Safa Park, also known as Al Safa Park, is one of Dubai’s oldest and most-loved public parks. It sits in the Al Wasl area, right next to Sheikh Zayed Road and the Dubai Water Canal, covering 64 hectares of open lawns, lakes, and shaded walking paths.
The park first opened in 1975, long before most of Dubai’s skyline existed, and it’s still one of the city’s main green spaces today. You’ll find a miniature train, wide jogging and cycling tracks, sports courts, playgrounds, and quiet picnic spots, all a short walk from Downtown Dubai and the canal.
Safa Park Timings 2026
The park stays open every day of the week. Evenings are the busiest time, especially on weekends, so if you want a quieter visit, go on a weekday morning.
Ticket Prices & Entry Fees
Safa Park has one of the lowest entry fees of any major park in Dubai. You can pay at the gate with cash, a card, or a digital wallet. The small fee goes toward keeping the park clean and well maintained.
Things to Do at Safa Park
- Miniature train: A scenic ride with 9 stops around the park, taking about 15 minutes to complete the full loop. Each train can carry up to 40 passengers.
- Jogging and cycling track: A tree-lined path that circles the park, popular with runners and cyclists at all fitness levels.
- Sports courts: Dedicated areas for basketball and football.
- Playgrounds: Several play areas spread across the park for different age groups.
- Lakes and open lawns: Calm water features and wide green spaces, ideal for a relaxed afternoon or a picnic blanket.
- Dubai Water Canal views: The canal runs right alongside the park, with pedestrian bridges, cycling paths, and skyline views toward Downtown Dubai.
Picnic & BBQ Areas
Safa Park has designated picnic and barbecue spots throughout the grounds, making it one of the go-to outdoor picnic locations in Dubai. Shaded areas near the playgrounds and lakes tend to be the most popular, so arrive early on weekends to get a good spot.
Ladies Section & Senior Citizens Club
The park has a dedicated ladies’ area, fenced with three separate entry points and its own facilities and shaded planting. Dubai Municipality also runs a social club for residents aged 60 and above, aimed at helping seniors stay active and connected within the community.
Timings for the ladies-only section can shift around public holidays, including Eid, so it’s worth checking the Dubai Municipality website or app before you plan a visit around it.
Wildlife & Greenery
Safa Park is home to a surprising amount of nature for a city park. It has around 17,000 trees, shrubs, and plants, including palm trees, almond trees, and frangipani, plus more than 200 recorded bird species. While walking through the park, it’s common to spot kingfishers and parakeets, along with lizards and squirrels.
Pets are not permitted inside the park, and this rule is enforced at the entrance, so leave your dog or cat at home.
Location & Getting There
Safa Park sits in Al Wasl, right along Sheikh Zayed Road, close to the Dubai Water Canal.
- By car: Gates are located on Al Wasl Road, Al Hadiqa Street, 55th Street, and Sheikh Zayed Road. Free parking is available, with the Al Wasl Road gate offering the easiest access.
- By bus: Public buses stop near Hadiqa Street and Sheikh Zayed Road.
- By taxi or rideshare: A straightforward option from most parts of the city, especially Downtown Dubai and Jumeirah.
Not every gate is open at all times, so check which entrance is active on the day of your visit if you have a specific one in mind.
Nearby Attractions
- Dubai Water Canal: Right next to the park, with walking and cycling paths along the water.
- City Walk: An outdoor shopping and dining district about 10 minutes away.
- Boxpark Dubai: A container-style dining and retail spot nearby.
- Downtown Dubai and Burj Khalifa: Roughly 15 minutes from the park.
- Jumeirah Beach: A short drive away if you want to combine a park visit with a beach day.
Insider Tips for Your Visit
- Bring cash or a card; both are accepted at the gate.
- Visit on a weekday morning for a quieter, less crowded experience.
- Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to use the jogging or cycling track.
- Pack a picnic; food is welcome, but glass containers are best avoided.
- Check the Dubai Municipality app for any changes to ladies’ section timings around public holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Safa Park?
Entry costs AED 3 per person. Children under two and people of determination enter for free, and parking is free.
What are Safa Park’s opening hours?
The park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The miniature train runs 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Sunday to Wednesday, and 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM Thursday to Saturday.
Is Safa Park good for families?
Yes. It has playgrounds, a miniature train, open lawns, picnic and BBQ areas, and a jogging track, making it a popular choice for family days out.
Are pets allowed in Safa Park?
No. Pets are not permitted inside the park, and this is enforced at the gate.
Does Safa Park have a ladies-only section?
Yes, there’s a dedicated ladies’ area with its own fenced entry points. Timings can change around public holidays, so check the Dubai Municipality app before visiting.
How do I get to Safa Park?
Safa Park has gates on Al Wasl Road, Al Hadiqa Street, 55th Street, and Sheikh Zayed Road. It’s reachable by car, taxi, or public bus, with free parking near the Al Wasl Road gate.