How to enjoy Dubai’s oldest public park
Undoubtedly, there are many public parks in Dubai to choose from, yet how many are developed as family recreational spots offering a variety of activities for people of all ages?
Mushrif Park, a park that’s been around for many years, appears to have it all under one roof. From the adrenaline junkies to the animal lovers, there’s something for everyone.
What is Mushrif Park?
Open since 1974, Mushrif Park is one of the oldest parks in Dubai, covering an expansive area of more than 300 hectares. This desert park is enriched with more than 70,000 local Ghaf trees, home to many local birds. Apart from its untouched natural beauty, you will find here many man-made attractions present such as the International Village, an astronomy centre and barbecue facilities.
With so much available to do at the park, here’s a list of what you can expect to find at Mushrif Park.
(NB Mushrif Park Dubai should not be confused with Mushrif Park Abu Dhabi – now renamed Umm Al Emarat Park)
Top 10 things to do at Mushrif Park:
1. Lay out the picnic spread
Nothing beats a picnic with your family and friends to enjoy the lovely outdoors. So, gather your picnic feast and head to Mushrif Park where you can set up your food and drinks on either the sprawling lush grass or shaded park benches. There are even dedicated barbecue pits for some live grilling.
2. Explore the International Village
Completely unique to this park, the International Village brings to you miniature replicas of traditional houses from around the globe. It’s where you get to see what a detailed German Hausbarn, a traditional floating Thai house, an English Tudor house and many other traditional dwellings look like. Spread across a section of Mushrif Park, there are 13 houses for you to freely explore.
“File:Mushrif Park, Dubai – panoramio (4).jpg” by Jaseem Hamza is licensed under CC BY 3.0
3. Explore Aventura Parks
If you are looking for some challenge and adventure, there’s an ultimate family adventure park tucked away inside Mushrif Park. Surrounded by the natural Ghaf tree forest, Aventura is unmissable for outdoor enthusiasts. Thrill-seekers here can complete circuits that include heart-racing rope walks, and tree surfing zip lines.
Separate entrance fees apply. You can find our complete guide to Aventura Parks here
4. Visit the Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre
If Astronomy interests you, or curious to learn about the celestial bodies, this UFO-like building located at Mushrif Park, is worth a visit. The Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre, includes everything related to the world of astronomy, including a Planetarium, an Astro Gallery and an exhibition of science-related games. Make the experience unforgettable by ensuring you stop by at the huge telescope, the largest of its kind in the region.
Nominal fees apply for each of the activities, must currently be pre-booked.
5. Ride at the Mushrif Equestrian Club
You can enjoy a unique horse riding experience through this desert park at the Mushrif Equestrian Club. This leisurely horseback riding will allow you to explore the natural landscape of the desert while enjoying the local wildlife. Horse enthusiasts of all skills are welcome and you can even end your session with some horse feeding and learning more about horse grooming.
More details on pricing, timings and booking options are available on their website.
6. Go for a Swim
Go for a refreshing swim at the enclosed swimming pool within Mushrif Park. There are two pools, one for the women and the other for men, open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. To access the pool, you will have to pay a nominal charge of AED 10 for adults and AED 5 for kids, via NOL card.
7. Try Bird watching
Mushrif Park’s natural desert landscape makes an excellent habitat for indigenous wildlife, especially birds. So, come with a pair of binoculars and as you stroll around the park you will surely be able to spot at least a few of the 110 bird species present. Bird lovers can spot playful Rufous-tailed Robin, Pallid Scops Owls, Arabian Babblers and Yellow-throated Sparrows. And if you’re really lucky, you may even spot a few peacocks parading freely.
“File:Mushrif Park, Dubai – panoramio (3).jpg” by Jaseem Hamza is licensed under CC BY 3.0
8. Get moving
You can get your team together and practice playing your favourite sport, be it football, basketball or volleyball at any of the park’s sports fields. And if the kids seem to be high on a sugar rush, send them to the kids playground complete with swings, slides and merry-go-rounds, to burn off their energy.
9. Cycle around the bicycle track
Enjoy the scenic landscape as your cycle around the park. There’s a dedicated cycle lane accessible daily from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm. Just make sure you come with your helmet and a bicycle equipped with lights.
10. Take a train ride
End the day with a quick trip on the train as it takes you through some of the best parts of Mushrif Park. Getting on board will cost you as little as AED 2 per person.
“File:Mushrif Park, Dubai – panoramio (7).jpg” by Jaseem Hamza is licensed under CC BY 3.0
Mushrif Park also boats several children’s playgrounds.. including the unique mushroom playground
As you can see there’s plenty to fill your winter days at Mushrif Park! The park remains open throughout summer, though we do recommend visiting only early mornings and evenings in the peak heat.
Mushrif Park facilities
Mushrif Park is equipped with clean toilets, baby changing facilities, food kiosks and prayer rooms. Not all, but many areas within the park is accessible to people with determination. Pets are not allowed at the park.
Mushrif Park timing
Mushrif Park is open every day for all members of the public.
- Sunday to Wednesday: from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays: from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm
During the month of Ramadan, park timings are from 12 noon to 11:00 pm for all.
Mushrif Park Dubai Entry Fee
Entry to Mushrif Park is paid whether you are coming by car or on foot.
- A single person’s entry ticket on foot is 3 AED
- Per car is 10 AED
Children under the age of 2 and people of determination enter for free.
You will have to pay for the entrance fees using an RTA issued NOL card, so it’s a good idea to have your card topped up with sufficient credit.
How to get to Mushrif Park
Located in Deira’s Uptown Mirdif Area, Mushrif Park is on the Airport Road, 15 kilometres away from Downtown Dubai and about 13 kilometres from Dubai International Airport.
Directions to the park are clearly signposted if you are planning to come by car. Simply take the E311 towards Sharjah, and keep driving on the E311 only to take the right turn after you cross the exit for Mirdif City Centre. After that, you will see signboards to Mushrif Park to keep following until you reach the park.
If travelling by bus, take the Bus 11A.
If coming by Dubai Metro, you can either choose to step off at Rashidiya Metro Station on the Red Line or Etisalat Metro Station on the Green Line. These are the nearest Metro stations to the park, and from here you will have to take a 10-minute taxi ride to reach Mushrif Park.
More frequently asked questions about Mushrif Park
Barbeques are allowed – the park has dedicated BBQ areas with fire pits, gazebos, benches, and tables.
No, as per Dubai Parks policy run by Dubai Municipality there are no dogs allowed in Mushrif Park. See more on where you can take your dog in Dubai here.
Yes, there is a small charge to use this public park, payable on Nol card. Per person is 3 AED or 10 AED per car.
You can contact Dubai Municipality who manages Mushrif Park 04 288 3624.
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