What’s On lists the best parks in Dubai, including the best parks for running, the best parks for chilling out, the best parks for working out and parks by the beach.

This is part of our special GREAT OUTDOORS series, full details of which are below.

– Best outdoor bars
– Best outdoor brunches
– Best BBQ spots
– Best outdoor fitness classes

Safa Park
Good for: Walking
This vast green space in the heart of the city has barbecue stations, a boating lake, hip bookshop-meets-café The Archive, and even a maze to get lost in.

Safa Park

Al Safa, Dubai. Metro: Business Bay

 

Barsha Park
Good for: Running
A spongey running track and lots of exercise machines will keep you huffing and puffing around this park.

Al Barsha 1, Dubai. Taxi: Near Al Barsha Mall

Zabeel Park
Good for: Working
If you’re keen to get some fresh air but it pains you to loosen your grip on your laptop, Zabeel Park is for you – it has WiFi.

Zabeel Park

Zabeel 1, Dubai. Metro: Al Jafiliya

 

Burj Park
Good for: Gazing
Rest your shopped-out feet on this lush lawn beside the world’s tallest building.

 Downtown, Dubai. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall

Al Mamzar Beach Park
Good for: Contemplating
This secluded park sits on a headland at the mouth of Khor al-Mamzar near Sharjah. There are plenty of open spaces with barbecues, opening on to white beaches.

Al Mamzar Park

 Al-Mamzar Creek, Deira, Dubai. Taxi: Al Mamzar Park 

 

JLT Park
Good for: Playing
One of JLT’s lakes was last year filled in to make a 55,000-square-metre park, much to the delight of locals. Children can play in the sandpits and playgrounds. Adults can run on a spongy running track or shoot hoops on the basketball court.

Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai. Metro: JLT