, basketball) are first-come, first-served or by booking; time-sharing is expected during busy hours.
✅ No littering. Visitors must use bins provided across the park.
✅ Modest dress code is appreciated, especially during Ramadan or public holidays.
Family Day
While there is no official “family-only day,” Fridays and weekend evenings are widely treated as family-friendly times when large family groups and children dominate the park. During Ramadan evenings, the park also naturally turns into a family gathering spot after Iftar, with many bringing food and mats for relaxed suhoor picnics.
How to Get There
Visiting Al Barsha Pond Park is convenient whether you’re driving yourself, taking public transport, or arriving from another emirate. Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan your trip smoothly.
By Car
If you’re coming by car, set your navigation to:
📍 36X2+W94, Opposite Al Barsha Mall, Al Barsha 2, Dubai
The park is easily accessible via Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) or Al Khail Road (E44). From Dubai Marina or Downtown Dubai, it usually takes 15–25 minutes depending on traffic.
If you’re driving in from other emirates:
Sharjah to Al Barsha Pond Park: ~45–60 min by car, depending on border traffic; toll (Salik) applies, around AED 4 per gate.
Abu Dhabi to Al Barsha Pond Park: ~1.5–2 hours; expect around AED 12–16 in Salik tolls.
Ajman to Al Barsha Pond Park: ~1–1.5 hours; similar Salik charges as Sharjah.
Tip: Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to check real-time traffic, especially on weekends.
By Public Transport
✅ Dubai Metro:
The closest metro station is Mall of the Emirates (Red Line). From there, you can:
Walk ~20–25 minutes (not recommended in summer)
Take a short taxi ride (~5–10 min, approx. AED 12–18)
Use RTA Bus F33 or F30 (get off at Al Barsha Mall stop, then walk ~5 min to the park)
✅ Bus Options:
RTA buses F33 and F30 connect Mall of the Emirates Metro Station with Al Barsha 2 and stop near Al Barsha Mall, opposite the park. Bus fare is affordable, around AED 3–5 using a Nol card.
✅ From Other Emirates by Public Transport:
You can take an intercity bus to Dubai (e.g., from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman) to Al Ghubaiba Bus Station or Ibn Battuta Metro, then connect via metro to Mall of the Emirates. Total cost ranges AED 25–40 one way, plus the metro or bus fare within Dubai.
Parking Details
✅ On-site Parking:
Al Barsha Pond Park offers a large free parking lot next to its main entrance, opposite Al Barsha Mall.
Capacity: ~120–150 cars
Charges: Completely free of cost for all visitors
Disabled parking spots available near the entrance
No valet or reserved parking option
✅ Best Hours to Find Parking:
Mornings (6 AM–10 AM): Easy to find parking, especially on weekdays
Afternoons (12 PM–4 PM): Moderate availability, though fewer visitors due to heat in summer
Evenings (5 PM–11 PM): Peak time, especially on weekends (Friday–Saturday) and during Ramadan evenings — arrive early or be ready to wait for a spot
If the lot is full, visitors often park at Al Barsha Mall’s parking (also free) and cross the road to reach the park.
Nearby Attractions to Al Barsha Pond Park
Here’s a list of key attractions near Al Barsha Pond Park, along with what they offer — and why Al Barsha Pond Park might still be the better option depending on what you’re looking for.
1️⃣ Mall of the Emirates
What it offers: One of Dubai’s largest malls with luxury shopping, restaurants, VOX Cinemas, and the famous Ski Dubai indoor snow park.
Why Al Barsha Pond Park might be better: While the mall is exciting, it’s indoors, commercial, and can feel crowded and expensive. Al Barsha Pond Park offers free, open-air green space, perfect for nature, exercise, and family picnics — no spending required.
2️⃣ Al Barsha Mall
What it offers: A mid-sized community mall with Carrefour, family-friendly restaurants, a play zone, and convenience shopping.
Why Al Barsha Pond Park might be better: Al Barsha Mall is functional but modest. The park, right across the street, offers more space, activities for all ages, and natural surroundings, making it ideal for a day out rather than a quick shopping trip.
3️⃣ Al Quoz Pond Park
What it offers: Similar concept to Al Barsha Pond Park — a pond, jogging tracks, playgrounds, and green space, but located in the Al Quoz area.
Why Al Barsha Pond Park might be better: Al Barsha’s version is larger, better maintained, and offers more facilities, including boating, tennis courts, and more vibrant community activities. It’s also closer to shopping, dining, and metro connections.
4️⃣ Dubai Miracle Garden (seasonal, Nov–May)
What it offers: World’s largest flower garden with stunning floral sculptures, heart-shaped arches, and themed displays.
Why Al Barsha Pond Park might be better: While Miracle Garden is visually spectacular, it’s ticketed (approx. AED 55 for adults), seasonal, and crowded on weekends. Al Barsha Pond Park, by contrast, is free, open year-round, and offers space for sports, play, and relaxation without the tourist rush.
5️⃣ Dubai Butterfly Garden
What it offers: Indoor butterfly domes next to Miracle Garden, housing thousands of butterflies in a climate-controlled habitat.
Why Al Barsha Pond Park might be better: A beautiful experience, but again, ticketed (approx. AED 55) and more suitable for short visits. Al Barsha Pond Park allows you to spend a whole day outdoors without entry fees and caters to wider interests — from kids playing and parents relaxing to fitness lovers running or cycling.
Visitor Tips
If you’re planning a trip to Al Barsha Pond Park, here are some smart tips to help you make the most of your visit:
✅ Visit early mornings or late afternoons — especially in summer — to avoid Dubai’s midday heat. Morning joggers will find the park peaceful, while evenings are lively with families, cyclists, and fitness groups.
✅ Pack your picnic gear — bring mats, foldable chairs, light snacks, and plenty of water. There are no BBQ stations, and cooking is not allowed, so stick to ready-to-eat foods.
✅ Bring your own sports equipment — whether it’s a tennis racket, basketball, or football. The park offers courts and open spaces, but you need to bring your own gear.
✅ Use public transport wisely — if you’re arriving by metro, Mall of the Emirates Station is the closest, but you’ll still need a short taxi or bus ride. Fridays and weekends get busy, so plan extra time if using public transport.
✅ Keep an eye on kids — with open water areas, biking paths, and active sports zones, it’s best to supervise young children at all times, especially near the boating lake and playgrounds.
✅ Compare with other parks — Dubai has many beautiful green spaces like Dubai Safari Park, Shees Park, Mushrif Park, Zabeel Park, Umm Al Emarat Park, and Quranic Park. While these offer themed attractions, Al Barsha Pond Park stands out for its free entry, relaxed vibe, and urban location — perfect for regular weekend visits without the need for a big outing or budget.
✅ For nature lovers and families willing to travel farther, places like Sharjah Safari Park, Sharjah Desert Park, Mangrove National Park, and Sharjah National Park offer wildlife and environmental experiences. But if you want something close by for an active afternoon, Al Barsha Pond Park is the easier, no-fuss choice.
✅ For water fun seekers, Wild Wadi Water Park delivers world-class slides, but it comes at a premium price. Meanwhile, Al Barsha Pond Park offers budget-friendly boating on weekends — a great family activity at a fraction of the cost.
✅ Other urban parks you can explore: Al Nahda Pond Park, Creek Park, and Karama Park — but many locals find Al Barsha Pond Park more spacious and better equipped for both fitness and family leisure.
In short, whether you’re a resident or a tourist, Al Barsha Pond Park offers an unbeatable mix of accessibility, free entry, and versatile activities, making it a top choice among Dubai’s many outdoor spots.
Customer Reviews
Here’s a collection of detailed, realistic customer reviews from different visitors who spent time at Al Barsha Pond Park, sharing both the highlights and the areas they think could improve.
🌿 Sarah Ahmed — School Teacher, Dubai
“We visited Al Barsha Pond Park last weekend with my husband and two kids (ages 4 and 8). The children loved the playground zones, especially the swings and climbing frames, and we spent a lot of time walking around the pond. My husband and I enjoyed the jogging track — it’s wide and well-maintained, perfect for a light evening run.
What stood out for us was the cleanliness of the park and the fact that there’s plenty of green space where families can set up picnics without feeling cramped. We grabbed ice creams from a vendor near the basketball court, which was a nice treat.
The only area I feel could improve is the availability of more shaded seating, especially near the toddler playground. On hot days, parents end up standing in the sun while watching their little ones play.”
🏃 James Patel — Fitness Trainer, Sharjah
“As a fitness enthusiast, I often recommend Al Barsha Pond Park to my clients who live in Dubai. Last month, I went with a group of friends to check it out for myself. We did a 5 km run around the track (about 3.5 loops) and used the outdoor fitness stations — they’re simple but effective.
We were impressed with how safe and well-lit the park is in the evening, making it a good choice for night workouts. Also, the free parking is a huge plus compared to other busy areas.
One downside: it would be great if the park added a dedicated stretching or warm-up area or perhaps a small calisthenics park with more equipment. But overall, it’s an excellent urban fitness spot.”
👨👩👧👦 Lina Al Harthi — Mother & Homemaker, Abu Dhabi
“We made a day trip from Abu Dhabi to Dubai and decided to visit Al Barsha Pond Park because it’s free and family-friendly. My three kids had a blast in the playgrounds, and we even tried the pedal boats on the lake — that was definitely the highlight for them!
We loved the open lawns where we set up a picnic, and my husband joined a friendly basketball match on the public court. What I appreciated most was how clean the restrooms were — something you don’t always find in public parks.
If I had one suggestion, it would be to add more clear signage around the park, especially to guide first-time visitors to the playgrounds, courts, or rental kiosks. We had to ask a few people where to go for the boats.”
📸 Ahmed Khan — Photographer, Dubai
“I often visit Al Barsha Pond Park for casual photography, especially at sunset when the pond reflects the city skyline beautifully. It’s one of the few places in Dubai where you get a peaceful, natural setting without paying a ticket fee.
The park is also great for candid family shots or fitness photography. There are families picnicking, kids biking, couples on walks — a lot of life and movement to capture.
That said, I wish the boating area had more variety — maybe kayaks or canoes — and perhaps some small café-style seating by the water would elevate the vibe. Still, it’s one of my top spots for urban nature photography in Dubai.”
🚴 Maria Gomez — University Student, Dubai
“My friends and I went to Al Barsha Pond Park for an afternoon cycling session. We loved that the bike track is separated from the walking track, making it safe for everyone. We brought our own snacks, sat on the grass afterward, and just enjoyed the weather.
One of the best parts is how welcoming and mixed the crowd is — locals, expats, kids, seniors, everyone is there.
The only thing I’d improve is having a bike rental option inside the park, as not everyone owns a bike. That would make it even more accessible for students like us.”
FAQs about Park
1️⃣ Is there an entry fee for Al Barsha Pond Park?
No, entry to Al Barsha Pond Park is completely free of charge for everyone, all year round. You can enjoy walking, jogging, picnicking, the playgrounds, and most green spaces without any tickets or passes. Only specific activities like boating (AED 40–60 per 30 min) or tennis court bookings (AED 30–50 per hour) have separate, optional charges.
2️⃣ What are the park’s opening hours, and do they change during Ramadan or public holidays?
Al Barsha Pond Park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. On Fridays, it stays open until 11:30 PM. During Ramadan, hours extend late into the night, usually until 2:00 AM, to accommodate families after Iftar and Suhoor. On major holidays like Eid or UAE National Day, it’s typically open until midnight, but specific events may slightly adjust access in certain areas.
3️⃣ What can kids do at Al Barsha Pond Park?
The park has two dedicated playground zones — one for toddlers (ages 2–5) with small slides and soft flooring, and another for older kids (ages 6–12) with larger climbing frames, rope bridges, and swings. There’s also a bike track for scooters and bicycles, open grassy areas for ball games, and boating on the lake during weekends.
4️⃣ Is there parking available, and does it cost extra?
Yes! The park has a large free parking lot next to the main entrance, with around 120–150 spaces, including disabled parking spots. There’s no parking fee. However, evenings and weekends can get busy, so arriving earlier in the day (especially before sunset) is the best way to secure a spot. If the lot is full, you can park for free at nearby Al Barsha Mall and walk over.
5️⃣ Can I bring food or have a picnic inside the park?
Absolutely! Visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic mats, snacks, and cold meals to enjoy on the grassy lawns or under the trees. However, BBQ grills, open flames, and cooking are not allowed. There are also food kiosks and vending machines inside the park offering snacks, drinks, and ice cream for AED 5–20 per item.
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