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Al Ittihad Park Dubai: Jogging Track, Restaurants & Family Activities Guide

Al Ittihad Park is one of Dubai’s most accessible green spaces, spread across 1.1 million square feet along the trunk of Palm Jumeirah. Entry is free, the park is open around the clock. If you are after a morning jog, a family picnic, or a peaceful walk through native plant species, the park delivers on all counts.

Inaugurated in December 2012 to mark the UAE’s 41st National Day, the park sits adjacent to Golden Mile Galleria and connects directly to the Palm Jumeirah Monorail through its own dedicated station. This guide covers everything you need to know, from the jogging track and kids’ play area to dining, shopping, and how to get there.

Overview of Al Ittihad Park

Al Ittihad park

The name “Al Ittihad” translates from Arabic as “union,” reflecting the spirit of togetherness the park was designed to embody. It runs along the trunk of Palm Jumeirah, stretching from the island’s base all the way to Nakheel Mall at the northern end.

Golden Mile Galleria is opposite the park on its western side, offering convenient access to shops, cafés, and facilities. The Palm Jumeirah Monorail track runs directly overhead, with the Al Ittihad Park monorail station providing easy access from within the park. The park is open to everyone, Palm Jumeirah residents, visitors, and tourists alike, and there is no entry fee.

Jogging track and outdoor fitness

Al Ittihad Park’s 3.2 km jogging track is one of the highlights of the park and a favourite among Dubai’s running community. The track is lined with palm trees that provide a degree of shade, and distance markers are painted on the surface at regular intervals, so you can track your progress without relying on a fitness app.

The park also has a dedicated cycling track, making it a practical option for cyclists looking for a scenic, traffic-free route. There are pop-up stationary workout stations along the paths with outdoor gym equipment, ideal for incorporating a strength session into your run.

The combination of the running track, cycling path, and outdoor gym makes the park a well-rounded fitness destination. It is especially popular between October and April, when Dubai’s weather is cool enough for extended outdoor exercise.

Family activities and kids’ play area

Families are well catered for at Al Ittihad Park. The park has a dedicated children’s play area with swings, slides, and rides, and the wide, paved paths throughout the park are suitable for ride-on toys and scooters.

Beyond the playground, the open grassy areas are ideal for picnics and relaxed outdoor play. The park’s layout is entirely car-free once inside, which gives families peace of mind when younger children are running around. It is also a popular spot for yoga sessions and leisurely weekend afternoons.

Those living nearby, in communities such as the Shoreline Apartments complex and the Golden Mile, have the added convenience of being just a short walk from this green space.

Flora and greenery

One of the features that sets Al Ittihad Park apart from many other parks in Dubai is its focus on native plant species. The park is home to over 60 varieties of trees and plants that are indigenous to the UAE, including palm trees lining the jogging track and scattered throughout the grounds.

Every tree in the park is labelled with its name and a brief description, a small but thoughtful detail that makes a walk through the park an informal nature lesson, particularly for children curious about local plant life.

The consistent landscaping and density of greenery give the park a well-maintained, lush feel year-round, a notable achievement in Dubai’s desert climate.

Dining and shopping options near Al Ittihad Park

Restaurants in Dubai

Al Ittihad Park does not have standalone restaurants within the park grounds, but there is no shortage of dining choices thanks to its direct connection to Golden Mile Galleria and Nakheel Mall.

Golden Mile Galleria

Golden Mile Galleria, located immediately adjacent to the park’s western side, has a good range of casual dining outlets. Popular options include Magnolia Bakery, Café Nero, and Itsu Sushi. These options cover everything from a quick coffee to a sit-down meal.

The mall houses a mix of international and local brands including Aldo, Inglot, Skechers, Athlete’s Co., and Laili Jewellery, and its entrance is right beside the park.

Nakheel Mall

For a wider selection, Nakheel Mall at the northern end of the park has a food hall with international cuisines. Also, it has Waitrose supermarket for those who prefer to put together a picnic before heading into the park. The mall is directly accessible from the park.

The mall offers a more comprehensive retail experience with international fashion stores, a VOX Cinemas multiplex, a food hall, and a Waitrose supermarket. It also provides access to The Palm Tower and The View at the Palm observation deck, making it a full-day destination for families.

Getting to Al Ittihad Park

parks in Dubai

Via the Al Ittihad Park monorail station

The most scenic way to reach the park is on the Palm Jumeirah Monorail. Al Ittihad Park monorail station is the second stop on the route and sits directly within the park, connecting to Golden Mile Galleria.

The monorail runs a 5.5 km route from Gateway Station at the base of the Palm to Atlantis Aquaventure Station at the far end, with four stops in total. Trains depart every 15 minutes. Here is a summary of fares from the Al Ittihad Park station.

RouteSingle tripReturn
Gateway → Al Ittihad ParkAED 10AED 15
Al Ittihad Park → Nakheel MallAED 5AED 10
Park → Atlantis AquaventureAED 10AED 15

Children under 110 cm travel free. For regular visitors, passes offer better value. A Day Pass costs AED 35 for unlimited rides, a Family Pass (round trip for four) costs AED 99, and a UAE Resident Pass offering six round trips is AED 135 per month. Palm Jumeirah residents and tenants can purchase an unlimited monthly pass for AED 165. Nol Card holders (Silver or Gold) can pay for monorail rides directly without purchasing a separate ticket.

The monorail operates daily from 9:00 AM (first departure from Gateway Station) to 10:00 PM (last departure from Atlantis Station).

To reach Gateway Station from the mainland, take the Dubai Tram to Palm Jumeirah Tram Station. The tram connects to the Dubai Metro Red Line at both Dubai Marina and DMCC stations. From Gateway Station, board the monorail and get off at the Al Ittihad Park stop. Gateway Station has over 1,600 parking spaces, with the first three hours free and an AED 10 per-hour fee thereafter.

By car or taxi

If you prefer to drive directly to the park, it is accessible via Palm Jumeirah’s main trunk road. Street parking is available near the park, and Golden Mile Galleria has a car park. Taxis and ride-hailing apps can drop you off directly at the park entrance.

Visitor information

DetailInformation
LocationPalm Jumeirah trunk, Dubai
Entry feeFree
Opening hoursOpen 24 hours, 7 days a week
Jogging track3.2 km with distance markers
Cycling trackAvailable
Kids’ play areaAvailable
Outdoor gymAvailable
Nearest monorail stationAl Ittihad Park Station (Palm Jumeirah Monorail)
Nearby mallsGolden Mile Galleria, Nakheel Mall (northern end of park)
ParkingStreet parking and Golden Mile Galleria car park

Key takeaways

  • Al Ittihad Park is a free, 24-hour public park on Palm Jumeirah spanning 1.1 million sq. ft.
  • The park has a 3.2 km jogging track, a cycling path, outdoor gym equipment, and a dedicated kids’ play area.
  • Over 60 varieties of UAE-native trees and plants are on display throughout the park, each labelled with information.
  • Dining and shopping options are available at the adjacent Golden Mile Galleria and Nakheel Mall at the park’s northern end.
  • The Al Ittihad Park monorail station (opened July 2017) provides direct access from the Palm Jumeirah Monorail; single-trip fares start from AED 5.
  • The park is most enjoyable between October and April, when Dubai’s cooler weather is ideal for outdoor activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Al Ittihad Park’s opening hours?

The park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Entry is free.

Where is Al Ittihad Park located? 

It is located along the trunk of Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. The park runs from the base of the island up to Nakheel Mall at the northern end. It sits adjacent to Golden Mile Galleria.

How do I get to Al Ittihad Park? 

The easiest way is via the Palm Jumeirah Monorail. Get off at the Al Ittihad Park monorail station, the second stop on the route. From the mainland, take the Dubai Tram to Palm Jumeirah Tram Station, then board the monorail from Gateway Station.

Is Al Ittihad Park free to enter? 

Yes. Entry is free for everyone, including non-residents of Palm Jumeirah.

Is there parking at Al Ittihad Park? 

Street parking is available near the park, as is parking at Golden Mile Galleria. As for monorail users, Gateway Station has over 1,600 spaces, free for the first three hours, then AED 10 per hour.

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