Abu Dhabi has plenty of parks where you can enjoy a good BBQ with family and friends. From large green spaces to quiet coastal spots, you will find many places with public grills or areas where you can bring your own equipment.
It is a great way to spend a weekend, enjoy the outdoors and share a meal together. Let’s explore some of the popular BBQ parks in Abu Dhabi, where you can fire up the grill and enjoy a day out.
- Dolphin Park
- Heritage Park
- Al Boom Park
- Al Nawfal Park
- Al Mazoon Park
- Bin Al Jesrain Park
- Khalifa Park
- Lake Park
- Yas Gateway Park
- Al Wathba Park
- FAQs
Best BBQ Parks in Abu Dhabi
Most parks in Abu Dhabi offer outdoor BBQ services. So, skewer your marinated meat and head to the following best parks and make the most out of your day:
1. Dolphin Park
Tucked away near the Eastern Mangroves, Dolphin Park is one of those spots you don’t hear much about — but locals know it well. It offers 10 designated barbecue areas, wide green spaces and shaded play zones for children.
Visitors can also enjoy walking paths, sports courts and views of the nearby mangroves. The park is open 24 hours a day and entry is free, making it a convenient choice for families and friends looking to spend time outdoors.
Location
Qasr Al Bahar
Contact
+971-800-555
2. Heritage Park
Heritage Park in Al Zahiyah might be smaller than some other parks, but it’s full of character. You will find built-in stone barbecue stands, wide lawns for mats and blankets and even cemented grills, making it easy for visitors to cook outdoors. With its fountains, large sculptures and walking paths, it offers a pleasant space for families and groups to gather.
The park is open 24 hours a day and entry is free. It’s one of the several parks in Abu Dhabi with designated barbecue areas provided by the municipality.
Location
Al Zahiyah, E12
Contact
+971-800-555
3. Al Boom Park, Al Bateen
Al Boom Park in Al Bateen is a peaceful spot near the waterfront, ideal for a barbecue outing. It features designated grilling areas, benches and a small lake with ducks, offering a pleasant environment for gatherings.
The park is open 24 hours a day and entry is free, making it convenient for families and friends to enjoy outdoor cooking and leisure time. If you want a spot where you can hear the birds peacefully, Al Boom Park is a good pick.
Location
26 Nad Ash Shiba Street, Al Bateen
4. Al Nawfal Park, Corniche Street
Al Nawfal Park sits quietly along Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, offering a straightforward space for outdoor cooking. Managed by Abu Dhabi Municipality, it is one of the many parks equipped with designated barbecue areas, ensuring visitors have access to proper grilling facilities.
Open 24 hours with free entry, the park provides a convenient spot for families and friends to gather and enjoy a meal outdoors. Its location near the waterfront adds to its appeal, making it a practical choice for a barbecue outing.
Location
Corniche Road, Al Bateen, W45.
Contact
+971-800-850
5. Al Mazoon Park, Qurm Beach
Al Mazoon Park, along Qurm Beach, offers a tranquil environment for outdoor gatherings. It features basic grilling spots, plenty of trees for shade, and walking paths to stretch your legs after you eat.
Concrete platforms are provided for barbecuing, along with containers for disposing of waste and used charcoal, ensuring the preservation of the park’s green spaces and trees.
Open 24 hours with free entry, Al Mazoon Park is a convenient spot for families and friends to come together and enjoy outdoor cooking.
Location
2nd Street, Al Muzoun, W62
6. Bin Al Jesreen Park
Bin Al Jesrain Park, located in the Between Two Bridges area of Abu Dhabi, is a community park offering designated barbecue areas for visitors. The park is equipped with concrete grilling platforms and waste disposal facilities, ensuring a safe and clean environment for outdoor cooking.
Open 24 hours with free entry, it provides a convenient spot for families and friends to gather and enjoy a barbecue in a well-maintained setting.
Location
Al Maqta’ Street
Contact
+971-800-850
7. Khalifa Park
Khalifa Park, situated along Al Salam Street, is a notable public space offering various amenities for visitors. Spanning approximately 500,000 square metres, the park features the Maritime Museum, a cultural library and the Murjan Splash Park for children.
Designated barbecue areas are available, providing facilities for outdoor cooking. Families often gather for picnics, barbecues and light outdoor activities, making it a lively and welcoming place for a barbecue day out in the city.
Location
Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street, Opposite ADIB, Al Muntazah, Zone 1
Contact
+971-2-441-8174
Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Entry Fee
AED 2 per person
8. Lake Park
Lake Park in Abu Dhabi offers a serene environment, featuring a central lake, a 15-metre fountain and a wooden footbridge. The park also features many barbecue areas, shaded picnic spots, a dog park and a children’s playground, making it suitable for family gatherings.
Visitors can also enjoy walking and cycling paths and observe ducks and geese near the lake. Located in Al Danah, Lake Park provides a pleasant setting for outdoor activities and is open 24 hours a day.
Location
Al Danah, Zone 1
Contact
+971-800-555
9. Yas Gateway Park
Yas Gateway Park, located on Yas Island, is divided into North and South sections, each offering distinct amenities for visitors. The North side features shaded playgrounds and open lawns, providing ample space for children to play and families to gather.
The South side includes sports courts and additional recreational facilities for those interested in physical activities. Designated barbecue areas are available within the park, North and South, allowing visitors to enjoy outdoor cooking in a safe and organised environment.
The park’s pathways are suitable for walking and jogging, and the well-maintained green spaces offer a pleasant environment for picnics and relaxation. Its proximity to attractions like Yas Mall and Ferrari World makes it a convenient spot for combining leisure activities with outdoor gatherings.
Location
Yas Island
10. Al Wathba Park, Al Wathba
If you are willing to drive a bit out of Abu Dhabi city, Al Wathba Park is worth it. It is simple, open, and perfect for people who just want to throw some food on the grill without a lot of fuss.
The park has loads of space, so you can easily find a spot to spread out without bumping elbows with other families. Kids usually end up chasing each other across the big grassy patches, and you will spot groups casually barbecuing without much noise around.
Location
Al Wathba, Al Nahdah Al Jadeedah
Contact
+971-2-553-1481
Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday: 08:00 am to 10:00 pm
Rules That You Need to Follow at BBQ Parks in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi has specific guidelines in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience when barbecuing in public parks.
- Use Designated Areas: Barbecuing is only permitted in designated zones within parks. Setting up a grill outside these areas can result in a fine of AED 500.
- Proper Waste Disposal: After barbecuing, ensure that all waste, especially charcoal, is disposed of in the provided containers to prevent environmental hazards.
- Maintain Cleanliness: Always leave the area clean for the next visitors. Littering can lead to fines and detract from the park’s environment.
- Follow Park Regulations: Adhere to any additional rules posted within the park, such as operating hours and specific equipment restrictions.
FAQs
You can barbecue at many public parks across Abu Dhabi, including places like Dolphin Park, Heritage Park, Al Boom Park, and Lake Park. Some parks provide built-in grills, while others allow you to bring your own. Always use designated barbecue areas to keep the parks clean and safe.
Yes, barbecue is allowed at Yas Gateway Park. Both the North and South sides have open spaces where visitors often set up portable grills. Make sure to barbecue responsibly and clean up after yourself to keep the park enjoyable for everyone.
Abu Dhabi has no shortage of great parks where you can enjoy a barbecue with family and friends. Whether you prefer a quiet spot or a lively picnic ground, there is something for everyone. Just pack your grill, follow the park rules, and make the most of the city’s beautiful outdoor spaces.