Nestled between the bustling residential towers of Dubai and Sharjah, Al Nahda Pond Park offers a much-needed green escape from the urban grind. This sprawling park, located in Al Nahda 2, is more than just a patch of grass; it’s a vibrant community hub centered around a beautiful man-made pond.
For families looking for a weekend picnic spot, fitness enthusiasts seeking a scenic jogging track, or anyone simply wanting a quiet moment by the water, this park delivers. But what exactly can you do there?
This complete guide for 2026 walks you through all the activities, facilities, and essential information you need to make the most of your visit to Al Nahda Pond Park.
What Makes Al Nahda Pond Park a Local Favorite?
Unlike many smaller neighborhood parks, Al Nahda Pond Park stands out for two key reasons: its impressive scale and its beautiful centerpiece.
The Central Pond: The park is designed around a large, serene pond complete with dancing water fountains. It creates a tranquil atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to unwind, read a book, or simply watch the ducks glide by.
Lush Green Spaces: The park is filled with well-maintained lawns, shady pavilions, and countless palm trees, providing a refreshing contrast to the surrounding city.
Top 10 Things to Do at Al Nahda Pond Park
Whether you have an hour or a whole day, there is something for everyone.
1. Go for a Jog or Cycle
The park features a 1.3 km dedicated jogging and cycling track that loops around the pond. It is rubberized, making it gentle on the knees, and is one of the most popular free facilities. You will see people jogging here from early morning until late at night.
2. Rent a Bicycle (The “Byky” Experience)
If you don’t have your own bike, you can rent one from the Byky kiosk inside the park. They offer a variety of options:
- Solo Bikes: For a classic ride.
- Family Bikes: Four-seater karts that are a huge hit with families.
- Lopifit: An unusual electric walking bike.
Rentals typically start from 20-30 AED for a 30-minute session.
3. Enjoy a Boat Ride on the Pond
For a different perspective of the park, rent a paddle boat and get out on the water. It’s a fun, relaxing activity for couples and families. The 20-minute rides allow you to get up close to the fountains and enjoy the cool breeze.
4. Play Sports at the Courts
The park is equipped with excellent, well-lit sports facilities that are free to use on a first-come, first-served basis. You can find:
- Two Basketball Courts
- One Volleyball Court
- One Tennis Court
- A full-sized Football (Soccer) Pitch
These courts are incredibly popular in the evenings, so you might need to wait for your turn.
5. Let the Kids Play at the Playground
Al Nahda Pond Park features three separate, sand-based play areas for children of different age groups. With swings, slides, and climbing frames, it’s a safe and engaging space for your little ones to burn off some energy.
6. Work Out at the Outdoor Gym
Fitness buffs will appreciate the free-to-use outdoor gym stations scattered along the jogging track. These machines use your own body weight for resistance and are perfect for a quick workout in the fresh air.
7. Have a Family Picnic
The expansive lawns are ideal for a family picnic. While live cooking and BBQs are not allowed, you can bring your own food and enjoy a meal in the designated picnic areas, which have benches and tables.
8. Take a Relaxing Stroll
Sometimes the best activity is no activity at all. Simply walking through the green pathways, listening to the birds, and finding a quiet bench under a palm tree can be a wonderful way to de-stress.
9. Watch the Sunset
The park offers beautiful views of the sunset over the pond. The sky’s changing colors reflecting on the water make for a picturesque and memorable evening.
10. Visit the Recycling Center
Near the entrance, you will find a smart, solar-powered recycling center. It is an educational spot where you can teach kids about sustainability and properly dispose of over 18 different types of materials.
Visitor Information: Timings, Location & Entry Fee
Planning your visit is easy with this essential information.
Al Nahda Pond Park Location
The park is located in Al Nahda 2, Dubai, right on the border with Sharjah. You can easily find it on Google Maps by searching for “Al Nahda Pond Park.”
Al Nahda Pond Park Timings (2026)
- Park Hours: 8:00 AM to 1:00 AM, daily.
- Sports Courts: Typically open from 6:00 AM to midnight.
These generous timings make it accessible for both early birds and night owls.
Entry Fee & Parking
- Entry Fee: Entry to the park is completely free.
- Parking: There is a large RTA public parking lot next to the park. It is a paid parking zone (Zone F), so make sure to pay via the meter or the RTA app to avoid fines.
Facilities Available at the Park
The park is well-equipped with facilities to ensure a comfortable visit.
- Food Kiosk: A small snack counter near the entrance sells popcorn, ice cream, juices, and coffee.
- Restrooms: Clean and well-maintained public toilets are available.
- Prayer Area: While there isn’t a prayer room inside the park, the large and beautiful Al Zarooni Grand Mosque is located directly opposite the main entrance.
- Wheelchair Accessibility: The park entrances and main pathways are wheelchair-friendly.
Facilities Available at Al-Nahda Pond Park
Park Rules & Etiquette: What You Need to Know
To ensure a pleasant experience for everyone, Dubai Municipality has set a few rules:
- No BBQ or Shisha Allowed: Open fires and shisha are strictly prohibited.
- Keep the Park Clean: Use the numerous dustbins provided to dispose of your trash.
- Pet Policy: Pets are generally not allowed in Dubai’s public parks.
- Appropriate Dress: Modest dress is recommended out of respect for local culture.
Recycling Collection Point:
There’s also a recycling center inside the park where you can dump all sorts of waste materials for recycling. The center itself is constructed from recycled materials, introduced as a crucial step towards conserving the environment. Over 18 different kinds of waste materials, including glass, plastic, fiber, rubber, and paper, are processed and converted into various reusable materials.
Another amazing thing is that the whole center is powered by solar energy and also includes smart screen displays to educate people about the importance of maintaining environmental health. Although not directly counted in the list of things to do in Al Nahda Pond Park, a quick view at this collection center can also uplift your mood.
Mosque:
You can also be worry-free about offering your prayers while visiting the park as there is a beautiful mosque (Al-Zarooni Grand Mosque) present opposite the Al Nahda Pond Park. So, when the prayer time comes, you can go to the masjid, offer your prayer, and return to the park to continue enjoying your leisure time with nature.
Parking Lots:
The biggest challenge while visiting any recreational place is to find a good parking spot for your car. Luckily, the Al-Nahda Pond Park includes a spacious parking section allowing visitors to park nearby transports. However, it is not free, and you’ll have to buy a parking ticket to use the space.
Wheelchair Accessible Entrance:
Both the park entrance and the parking area entrance are wheelchair accessible, making it a convenient place to visit for specially-abled people as well.
Al-Nahda Pond Park: Location and Timings
Location: Al Nahda – Al Nahda 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Timings: 8AM To 1 Am (Mon-Sun)
The park stays open the entire week, which means you can try multiple things to do in Al Nahda Pond Park on any day you want. However, the opening times of various sports courts differ.
Time for Foot Ball Court: 6 AM to 11:30 PM(Mon-Sun)
Time for Valley Ball Court: 7 AM to 12 AM(Mon-Sun)
Nearby Attractions to Al-Nahda Pond Park:
There are also many famous restaurants and supermarkets close to the Al-Nahda Pond Park, which you can visit to enjoy wholesome meals and shopping after your evening strolls. Some of these include:
Conclusion
Al Nahda Pond Park is a true gem in one of Dubai’s busiest residential areas. It masterfully combines recreational activities, sports facilities, and serene natural beauty, offering something for every member of the family. Whether you are aiming for a new personal best on the jogging track, teaching your child to ride a bike, or simply seeking a moment of peace by the water, this park is the perfect urban oasis.
FAQs
Is there an entrance fee for Al Nahda Pond Park?
No, entry to Al Nahda Pond Park is completely free for everyone. However, parking in the adjacent RTA lot is paid.
What are the timings for Al Nahda Pond Park?
The park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 1:00 AM. The sports courts may have slightly different hours, typically from 6:00 AM to midnight.
Can I have a BBQ in the park?
No, live cooking, campfires, and barbecues (BBQs) are not permitted inside Al Nahda Pond Park. You are welcome to bring pre-cooked food for a picnic.
Are pets allowed in Al Nahda Pond Park?
As per Dubai Municipality rules for most public parks, pets (including dogs) are not allowed inside Al Nahda Pond Park.
What activities are available for kids?
The park has three dedicated children’s playgrounds with swings and slides. Kids can also enjoy boat rides on the pond and rent family-sized bicycles.
