Umm Al Emarat Park is a large family park on 15th Street in the Al Mushrif area of central Abu Dhabi, open daily from 8:00 AM to 12:00 midnight (last entry 11:00 PM) with an entry ticket of AED 10 per person. First opened in 1982 as Mushrif Central Park, it reopened in 2015 after a major redevelopment and was renamed in honour of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation. Inside you will find the Shade House, the Animal Barn, the Botanic Garden, the Children’s Garden, the Wisdom Garden, the Evening Garden, an open air Amphitheatre and the Great Lawn, which makes it one of the best green escapes for families, joggers and picnic lovers in the capital.
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This guide covers the location, ticket prices, opening hours, park rules, things to do, nearby attractions and hotels, so you can plan a relaxed day out. If you are travelling to Abu Dhabi, White Sky Travel and Tourism can arrange your flights, hotels and transfers.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Umm Al Emarat Park is on 15th Street, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, next to the International School of Choueifat.
- Entry costs AED 10 per person and the park is open every day from 8:00 AM to 12:00 midnight.
- Top highlights are the Shade House, Animal Barn, Children’s Garden and the Great Lawn.
- Outside food is limited, BBQ and smoking are not allowed, and pets are not permitted except assistance dogs.
- White Sky can book your flights, hotels and transfers with Tabby, Tamara and UAE credit card installments up to 12 months. WhatsApp +971 4 220 2133.
Umm Al Emarat Park Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 15th Street, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, next to the International School of Choueifat |
| Former name | Mushrif Central Park |
| Opened | 1982, reopened in 2015 after redevelopment |
| Named after | Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation |
| Opening hours | Daily, 8:00 AM to 12:00 midnight (last entry 11:00 PM) |
| Entry ticket | AED 10 per person |
| Parking | More than 500 paid spaces managed by Mawaqif |
| Best for | Families, picnics, evening walks, outdoor events |
Where Is Umm Al Emarat Park?
Umm Al Emarat Park sits in the heart of Abu Dhabi city in the Al Mushrif district. The main entrance is on 15th Street, next to the International School of Choueifat, and there is a taxi rank right outside the gate. Its central location means it is only a short drive from the Corniche, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and most downtown hotels.
History of Umm Al Emarat Park
The park first opened in 1982 as Mushrif Central Park and for many years it was reserved for women and children. After a large redevelopment it reopened to everyone in 2015 under its new name, Umm Al Emarat Park, which means Mother of the Nation in Arabic. The redesign keeps many of the original mature trees and adds modern gardens, shaded spaces and event venues inspired by the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan for green spaces and community life.
Things to Do at Umm Al Emarat Park
The park is divided into themed zones, so you can easily spend half a day or more here. These are the main attractions to add to your plan.
Shade House
The Shade House is the park’s signature structure. It is a tall, open shaded garden filled with palms, desert plants and water features that keep the space cooler than the surrounding grounds. Climb to the upper level for lovely views across the lawns with the city skyline behind.
Animal Barn
Children love the Animal Barn, home to goats, ponies, rabbits, tortoises, birds and camels. According to the park, you can buy a bunch of animal feed for AED 10, and pony rides run daily from 4:00 PM for AED 15.
Children’s Garden
The Children’s Garden has play areas, a shaded interactive water feature and space for little ones to run around. Kids can also cool off at the Wadi and the water feature in the Amphitheatre, although swimming in the fountains and water bodies is not allowed.
Botanic Garden
The Botanic Garden showcases native UAE plants alongside desert species from other parts of the world, with information panels that make it a great learning stop for families and school groups.
Wisdom Garden
The Wisdom Garden is a calm space for reflection, with landscaped paths, native plants and quotes that celebrate the values and vision of Sheikh Zayed. It is a good place to start your visit before the busier areas.
Amphitheatre and Great Lawn
The Amphitheatre and the Great Lawn are the social heart of the park. They host concerts, seasonal markets, fitness sessions, family festivals and Cinema at the Park outdoor movie nights on selected weekend evenings. The lawn is also a favourite picnic spot.
Evening Garden
After sunset, the softly lit Evening Garden is perfect for a quiet stroll. Since the park stays open until midnight, evenings are one of the most pleasant times to visit, especially in summer.
Umm Al Emarat Park Ticket Prices and Opening Hours
The official Umm Al Emarat Park FAQ lists the entry fee as AED 10 per person, and once inside, the park facilities are free to explore. Regular visitors can choose a loyalty card for better value.
| Ticket type | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| General entry | AED 10 per person | Access to all park areas for the day |
| Silver Loyalty Card | AED 200 | 25 entry tickets for the cardholder |
| Golden Loyalty Card | AED 499 | Unlimited entry for the cardholder for 12 months plus member offers |
| Animal feed | AED 10 per bunch | Feed the animals at the Animal Barn |
| Pony ride | AED 15 | Daily from 4:00 PM |
| Day | Opening time | Closing time | Last entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Every day | 8:00 AM | 12:00 midnight | 11:00 PM |
Prices and timings may change and T&C apply. Special events may need a separate ticket. You can enter to pray or use the restrooms and ATM without buying a ticket.
Umm Al Emarat Park Rules to Know
- Food: outside food is not allowed, except water, food for small children, hot and cold drinks, cake or cupcakes, fruit, biscuits, crisps and popcorn.
- BBQ: barbecuing is not allowed and can lead to a fine of AED 500.
- Smoking: all smoking, including e cigarettes and shisha, is not permitted.
- Pets: pets are not allowed, except assistance dogs.
- Bikes and scooters: only children under 7 can ride bikes and scooters inside, with parental supervision.
- Ball games: balls and frisbees are welcome, but football after 5:00 PM is only for kids aged 10 and below.
- Photos: personal photos are fine, but do not film other visitors without permission. Commercial shoots need approval from park management.
How to Get to Umm Al Emarat Park
By car: the park has more than 500 paid parking spaces managed by Mawaqif. By taxi: there is a taxi rank right in front of the main entrance, and ride hailing apps like Uber and Careem work well in the area. By bus: a public bus stop is close to the park. From Dubai: the drive to central Abu Dhabi usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic, and you can combine your park visit with one of our Abu Dhabi tours from Dubai or a private airport transfer service.
What Should You Bring Along?
Pack comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses and a refillable water bottle. A picnic rug, foldable chairs and a small table are allowed, which is handy for the Great Lawn. Bring light snacks from the permitted list, a portable phone charger for photos, and a light jacket for winter evenings. In summer, temperatures in Abu Dhabi can go above 40°C, so plan your visit for the early morning or after sunset.
Best Time to Visit Umm Al Emarat Park
The best months to visit are October to April, when the weather is cooler and the park hosts most of its outdoor events, markets and movie nights. Weekday mornings are the quietest, while weekend evenings are the liveliest. In the hot summer months, the Shade House, shaded paths and late opening hours make evening visits much more comfortable.
Attractions Near Umm Al Emarat Park
Thanks to its central location, the park fits easily into a full day of sightseeing in Abu Dhabi:
- Qasr Al Watan, the presidential palace and cultural landmark near the Corniche.
- Qasr Al Hosn, the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi, in the city centre.
- Etihad Towers with its observation deck and views over the Arabian Gulf.
- Louvre Abu Dhabi and the cultural district on Saadiyat Island.
- Jubail Mangrove Park and the Eastern Mangroves for a nature walk or kayak trip.
- The Abu Dhabi Corniche, the beaches of Abu Dhabi and Yas Island theme parks such as Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World.
Hotels and Resorts Near Umm Al Emarat Park
Most of Abu Dhabi’s best known hotels are a short drive from the park. In the city and along the Corniche, popular choices include Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers and InterContinental Abu Dhabi. Near the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr and Shangri La Qaryat Al Beri offer creek views. For a beach break, resorts on Saadiyat Island such as Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi and Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort are ideal, while W Abu Dhabi Yas Island suits theme park lovers. Check our UAE staycation deals for current offers.
Plan Your Abu Dhabi Trip With White Sky
Umm Al Emarat Park is a public park, so you can buy your entry ticket at the gate. For everything else, White Sky Travel and Tourism makes your Abu Dhabi trip easy. We arrange flights, hotel stays, resort packages and transfers, and you can spread the cost with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card installments up to 12 months. Not sure which plan suits you? Read our Tabby vs Tamara travel booking guide or message our team on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133.
Related Articles
Keep exploring Abu Dhabi with these guides:
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi UAE: Visitor Guide
- Qasr Al Watan In Abu Dhabi: How to Visit the Presidential Palace
- Etihad Towers Abu Dhabi: Observation Deck, Hotels and Things to Do
- Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi: Best Places to Visit and Free Things to Do
- Jubail Mangrove Park: Nature’s Hidden Gem in Abu Dhabi
- Al Bateen Beach Abu Dhabi: Timings, Location and Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Umm Al Emarat Park located?
Umm Al Emarat Park is on 15th Street in the Al Mushrif area of central Abu Dhabi, next to the International School of Choueifat.
How much is the Umm Al Emarat Park entry ticket?
The entry ticket is AED 10 per person and gives you access to all park areas. Animal feeding costs AED 10 per bunch and pony rides cost AED 15. Prices may change and T&C apply.
What are the Umm Al Emarat Park timings?
Umm Al Emarat Park is open every day from 8:00 AM to 12:00 midnight, with last entry at 11:00 PM. Timings may change during special events.
What was Umm Al Emarat Park called before?
The park was originally called Mushrif Central Park. It opened in 1982 and was renamed Umm Al Emarat Park in 2015 in honour of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation.
Is Umm Al Emarat Park good for kids?
Yes. Kids can visit the Animal Barn, enjoy pony rides, play in the Children’s Garden and cool off at the water features and the Wadi. Children under 7 can also ride bikes and scooters with parental supervision.
Can I bring food to Umm Al Emarat Park?
Outside meals are not allowed. You can bring water, food for small children, hot and cold drinks, cake or cupcakes, fruit, biscuits, crisps and popcorn. There are also many cafes and restaurants inside the park. BBQ is not permitted.
Are pets allowed in Umm Al Emarat Park?
No, pets are not allowed inside the park. Only assistance dogs are permitted.
Is there parking at Umm Al Emarat Park?
Yes, there are more than 500 paid parking spaces managed by Mawaqif, plus a taxi rank in front of the main entrance and a bus stop nearby.
Can I celebrate a birthday at Umm Al Emarat Park?
Yes. You can celebrate on the lawns without booking, bringing a rug, foldable table and chairs, balloons and permitted food like cake. You can also book the Children’s Garden or Shade House Lawn through the park management.
How far is Umm Al Emarat Park from Dubai?
Central Abu Dhabi is usually around 1.5 to 2 hours from Dubai by car, depending on traffic and your starting point.
How can White Sky help me plan a trip to Abu Dhabi?
White Sky Travel and Tourism arranges flights, hotels, resort stays and transfers for your Abu Dhabi trip, with Tabby, Tamara and UAE credit card installments up to 12 months. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133.
Conclusion
Umm Al Emarat Park is one of the best places in Abu Dhabi for a relaxed family day, with shaded gardens, friendly animals, open lawns and evening events, all for an AED 10 entry ticket. Visit in the cooler months or after sunset, follow the park rules on food and pets, and pair your visit with nearby landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan or Saadiyat Island. When you are ready to plan your Abu Dhabi stay, contact White Sky Travel and Tourism on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 for flights, hotels and transfers, with easy payments through Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card installments up to 12 months.
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