Overview
Umm Al Emarat Park, formerly known as Mushrif Central Park, is one of Abu Dhabi's most iconic green spaces, located in the Mushrif area on 15th Street. The park first opened in 1982 as a women-and-children-only space, was redeveloped and reopened in March 2015, and was renamed Umm Al Emarat Park in honour of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, known as the "Mother of the Nation."
Today, it's a fully inclusive, family-friendly destination with botanical gardens, an animal barn, playgrounds, and an open-air amphitheatre. The park has also earned the Green Flag Award, an international recognition given to well-managed, high-standard green spaces, reflecting its reputation as one of the cleanest and best-maintained parks in the capital.
Umm Al Emarat Park Timings 2026
Hours can shift slightly during Ramadan, public holidays, or special events, so it's worth double-checking before an unusual-hours visit. Evenings tend to be the most popular time, especially for families enjoying the cooler weather.
Ticket Prices & Entry Fees
Entry is a flat AED 10 per person, making it one of Abu Dhabi's more affordable full-day family destinations, especially considering how much is packed inside.
Top Attractions
- Animal barn & petting zoo: A hands-on favourite for kids, with the chance to see and interact with farm animals.
- Splash area: A water play zone that's especially popular during Abu Dhabi's warmer months.
- Children's playgrounds: Multiple fenced play areas spread across the park.
- Open-air amphitheatre: A large outdoor performance venue hosting cultural events, dance, music, community theatre, and even outdoor cinema screenings.
- Botanical gardens: Landscaped gardens featuring a wide variety of plants, reflecting the environmental legacy of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
- Open-air gym & jogging paths: Outdoor fitness equipment and shaded paths for walking, jogging, or yoga.
- Ripe Market: A Saturday organic produce market held inside the park.
Facilities & Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: Smooth pathways and ramps throughout the park make it easy to get around for visitors with mobility needs.
- Eateries: Several food and drink outlets inside the park, though outside food isn't permitted except for babies.
- Shaded seating: Plenty of benches and shaded spots for relaxing between activities.
- Restrooms: Available at multiple points throughout the park.
- Currently, there's no bicycle or scooter rental service available inside the park.
Visitor Rules
- No outside food is allowed inside the park, aside from baby food.
- Visitors are asked to be respectful of others' privacy, including not photographing other guests without consent.
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Location & Getting There
Umm Al Emarat Park is located on 15th Street, in the Mushrif area of Abu Dhabi, between Airport Road and Al Karamah Street, roughly 32 km (about a 30-minute drive) from Abu Dhabi International Airport.
- By car or taxi: The most convenient way to reach the park, with parking available at the main entrance.
- By rideshare: Careem and Uber are widely available and are the most common way visitors reach the park directly.
What Visitors Say
Visitors often mention the cleanliness and upkeep of the gardens, crediting the park's Green Flag Award status as well deserved.
Parents frequently highlight the animal barn as a highlight for younger kids, describing it as a genuinely hands-on, memorable experience.
Fitness-focused visitors point to the open-air gym and jogging paths as a pleasant, shaded alternative to a traditional gym membership.
Weekend visitors often recommend timing a trip around the Saturday Ripe Market, describing it as a nice bonus alongside the usual park activities.
Insider Tips for Your Visit
- Visit on a Saturday morning to catch the Ripe Market alongside your park visit.
- Check the events calendar for outdoor cinema nights or amphitheatre performances before you go.
- Plan to eat inside the park, since outside food isn't permitted for anyone except babies.
- Bring swimwear for kids if visiting during summer, since the splash area is a major draw in the heat.
- Arrive early on weekends if you want a quieter walk through the botanical gardens before it gets busy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Umm Al Emarat Park?
Entry costs AED 10 per person. Children aged 1 to 3 years enter for free.
What are Umm Al Emarat Park's opening hours?
The park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with hours occasionally shifting during Ramadan or special events.
Is Umm Al Emarat Park the same as Mushrif Park?
Yes, it was originally known as Mushrif Central Park before being redeveloped and renamed Umm Al Emarat Park in honour of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak.
Can I bring outside food into the park?
No, outside food isn't allowed, except for baby food. Several eateries inside the park serve food and drinks.
Is Umm Al Emarat Park wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the park has smooth pathways and ramps throughout, making it accessible for visitors with mobility needs.
Is Umm Al Emarat Park good for a full day out?
Yes. With an animal barn, splash area, playgrounds, botanical gardens, and an amphitheatre, it's well suited to a full day of family activities.