Zabeel Park in Dubai: Your Ultimate Guide [Includes Real Photos&Review]

Indulge in the breathtaking views of Deira and Bur Dubai from the observation deck, seize the opportunity to capture unforgettable moments amidst the lively neon sculptures of palm trees and wildlife in Garden Glow and giant ancient reptiles in Dinosaur Park, relish the flavors of grilled meat and vegetables, enjoy a variety of kids’ slides, work out outdoors in designated areas or set off on a tranquil boat ride across the artificial lake.

Zabeel Park Dubai stands as a lush oasis that promises an extensive range of activities to satisfy your outdoor holiday dreams.

Discover our comprehensive guide, brimming with details on activities, services, attraction prices, and other essential information, designed to elevate your visit to Zabeel Park.

Overview

Zabeel Park is a public space in the center of Dubai that was opened in December 2005, somewhat recently.

The Dubai Treasury had to contribute a substantial 187 million dirhams ($51 million) for the park’s creation. With its 7,000 trees, including 14 distinct species, and its 3,000 palm trees, the park offers a verdant haven within the busy metropolis of Dubai.

At 52 hectares, the park is arranged conceptually into separate areas connected by walkways for pedestrians. While the other side of the complex offers a tranquil green setting and a variety of outdoor recreation areas, visitors can enjoy an entertainment and technology complex on one side.

The park is further divided into three main sections: A, B, and C. Visitors can expect to find plenty of activities and attractions in each section, including interactive and educational exhibitions and amenities.

• A – Dubai Frame, designated areas for barbecues, children’s playgrounds, and bicycle rentals.
• B – Dubai Garden Glow, featuring a picturesque lake and cricket facilities, Dinosaur Park and Magic Park.
• C – Amphitheatre.

Zones A and B&C are connected by a bridge. The entrance to the bridge can be found just opposite the Earth Dome in Zone A.

But you can enter Zone B from Zone A only by paying an entrance fee to Dubai Garden Glow Park.

Tickets Price

The cost of admission to the park is 5 AED per individual, and payment can be made using either a NOL Card or cash. Kids under 2 and disabled are free of charge.

Dubai Frame and Dubai Garden Dinosaur Park visitors can enter Zabeel Park without additional fees.

For those who are interested in visiting Dubai Frame, the admission fees are 50 AED for adults, 20 AED for children between the ages of 3 and 12, and complimentary for children under 3 years old. It’s important to note that if you opt to visit Dubai Frame, the entry fee for the park is not required.

Additionally, visitors who wish to explore Dubai Garden Glow (Dinosaur Park+Glow Park+Art Park+Glow Safari) within the park will need to pay an additional fee of 70 AED. 45 AED need to be paid extra to visit Magic Park.

Timings

Zabeel Park operates during the following hours: from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Monday through Thursday, and from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Friday through Sunday, allowing visitors to enjoy the park’s offerings throughout the week.

Facilities

• Charging points by Smart Palm service
• Toilet facilities
• Prayer areas
• Food kiosks
• Cafes
• Souvenir shops at Dubai Frame
• Bikes, and mini cars rentals
• Flea market
• Kids’ playgrounds
• Barbecue and picnic zone
• Jogging track
• Sports facilities
• Amphitheater
• Public Wi-Fi (but i wasn’t able to connect to it)
• Parking zone with more than 2300 spots

Note that pets are not allowed to the park; you cannot take your animal for a stroll there.

Things To Do At Zabeel Park

Dubai Frame

Zone – A

Zabeel Park is renowned for its iconic “arch” known as the Dubai Frame, as well as a picturesque lake offering stunning views of the surrounding skyscrapers, where visitors can partake in the experience of riding a rented boat.

With its colorful, dynamically lit observation deck that changes with the light of the evening, the Dubai Frame is a magnificent work of art. Reaching 48 stories (150 meters) in elevation, the summit of the arch is quickly accessible with a 75-second elevator ride. With gilded ornamentation all over its surface, this architectural marvel was built using an astounding 2,000 tons of steel.

More than 3600 experts worked to make the frame the largest one globally and reach this title from Guinness World Records.

According to the creators of the project, the Dubai Frame symbolizes a symbolic link between the historical and modern facets of Dubai, seamlessly connecting the emirate’s rich past with its dynamic present.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a state-of-the-art interactive museum that employs cutting-edge technology to present the captivating history of the emirate.

Subsequently, guests ascend to a bird’s eye vantage point, where the observation deck at the summit of the frame offers a breathtaking panorama of the city. The awe-inspiring view is sure to exhilarate, and for those seeking an extra thrill, there is a section of the floor fitted with transparent glass that allows for a daring walk.

Additionally, the space is equipped with numerous interactive installations and a cozy café to enhance the overall experience.

• Entry Fee: 50 AED per adult, 20 AED per kid 3-12 y.o. (check availability)
• Timings: 9:00 AM-9:00 PM
• Location: Zabeel Park Jogging Track – Za’abeel – Al Kifaf – Dubai

Flea Market

Zone – A

At the Flea Market, aficionados of vintage treasures, distinctive handcrafted items, and proponents of mindful consumption can discover a wealth of intriguing finds, spanning from basic electronic gadgets to exquisite jewelry and assorted curios.

For those looking to repurpose and breathe new life into their unneeded belongings, the market offers an opportunity to participate as a seller. Prospective sellers have the option to secure a designated space, complete with privileges, from the organizers for a fee of 290 AED, inclusive of a table, 2 chairs, and a canopy.

To stay informed about upcoming events, it is advisable to stay updated through their Instagram or website. Typically, the market sets up tables and gazebos on Saturdays and Sundays.

• Entry Fee: free
• Timings: Saturday to Sunday 8:00 AM-3:00 PM
• Location: Zabeel Park Jogging Track – Za’abeel – Al Kifaf – Dubai

Zabeel Park Fountain

Zone – A

It’s positioned across from the Dubai Frame. Enhancing the park’s scenery with a tranquil and captivating ambiance, it serves as a perfect setting for a relaxing walk.

The fountain encompasses a renowned attraction and features a variety of water flows, including gentle and peaceful currents, arching formations, and cascading streams. After nightfall, the fountain comes alive with an array of vibrant colors, complemented by melodic musical arrangements.

Picnic and BBQ areas

Zone – A

Zabeel Park offers well-organized recreational facilities, picnic areas, and barbecue spots close to Gate 1.

Positioned under the canopies and encircled by palm trees, visitors can avoid sun exposure while utilizing the barbecue area, which includes seating such as wooden chairs and horseshoe-shaped benches surrounding a large table, as well as a grill for cooking over coals.

Meanwhile, children can enjoy the playground with sand, also sheltered by the canopies, while waiting for a delicious meal.

Please note that bbq is allowed only in the designated areas and the use of pork is not advisable due to religious reasons.

If you prefer to relax on the grass, you are welcome to spread a blanket on the lawn and savor your pre-prepared meal, or purchase snacks from a nearby kiosk.

Children Playgrounds

Zone – A

Within Zabeel Park, this particular section boasts playground areas for children, featuring expansive slides, a miniature climbing wall, and a designated area for younger kids. Additionally, the playground is thoughtfully designed to be inclusive, incorporating equipment that is accessible to children of all capabilities.

Garden Glow

Zone – B

Over 17 hectares, a group of international elite designers and artists have created a captivating exhibition at Garden Glow that stuns visitors with its exceptional creativity and execution of avant-garde ideas.

Repurposed medication containers and other recycled objects are the main materials used in the construction of the installations, which are powered by energy-efficient LEDs and turn the park into an environmentally conscious space with only sustainable illumination throughout.

Glow Park features an astonishing 10 million LED lights, while Art Park showcases distinctive handcrafted sculptures of animals and other subjects, illuminated by handmade lighting models.

• Entry Fee: 70 AED per person (check availability)
• Timings: Sunday to Friday 5:00 PM-11:00 PM, Saturday 5:00 PM-12:00 AM
• Location: Zabeel Park, Gate No- 6 & 7 Area – B – Dubai

Dinosaur Park

Zone – B

Located within Garden Glow, Dinosaur Park presents over 120 Animatronic Dinosaurs, featuring walking dinosaur displays and a museum that showcases the findings of paleontologists and the lives of extraordinary creatures from the past.

These prehistoric reptiles are capable of movement and emit lifelike sounds, giving guests the impression that they are stars in the Jurassic Park movie. An educational info panel comes with every model.

Visitors may watch prehistoric dinosaurs hatch from their eggs and learn how to tell the difference between herbivores and carnivores in the Dino Lab.

Admission to Dinosaur Park is included in the Garden Glow ticket.

• Entry Fee: 70 AED per person (check availability)
• Timings: Sunday to Friday 5:00 PM-11:00 PM, Saturday 5:00 PM-12:00 AM
• Location: Zabeel Park, Gate No- 6 & 7 Area – B – Dubai

Magic Park

Zone – B

Featuring approximately 25 installations and 3D artworks designed to captivate enthusiasts of optical illusions, Magic Park is adorned with the assistance of fine art. Within this attraction, visitors can explore an upside-down house, neon exhibits, and photo zones showcasing 3D animal imagery.

• Entry Fee: 45 AED per person (check availability)
• Timings: Sunday to Friday 5:00 PM-11:00 PM, Saturday 5:00 PM-12:00 AM
• Location: Zabeel Park, Gate No- 6 & 7 Area – B – Dubai

Boat Rides

Zone – B

Explore the enchanting boat rides at Zabeel Park, where Area B boasts a picturesque river embellished with a stunning 30-meter-long spring fountain.

Embrace the opportunity to rent a boat and set sail on the tranquil waters, with prices beginning at 40 AED for a delightful 20-minute ride on a small boat, and 70 AED for the thrilling experience of paddle cars.

Boat rides could be unavailable at the moment.

Events at Amphitheatre

Zone – C

The Amphitheatre at Zabeel Park has a seating capacity for 2,000 individuals, serving as a versatile venue for theatrical productions, musical performances, festive celebrations, and other events.

During quieter times, visitors can relish the timeless charm of the amphitheater, surrounded by evenly spaced palm trees, and lush green lawns, and the chance to capture stunning photographs from the pristine white seats. Additionally, guests can indulge in a moment of relaxation by reclining on the grass and enjoying a refreshing break.

Doing Sports

Hiking

Zones – A, B, C

Engage in some cardio exercise by taking a leisurely stroll to the designated hiking spots. Revel in the lush greenery, delightful trees, and serene surroundings as you maintain your fitness with a relaxed or brisk walk.

Jogging Trail

Zones – A, B

Although the park offers numerous walking paths, the standout choice is the dedicated jogging circuit that encompasses the park in a 2.5 km loop.

Actually, you do not need to enter the park to enjoy this jogging trail as it is around the park.

Riding a Bike

Zones – A, B

Embark on a cycling adventure around the park opting to rent a bike conveniently located near Gate 3.

Don’t forget to bring along your Emirates ID, driver’s license, or passport for verification. Enjoy a 45-minute cycling experience, with prices starting at 40 AED.

Cricket Ground

Zone – B

Cricket enthusiasts will be thrilled to discover the presence of a fenced cricket ground within Zabeel Park Dubai. Round up your friends for a lively game of cricket during the day, before families arrive with their young children to enjoy the park. Additionally, the park offers a range of equipment including cricket balls, wickets, and other essential gear. If you are planning to play cricket, book the ground in advance.

Photoshooting

Zabeel Park in Dubai is a favored spot for photo enthusiasts and professional shutterbugs alike, thanks to a diverse range of backdrops for photoshoots.

The park’s abundant green spaces provide a peaceful and beautiful atmosphere, ideal for those looking to capture nature-themed or more subdued images.

Some tandout attractions are the park’s Model of Downtown Shanghai, Japanese House, and other art objects.

Zabeel Park also boasts the Stargate edutainment complex, which includes five themed domes—Mars, Earth, Luna, Saturn, and UFO—each presenting a unique and sci-fi-inspired environment. Edutainment complex is permanently closed, but these domes offer an array of imaginative settings for a photoshoot, catering to a variety of themes from space exploration to futuristic fantasy.

For those looking to add an extraordinary or space-age element to their photography, the Stargate domes are the perfect backdrop, ready to whisk your subjects off to an imaginative cosmos.

Dining

Zones – A, B

Inside the park, visitors can explore charming small eateries and cafes, along with food kiosks and stalls offering a variety of light snacks, refreshing beverages, and coffee.

Adjacent to the Dubai Frame, there is the delightful Low Battery coffee shop featuring an open-air terrace adorned with lush greenery, creating a serene garden-like ambiance.

Additionally, Zabeel Park is situated near several remarkable dining establishments where you can indulge in a diverse culinary experience. These include Sallet Al Sayad, renowned for its seafood offerings, Unwind Speciality Boardgame Café, which not only serves delicious pizza and granola bowls but also provides a space for playing board games, and Saleem’s Of Delhi, known for its authentic Old Delhi cuisine.

Learn more about the best parks in Dubai.

Location

Situated in the Zabeel Area, near the Max Metro Station (ex-Jafiliya Metro Station).

Zabeel Park Gates

Zabeel Park comprises 7 distinct gates, each offering access to specific areas and activities within the park.

• Gate 1 – Conveniently situated near the Max Metro Station on the western side of Area A, perfect for those looking to organize a BBQ or picnic and supervise their children at the shaded playgrounds, with parking available adjacent to the gate.
• Gate 2 – Positioned at the intersection of two prominent streets – Sheikh Rashid Rd and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed St.
• Gate 3 – Located just off Sheikh Rashid Rd and near the footbridge leading to Karama.
• Gate 4 – Situated in the eastern section of Area A, providing the closest access to the park’s main attraction, the Dubai Frame.
• Gate 5 – Ideal for visitors seeking bicycle rentals, and also grants access to Area C, particularly suitable for those planning to visit the amphitheater.
• Gate 6 – Offers entry to the Dubai Garden Glow, Dinosaur Park, and Magic Park.
• Gate 7 – Positioned on the western side of Area B, provides access to sports facilities, and a cricket pitch, and serves as an alternative entrance to the Dubai Garden Glow. It is temporarily closed,

We recommend you using Gate 1 or 3 to enter Zone A and Gate 6 to enter Zone B (Dubai Garden Glow, Dinosaur Park, and Magic Park).

How To Reach

Here are the ways to reach Zabeel Park:

• Taking the Metro: You’ll want to alight at the Max Station (formerly known as Al Jaffliya Station) on the red metro line.
• Using the Bus: Consider hopping off at the Department of Health 1 or Department of Health 2 stops. Buses 10, 21, 27, 29, 32C, 61, 88, C26, F12, and X28 all make stops here.
•  By car: Use the pin on the map (see the ‘Location’ section) to arrive at the destination, and park in any of the 2,300 available spots. Please be aware that parking is now charged and costs AED 10/per day (20 first minutes are complimentary). The payment can be made by card or cash.
• Opting for a Taxi: Alternatively, you can reach the park via taxi, a popular mode of transportation in Dubai. Simply hail a local Dubai RTA taxi, Careem or Uber app, For more info about Dubai taxi services read here.

Reviews

We have compiled a list of the most common positive and negative aspects of Zabeel Park and its attractions.

Pros:

• Amazingly designed landscape.
• Clean restrooms.
• Numerous entertainment options and sports facilities.
• Ideal for families with children as there are many play areas.

Cons:

• Parking requires a payment.
• Could be crowded on weekends.
• Very few dining options.
• Overly expensive for families, especially those with many children, to visit Dubai Garden Glow.

Explore the list of outdoor activities in Dubai.

Tips

Below are some suggestions for visiting Zabeel Park:

• Always have a valid form of identification (ID, passport, or driver’s license) on hand during your visit, as it may be required bike rentals.
• Consider bringing sunscreen with SPF 50+ if you plan to visit the park during the day.
• Remember to bring sunglasses, hats, and an ample supply of water.
• Dress comfortably, modestly, and in lightweight clothing.
• The park features Rubik’s Cube, and various sculptures and art installations. Be sure to take photos with and of these attractions.
• If you enjoy sports, you can take outdoor sports equipment (such as balls, badminton etc).

Rules

When visiting Zabeel Park, please adhere to the following guidelines:

• Refrain from disturbing or causing damage to any plants in the park.
• Camping is not permitted within the park grounds.
• The use of electric scooters is prohibited.
• Commercial vending is not allowed within the park premises.
• Shisha is strictly prohibited.
• Smoking near children’s play areas is prohibited.
• Consumption of food is not allowed within the stadium areas.
• Pets are not permitted within the park.

F.A.Q

Photos

Videos

Diverse interests can be satisfied by the variety of attractions available at Dubai’s Zabeel Park.

Families with kids can explore the excitement of Dinosaur Park, Magic Park, and numerous children’s playgrounds.

Couples can enjoy romantic picnics or engaging barbecue sessions, along with leisurely boat and bike rides on two-seated vehicles.

For sports enthusiasts, the park provides jogging tracks, sports equipment, and areas for football, cricket, tennis, golf, and skateboarding, as well as yoga lessons and master classes.

Please be aware that if you reserve the field in advance, you can play cricket. It appears from visitor reports that a large number of people were turned away from the cricket area, possibly for not making a reservation.

Art and architecture aficionados can immerse themselves in the captivating Dubai Frame and Garden Glow.

Additionally, the park’s Amphitheatre and Flea Market cater to those seeking open-air events and entertainment.

With so much to offer, Zabeel Park makes sure that every visitor has a happy and gratifying time.