There’s more than meets the eye at this mini oasis in Al Mushrif, including a petting zoo, garden, trendy eats and open-air concerts.

Shade House

The sail-shaped Shade House means cooler climes and unique plants landscaped around a calming pond. Head upstairs via the lifts to take in views of the city.

Mother Of The Nation Park, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, daily 8am to 10pm, Dhs5. Tel: (02) 6669559. Taxi: Mother Of The Nation Park on Karamah Street. ummalemaratpark.ae

Animal Barn

While this spot is for children, that doesn’t seem to stop adults from checking out this mini petting zoo either. You’ll be able to say hello to animals from Emirates Park Zoo including donkeys, a camel, sheep, horse and even two llamas when you visit this month.

Mother Of The Nation Park, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, daily 10am to 9pm, Dhs5. Tel: (02) 6669559. Taxi: Mother Of The Nation Park on Karamah Street. ummalemaratpark.ae

Salt

This trendy silver food truck has set up permanent digs at the park. While the menu is small – it serve wagyu beef burgers, fries and milkshakes – it’s been a huge hit in the capital. We recommend you order the chicken Cheetos burger and a lotus milkshake to wash it down.

Mother Of The Nation Park, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, daily 11am to 10pm, Dhs5. Tel: (02) 6669559. Taxi: Mother Of The Nation Park on Karamah Street. find-salt.com

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Wisdom Garden

After walking through the main entrance, head straight to get to the Wisdom Garden. The structure, which honours the Father of the Nation, features massive black blocks etched with quotes and sayings from Sheikh Zayed in Arabic surrounded by a pool of water. It’s especially beautiful when it is lit up at night.

Mother Of The Nation Park, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, daily 8am to 10pm, entrance fee Dhs5. Tel: (02) 6669559. Taxi: Mother of the Nation Park on Karamah Street. ummalemaratpark.ae

Amphitheatre

Located in the centre of the facility, if a big event (think open-air concerts, movie screenings and dance performances) is being hosted at the park, chances are this is where it’s happening. The new schedule of events should kick off in October, so watch this space to find out more.

Mother Of The Nation Park, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, daily 8am to 10pm, entrance fee Dhs5. Tel: (02) 6669559. Taxi: Mother of the Nation Park on Karamah Street. ummalemaratpark.ae

Park Station

This airy and bright café is beautifully decorated and a good place to refuel after a day wandering the park. The menu, while on the small side, does do a handful of healthy salads worth trying (we like the kale and apple variety). Grab a spot by the floor to ceiling windows to really soak up the atmosphere outside.

Mother Of The Nation Park, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, daily 10am to 10pm, entrance fee Dhs5. Tel: (02) 6669559. Taxi: Mother of the Nation Park. ummalemaratpark.ae

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Images: Supplied, Salt/Instagram, Park Station/Instagram