Al Nahda Pond Park








Al Nahda Pond Park, located at Al Nahda – Al Nahda 2 – Dubai, is a popular free-entry community park open daily until 11:30 PM, offering fantastic service options like picnic areas, a basketball court, and swings for families and friends to enjoy. Inside, you’ll find well-maintained departments including the Pond Park Football Court and Pond Park Volleyball Court, making it a favorite for sports lovers. Many visitors wonder about tickets, but like Al Barsha Pond Park and Al Quoz Pond Park, entry to Al Nahda Pond Park is completely free. A common question is about the difference between Al Nahda 1 and Al Nahda 2 — Al Nahda 1 lies closer to the Dubai-Sharjah border with more residential buildings, while Al Nahda 2 is where you’ll find the spacious, family-friendly Al Nahda Pond Park.
Name of the park: Al Nahda Pond Park
Location: Al Nahda 2, Al Nahda, Dubai, UAE
Nearby landmarks: Near Al Nahda Metro Station, close to the Dubai-Sharjah border, near Sahara Centre
Size: Medium-sized community park with a large central pond, jogging tracks, sports courts, and children’s play areas
Opening hours / closing days: Open daily from early morning until 11:30 PM; no official closing days
Entry fee: Free entry (no ticket required)
Type of Park
What Makes Al Nahda Pond Park Special?
Al Nahda Pond Park stands out as one of Dubai’s most cherished urban green spaces, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of a bustling residential area. Opened as part of Dubai Municipality’s efforts to increase community parks, it was designed not just as a recreational spot, but as a social and fitness hub for families, children, and sports enthusiasts.
The centerpiece of the park is its large, serene pond, surrounded by a well-paved jogging track and shaded seating areas that create a calming atmosphere — especially popular during the cooler months. Unlike purely decorative parks, Al Nahda Pond Park has a vibrant, lively vibe with people of all ages: kids playing on swings, teens at the basketball and football courts, parents enjoying picnics, and fitness groups exercising by the pond.
What adds to its charm is the neighborhood feel; it’s not a tourist-heavy location but rather a beloved local spot where residents gather daily. Whether you’re coming for a morning walk, an evening jog, or a weekend family picnic, the park’s friendly and inclusive atmosphere makes it truly special.
Park Highlights & Attractions
Al Nahda Pond Park is a well-rounded destination offering a mix of leisure, fitness, sports, and family-friendly facilities. Here’s a detailed look at its main highlights and attractions:
Walking Trails
The park features a 1.3-kilometer jogging and walking track that loops around the central pond. This track is wide, well-maintained, and lit at night, making it popular with morning walkers, evening joggers, and even casual strollers. Along the trail, you’ll find:
Distance markers for tracking your walk or run
Benches and shaded rest spots at regular intervals
Water stations and fitness equipment stations for warm-ups or light exercise
The flat surface is suitable for all fitness levels, including seniors and families with strollers.
Playgrounds & Kids’ Zones
Al Nahda Pond Park has three main playground areas, each designed for different age groups:
Toddler Playground (ages 2–5):
Soft rubber flooring for safety
Small slides, see-saws, and crawl-through tunnels
Low-height swings and climbing frames
Junior Playground (ages 5–10):
Larger slides, rope climbing nets, mini rock walls
Swings and balance beams
Interactive play panels and spinners
Teen Activity Zone (ages 10–16):
Outdoor gym equipment (like pull-up bars, balance stations)
Basketball court
Football court and volleyball court (shared with adults but commonly used by teens)
Parents can relax on benches or under shaded seating areas placed around each playground, keeping kids in sight while enjoying the greenery.
Gardens & Green Spaces
While not a formal botanical garden, Al Nahda Pond Park offers:
Large grassy lawns perfect for family picnics, casual games, or simply lying under the sky
Landscaped gardens with ornamental shrubs, palm trees, and seasonal flowers
Shaded garden areas with pergolas, seating, and decorative plants, offering a quiet space for reading, meditation, or relaxed conversation
There is a separate family section with picnic tables and BBQ-friendly zones (note: open flames or charcoal grilling may be restricted; check local rules), making it an excellent choice for weekend family gatherings.
Lakes & Water Features
The centerpiece of the park is the Al Nahda Pond, a large man-made lake surrounded by the walking track.
The pond attracts birds like ducks and pigeons, adding a touch of nature to the urban setting
There are viewing decks and small bridges that let visitors get closer to the water and enjoy the reflections, especially at sunset
Fountains in the pond create a pleasant atmosphere and help keep the water circulating
While boating or fishing is not allowed, the pond serves as a beautiful visual anchor and cooling element in the park.
Facilities & Amenities
Al Nahda Pond Park is thoughtfully designed to cater to the needs of families, fitness enthusiasts, and casual visitors, providing both essential services and added conveniences. Below is a detailed breakdown of its main facilities, what they offer, and whether they’re free or come at an extra charge.
Restrooms & Drinking Water
The park has three main restroom blocks located near:
The main entrance gate
Near the basketball and football courts
Adjacent to the children’s playground zones
These restrooms are free of charge and include:
Separate male and female toilets
Family-friendly restrooms with baby changing stations
Basic accessible toilets for people with disabilities (though space may be limited for larger wheelchairs; it’s advised to check beforehand)
For hydration, the park provides drinking water fountains at several points along the walking track, near sports courts, and beside playgrounds. These are free to use and maintained regularly, but visitors often prefer to bring their own bottled water, especially in peak summer.
Parking & Accessibility
Al Nahda Pond Park offers two free outdoor parking lots:
Main parking lot (Al Nahda 2 side entrance): ~70 spaces, including 6 designated for people of determination (accessible parking).
Secondary parking lot (near basketball court side): ~50 spaces, slightly tighter but convenient for sports visitors.
There’s no paid parking fee, but spaces fill up quickly in the evenings and on weekends, so arriving early is recommended.
For accessibility:
Main pathways are wide and wheelchair-friendly
Ramps are available at major entrance points
Some grassy areas and sports courts have limited access for wheelchairs
Park lighting and signage are clear, but assistance may be needed for fully independent navigation by people with visual or mobility impairments
Food & Beverages
Al Nahda Pond Park does not have full-scale restaurants or cafés inside, but it offers:
Snack kiosks and vending machines near the main entrance and sports courts, selling bottled water (approx. AED 2), soft drinks (AED 3–5), chips, and packaged snacks (AED 3–10)
Ice cream carts and coffee vendors (seasonal, weekends especially), with items ranging from AED 5–15
While there’s no formal dining area, picnic-style eating is welcome. Many families bring homemade meals, and there are shaded picnic tables in the family sections.
Important note: BBQs or open-flame cooking are generally not permitted, though some visitors bring small electric grills — it’s best to check with Dubai Municipality for the latest rules if planning a barbecue.
Activities & Things to Do
Al Nahda Pond Park is not just a walk-in green space — it’s a dynamic community hub where people come for sports, family time, socializing, and seasonal events. Here’s a detailed look at the main activities you can enjoy, with clarity on what’s free and what may have extra charges.
Sports & Fitness
1️⃣ Football & Volleyball Courts
Pond Park Football Court and Pond Park Volleyball Court are well-maintained outdoor spaces used daily by local residents.
Charges:
Informal/public use: Free (first-come, first-served basis)
Organized matches or team bookings (via Dubai Municipality or local clubs): Approx. AED 100–150 per hour depending on time slot and booking day
2️⃣ Basketball Court
Located near the main sports area, this court is lit for evening games and used heavily by local youth.
Charges:
Casual play: Free
Club or league practice (with permit): Starts at AED 100/hour
3️⃣ Jogging Track & Outdoor Gym
The 1.3 km jogging track and scattered outdoor fitness stations (pull-up bars, sit-up benches, balance boards) are completely free and open to the public.
Many local fitness trainers host bootcamps and yoga sessions in the mornings/evenings, sometimes charging AED 40–70 per group session (e.g., Dubai Fitness Challenge pop-ups, private Zumba groups).
Picnicking
Al Nahda Pond Park is one of the best-loved picnic spots in Al Nahda, especially for families on weekends.
Open grassy lawns: Free for anyone to spread mats, sit under trees, or play casual games like badminton or frisbee
Picnic tables & family zones: Available near the pond and under shaded pergolas, free, but they fill up quickly on weekends — no booking system
BBQ & cooking:
Charcoal or open-flame BBQs are not allowed as per Dubai Municipality rules
Electric grills or pre-cooked food picnics: Allowed (bring your own equipment)
Nearby grocery stores: Many families pick up picnic supplies from local Carrefour, Choithrams, or small mini-marts in Al Nahda 2 before arriving
Tip: On cool-weather weekends, come early (before 4:00 PM) to secure good spots, especially near the pond or shaded areas.
Events & Festivals
While Al Nahda Pond Park does not host large-scale concerts or ticketed events like Zabeel Park or Dubai Garden Glow, it does come alive during community festivals and city-wide celebrations:
Dubai Fitness Challenge (October–November):
Free-to-join public fitness sessions, kids’ obstacle courses, and family workouts; sometimes branded booths by Nike, Adidas, or fitness influencers set up with giveaways.National Day Celebrations (December):
Decorated lighting, family picnics, and community-organized activities; no entry fee, but food carts and souvenir vendors are present with prices from AED 5–50.Seasonal Markets (occasional weekends):
Small pop-up markets selling crafts, local food, and kids’ games; no entry fee, but activities like face painting or bouncy castles may cost AED 10–20 per child.Private Events (by permit only):
Some local companies or fitness trainers host private marathons, yoga festivals, or kids’ sports days — these may have registration fees, typically AED 50–150 depending on the event.
Visitor Information
Opening Hours
Al Nahda Pond Park is known for its generous opening hours, allowing visitors to enjoy the park early in the morning or late into the evening. Below are the detailed timings:
Regular days (Sunday to Saturday):
Open from 6:00 AM to 11:30 PMDuring Ramadan:
Open from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM, closed during iftar, then reopens from 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM — allowing residents to enjoy night walks and post-iftar socializingEid holidays (Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha):
Open 6:00 AM to midnight (12:00 AM); expect larger crowds, especially in the eveningUAE National Day (December 2):
Extended hours: 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM with special lighting, flags, and family-friendly gatheringsSummer season (June–September):
No change in hours (6:00 AM to 11:30 PM), but visitors are strongly advised to avoid midday heat (12:00 PM–4:00 PM) — early mornings and late evenings are most popularWinter season (November–March):
Regular hours (6:00 AM to 11:30 PM), but the park is busiest from 4:00 PM onwards when temperatures are cooler
Note: There is no designated “family-only day” at Al Nahda Pond Park — it is open to everyone every day, but the environment is naturally family-friendly, especially on weekends.
Entry Fees
✅ Entry fee: Free for everyone, no ticket required
✅ Sports courts (if booked for official games or training):
AED 100–150 per hour (payable via Dubai Municipality or authorized booking systems)
✅ Event registrations (for private or branded events):
AED 40–150 per session or event, depending on the organizer (check with event hosts)
✅ Parking: Free in park lots; external street parking is under Dubai RTA paid zones (varies by time, AED 2–4/hour)
Rules & Regulations
To ensure a safe, clean, and family-friendly environment, visitors must follow these key park rules:
General behavior:
Respect family-friendly atmosphere; no loud music or disruptive activities
No alcohol or smoking in the park
Pets are not allowed inside the park (except for service animals)
Sports & fitness areas:
Courts and equipment are first-come, first-served unless officially booked
No rough play or unsafe equipment use
Organized group events require prior permission
Picnic & BBQ zones:
BBQs with open flames (charcoal, gas) are prohibited
Electric grills or pre-prepared food only
Leave no litter — bins are provided throughout the park
Children’s play areas:
Age-specific zones (2–5, 5–10, 10–16 years); parents are responsible for supervision
No adult use of children’s play equipment
Park hours:
All visitors must leave by official closing time; overnight stays or camping are not permitted
How to Get There
Al Nahda Pond Park is conveniently located in Al Nahda 2, Dubai, near the Dubai-Sharjah border — making it easily accessible both by car and public transport. Here’s a detailed guide on how to get there, with practical tips on parking and estimated travel costs.
By Car
If you’re driving, the easiest approach is via Amman Street (D97), which runs alongside Al Nahda 2.
✅ From Dubai city center (e.g., Deira, Bur Dubai):
~20–30 minutes via Sheikh Rashid Road or Al Ittihad Road, depending on traffic
✅ From Sharjah (e.g., Al Majaz, Al Nahda Sharjah side):
~10–15 minutes via Al Ittihad Road, cross into Dubai at Al Nahda border
✅ From other emirates (Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah):
Expect ~40–60 minutes depending on traffic; use E11 (Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road) or E311 (Emirates Road) and merge onto Al Ittihad Road toward Dubai
Estimated car costs:
Petrol for Dubai–Al Nahda: ~AED 10–20 round trip
Petrol from Sharjah: ~AED 5–10
From Ajman/Umm Al Quwain: ~AED 25–40 round trip
By Public Transport
✅ By Metro:
The nearest metro station is Al Nahda Metro Station (Green Line) — about 1.2 km from the park (15-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride). From the station, you can:
Walk via Amman Street and crosswalks (safe but less shaded, especially in summer)
Take a short taxi (~AED 12–15)
✅ By Bus:
Bus routes C19, F22, F23, and F23A stop near the park, especially at Al Nahda 2 stops or Amman Street stops
Bus fare: ~AED 3–5 one way (using Nol card)
✅ From Sharjah (by bus):
Intercity buses drop off at Al Nahda or nearby stations; from there, walk or take a short taxi
Estimated public transport costs:
From Dubai center: ~AED 7–10 (metro + walk or bus)
From Sharjah: ~AED 10–15 (bus or shared taxi + local bus)
Parking Details
✅ Parking inside the park:
Two free parking lots:
Main entrance parking (~70 spaces, including ~6 accessible spots)
Sports court side parking (~50 spaces, near basketball and football courts)
✅ External parking:
Nearby street parking under Dubai RTA paid parking zone:
AED 2–4/hour (check zone signs; free on Fridays and public holidays)
✅ Best times to find parking:
Weekdays (Monday–Thursday): Easy to find parking anytime, especially before 5:00 PM
Weekends (Friday–Saturday): Arrive before 4:00 PM for best chances; after that, lots fill up quickly and you may need to park in paid street zones
During events or festivals (Eid, National Day, Dubai Fitness Challenge): Expect full lots; consider taking public transport or arriving early morning or late evening
Nearby Attractions
Here’s a list of key attractions near Al Nahda Pond Park — along with a brief overview of each and why Al Nahda Pond Park stands out as a better option for many visitors.
1️⃣ Al Nahda Park Sharjah
Located just across the Dubai-Sharjah border, this park is popular among Sharjah residents. It offers jogging tracks, children’s play areas, and shaded seating. However, it often gets extremely crowded, especially on weekends, and has stricter entry rules, including occasional family-only timings and gender-specific hours.
✅ Why Al Nahda Pond Park is better:
No cross-emirate travel hassles, free and open access, no restricted hours, and more spacious grounds with a central pond — making it a more relaxed family outing.
2️⃣ Al Mamzar Beach Park
A beachfront park with swimming pools, barbecue zones, and beach access. It’s a beautiful destination for sea lovers but charges an entry fee (AED 5 per person, AED 30 per car), and certain areas (like chalets or pools) require extra payment.
✅ Why Al Nahda Pond Park is better:
Completely free, no hidden costs, and more suited for casual visits, jogging, or quick family outings without planning or spending. Also, less sand and gear to manage if you’re just looking for a green space.
3️⃣ Sahara Centre (Shopping Mall)
A major shopping and entertainment complex in Sharjah, near Al Nahda. It offers cinema screens, dining outlets, and indoor play areas like Adventureland.
✅ Why Al Nahda Pond Park is better:
Outdoor, nature-based recreation instead of indoor commercial spaces — healthier for walks, fitness, and kids’ play without the pressure to shop or spend money.
4️⃣ Al Qusais Pond Park
A smaller urban park in Al Qusais, with similar jogging tracks and a pond, but it’s more compact and lacks the larger sports courts and multiple playgrounds that Al Nahda Pond Park offers.
✅ Why Al Nahda Pond Park is better:
More spacious layout, multiple dedicated sports areas (football, volleyball, basketball), and a more vibrant family vibe.
5️⃣ Al Barsha Pond Park
Located across town in Al Barsha, this is another famous pond park with jogging tracks, cycling loops, and playgrounds. However, it’s farther away for residents of Al Nahda or Sharjah, requiring a 30–40 minute drive.
✅ Why Al Nahda Pond Park is better:
Closer for residents in Dubai’s northern districts and Sharjah, with similar offerings but without needing to cross the city.
6️⃣ Muhaisnah Park
A neighborhood park popular with Muhaisnah residents, mainly serving nearby labor accommodations and families. It’s smaller, simpler, and has fewer formal sports facilities.
✅ Why Al Nahda Pond Park is better:
More diverse visitors, better-maintained amenities, and a stronger mix of sports, play, and picnic zones.
Why Choose Al Nahda Pond Park Over Others?
✅ Completely free entry — no ticket or booking required
✅ Multiple attractions in one place — walking track, sports courts, kids’ zones, green lawns, pond views
✅ Family-friendly without strict restrictions — no separate timings for families, women, or men
✅ Accessible location — near metro, major roads, and bordering Sharjah without crossing emirate tolls
✅ Community vibe — less commercial, more local; perfect for daily exercise or relaxed weekend gatherings
Visitor Tips
To make the most of your visit to Al Nahda Pond Park, here are some practical and insider tips that will help you enjoy your day comfortably and avoid common hassles:
✅ Visit during early mornings or late evenings, especially in summer.
Temperatures in Dubai can get extreme midday. The park is beautifully lit in the evenings, making it ideal for a sunset walk, jog, or family picnic.
✅ Pack your own picnic or snacks.
While there are vending machines and small snack kiosks, they’re limited. For a fuller experience, bring your own food and drinks — but remember, no charcoal BBQs are allowed!
✅ Bring small play equipment or games.
Frisbees, badminton sets, or a football will help you enjoy the open green spaces and involve the kids.
✅ Use public transport if visiting on weekends or holidays.
Parking lots can fill up after 4:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Consider parking near Al Nahda Metro or using public buses to avoid the hassle.
✅ Dress appropriately for outdoor fitness or sports.
If you plan to use the jogging track or sports courts, wear proper sportswear, bring a water bottle, and use sunscreen, especially in the morning.
✅ Respect the family-friendly atmosphere.
Loudspeakers, smoking, alcohol, or pets are not allowed. Keep the vibe peaceful and enjoyable for all visitors.
✅ Explore other amazing parks if you love Al Nahda Pond Park.
If you’re a nature or park enthusiast, you might also want to check out other beautiful destinations in the UAE:
Dubai Safari Park — a wildlife experience with over 2,500 animals
Shees Park — a stunning mountain-side park with waterfalls in Khor Fakkan
Mushrif Park — known for its forest trails and adventure activities
Zabeel Park — home to the Dubai Frame and tech-themed play zones
Umm Al Emarat Park — Abu Dhabi’s family-friendly park with an animal barn and botanical garden
Quranic Park — themed around plants and stories mentioned in the Quran
Sharjah Safari Park — a massive African wildlife safari experience
Sharjah Desert Park — combining a zoo, botanical garden, and natural history museum
Mangrove National Park — a kayaking and eco-tourism haven in Abu Dhabi
Sharjah National Park — Sharjah’s largest park, ideal for family picnics
Wild Wadi Water Park — one of Dubai’s most famous water parks with thrilling slides
Customer Reviews
Here’s a collection of realistic and detailed reviews from different visitors who have experienced Al Nahda Pond Park with their families, friends, or on their own. These reflect both the highlights and the areas where there’s room for improvement — giving an honest view of what you can expect.
⭐ Fatima Ahmed, School Teacher, Dubai
_“We visited Al Nahda Pond Park last weekend with my husband and two kids (ages 4 and 7). The kids absolutely loved the junior playground — the slides and climbing nets kept them busy for hours, while we relaxed on a picnic mat nearby. The jogging track around the pond was perfect for an evening stroll, and the fountains added such a peaceful vibe.
One thing I would say is the restrooms near the playground could be a little cleaner, especially during busy weekends. Also, we wished there were more shaded benches in the grassy areas because it was quite sunny in the late afternoon. But overall, it’s a fantastic free spot for family outings and definitely one of our favorite parks in Dubai.”_
⭐ Ali Mansoor, Fitness Trainer, Sharjah
_“As a fitness enthusiast, I often bring my training group here for outdoor bootcamp sessions. The 1.3 km jogging track is excellent for warm-ups, and the fitness stations are good for basic bodyweight exercises. We also use the basketball and football courts when they’re free.
The best part is the community vibe — you see people from all walks of life enjoying the space, and there’s no pressure of entry fees or formal bookings unless you need exclusive court time. My only feedback would be to improve the lighting in the far corners of the park after dark, as some spots feel a bit dim during late-night sessions.”_
⭐ Sana Qureshi, Marketing Executive, Al Nahda 1
_“We had a lovely family gathering at Al Nahda Pond Park during Eid holidays. We packed our own picnic and found a nice shaded spot near the pond. The kids loved the swings and slides, and the men played football at the court, which they managed to use without booking since it was early.
The only challenge was finding parking — we arrived around 5:00 PM and the parking lots were almost full, so we had to circle around and park on the street (paid RTA zone). Next time, we’ll probably come earlier or take a Careem. Still, the park itself was clean, green, and peaceful — a great alternative to crowded malls or beaches during the holidays.”_
⭐ Rakesh Nair, University Student, Muhaisnah
_“I go to Al Nahda Pond Park often with friends in the evenings. We usually play basketball or just hang out near the pond. It’s a chilled-out place, especially after a long day of classes. The vending machines are useful for a quick drink, but I do wish there were more snack options or maybe even a small café.
One thing I appreciate is that the security staff are polite and keep things in order, especially when it gets crowded. However, sometimes you see people riding bikes on the jogging track, which is meant for walkers and runners — I think the management should put up clearer signs or monitor that better.”_
⭐ Mariam Al Saadi, Homemaker, Sharjah
_“Al Nahda Pond Park is one of the few places where I feel comfortable bringing my elderly parents. There are plenty of benches and flat walking paths for them, and they enjoy sitting by the pond watching the birds. We sometimes bring tea in a thermos and make an evening out of it.
If I could suggest anything, it would be adding more accessible toilet facilities and maybe wheelchairs at the entrance for elderly visitors. But otherwise, it’s a lovely, clean, and safe park for families of all ages.”_
FAQs about Park
1️⃣ Is there an entry fee for Al Nahda Pond Park?
No, entry to Al Nahda Pond Park is completely free for all visitors. You can enjoy the walking track, playgrounds, green lawns, and general sports courts without paying any ticket or entrance fee. Only formal sports court bookings (like football or volleyball for private events) may require a separate fee, typically around AED 100–150 per hour.
2️⃣ What are the best times to visit the park?
The best times to visit are early mornings (6:00–9:00 AM) or late afternoons to evenings (4:30–11:30 PM), especially during summer when midday heat can be intense. On weekends and public holidays, arriving early is advised to secure parking and good picnic spots, as the park gets busy from 5:00 PM onwards.
3️⃣ Are pets allowed inside Al Nahda Pond Park?
No, pets are not allowed inside the park. This rule helps maintain cleanliness, safety, and comfort for all visitors, especially families with young children. Only certified service animals for individuals with disabilities may be permitted.
4️⃣ Is there food available inside the park?
There are small snack kiosks and vending machines selling bottled water, soft drinks, ice creams, and packaged snacks. However, there are no full-scale restaurants or cafés inside. Many visitors bring their own food or purchase meals from nearby supermarkets or restaurants before coming to the park.
5️⃣ Does the park have special timings during Ramadan, Eid, or public holidays?
Yes.
During Ramadan, the park typically opens from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM and reopens after iftar from 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM.
On Eid and UAE National Day, hours may extend until midnight or 1:00 AM.
Regular days operate from 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM year-round, with no official closure days.
Always check local updates near holiday periods for any temporary changes.
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