The pet culture has undergone a rapid evolution over the years in Abu Dhabi. Once known predominantly for its cultural landmarks and stunning skyline, Abu Dhabi is now being recognised for its growing circle of pet lovers and the increasing popularity of every dog park in Abu Dhabi, reflecting the city’s commitment to creating more spaces for pets and their owners to enjoy.
- Top dog parks in Abu Dhabi
- Other notable dog-friendly parks
- Dog park etiquette
- Tips for a great visit
- Beyond dog parks: Interactive experiences
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Urban development has gone hand in hand with the building of green belts. This allows residents to enjoy the outdoors with their furry friends. Over the years, public policies around pets have become more structured. There are now clear guidelines on:
- Responsible ownership
- Leashing
- Vaccination
Each dog park in Abu Dhabi offers something different in ambience and attraction. Here, we have covered these topics:
Top dog parks in Abu Dhabi
No dog is happy just sitting around. If you want to put your furry friend in the best mood and have some bonding time, then grab their leash and head out to one of the following dog parks in Abu Dhabi.
1. Al Khubeirah Dog Park
Located near the lovely Corniche, it is a secure, gated area. The park has separate zones for large and small dogs. So, they have ample safe zones to accommodate dogs of all breeds and temperaments.
At this park, dogs can roam off-leash freely within the designated boundaries. Some of the facilities include:
- Agility structures
- Open green lawns
- Shaded areas for resting
Also, You will find water stations to keep the pets hydrated. There are also waste disposal bins across the park. It helps keep the pets hydrated and clean.
Consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening. During these times, the temperatures are cooler and the park is more active. So, your pets will have more company.
Timings: 6 am – 10 pm
Location
It’s located in Al Khubeirah Street
2. Sheikha Fatima Dog Park
It is one of the city’s most flourishing urban parks. It features a dog-friendly area known as the Bark Park. This is a fully fenced space. So, this gives your furry friends a chance to enjoy safe play and playful interaction with other dogs.
In this park, dogs can enjoy:
- Agility structures
- Games
- Open areas
In the open spaces, your pets can either socialise or exercise. The park restricts its patrons at any one time to five dogs in total. This is a great measure to ensure comfort and safety.
One of the most special attributes of this park is its surrounding environment. So, while the pets unwind, the owners can:
- Stroll around
- Explore nearby local cafés
- Visit stores
- Grab a bite at the eateries
This mix of recreation and lifestyle makes Sheikha Fatima Park a sought-after destination for weekend outings.
Timings: 7 am – 12 am
Location
It’s located in Al Bateen near the Corniche
3. Al Masar Park
It is spread over an area of 14,000 square metres. Besides the vast open areas, Al Masar Park features:
- Playgrounds
- Jogging tracks
- Cycling trails
- Basketball courts
- Volleyball courts
- Skate Park
There is also a dedicated dog zone for off-leash, safe play. The park has dedicated zones to accommodate different dog sizes. They also have shaded seating for owners to sit while their dog enjoys the play. Additionally, Al Masar Park has well-placed refreshment kiosks.
The landscape is impressive, with thousands of shrubs and trees spread across, creating a lush environment.
Timings: 6 am to 10 pm
Location
It’s located in Al Bandar Street, Khalifa City
4. Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital Dog Park
For a more specialised experience, Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital Dog Park features a dog agility park. So, you will find several:
- Obstacle courses
- Training equipment
So, this dog park is suitable for those dogs who thrive on a structured form of activity.
Owners can book private training sessions, which can boost their dog’s skills and confidence. The facility also offers many veterinary services and rest areas.
Timings: 6 am – 6 pm
Location
It’s located in Sweihan Road, Al Shamkha
5. Formal Park
It is one of the top dog-friendly places in Abu Dhabi. Open 24 hours, this park is a good place to go if you want to relax with family or be actively inclined. The park features:
- Running track to jog
- Badminton court
Needless to say, with its vast open spaces and endless greenery, Formal Park can easily be the favorite park for your dog!
Timings: 24 hours
Location
It’s located in Sultan Bin Zayed the First Street
6. Public Park Al Khaled Al Arabi
Public Park has a vast space that lets your dog run freely, making it a great dog-friendly park to visit and relax. Weekends can be quite crowded. However, during weekdays, the park is mellow. So, plan accordingly.
With its flat terrain, it is also a great option for picnics and for the kids to play and enjoy.
Timings: 24 hours
Location
It’s located in Arabian Gulf Street
Other notable dog-friendly parks
While the above-stated dog parks in Abu Dhabi are the best equipped, many mixed-use parks welcome dogs. A few of these options include:
- Hudayriyat Island: This place offers wide-open spaces, shaded areas, and pet-friendly cafes. It is also a favourite spot for weekend outings.
- Reem Central Park: One cannot imagine a place more splendid for morning or evening walks than this park. It has shaded paths for visitors to sit and enjoy. The waterfront views are mesmerising to watch.
- Saadiyat Releam Al Park: This dog park features site furnishings and agility components to keep the dogs active and busy.
- Khalifa Park: With its huge lush open areas, the park is a lovely spot to bring your pets. Also, Khalifa Park has several places for you to sit and soak in the serene surroundings.
Dog park etiquette in Abu Dhabi
- Keep your dog on a leash in non-designated areas
- Ensure all vaccinations are up to date
- Clean up after your dog
- Be careful with interactions, especially in a crowded park
- Introduce new dogs slowly to avoid aggression or stress
Tips for a great visit
- Visit during late evenings and early mornings
- Let the dogs meet gradually, especially if they are coming for the first time
- Carry first aid to tackle minor injuries
- Take along essentials like:
- Leash
- portable water bowl
- toys
- cleanup bags
Beyond dog parks: Interactive experiences
Whether its you or your dog who is bored of the park, don’t worry there are plenty of othre options for a great outing.
Pet-friendly beaches
- Kite Beach, Yas Island: This is a favourite beach for dogs who love the water.
- Staybridge Suites, Yas Island: Offers both beach access and pet-friendly accommodation.
- Island Blue Boats, Yas Marina: Welcomes dogs aboard for unique water experiences.
Pet-friendly cafés and restaurants
The food scene in Abu Dhabi is fast embracing pet parents. So, you can spot several outlets offering outdoor dining facilities for dogs. Many cafés provide facilities like:
- Water bowls
- Teats
- Dog-specific menus
Agility and obedience training groups
These hold regular meet-ups and training sessions, where your pet will learn essential skills, build confidence, and burn off energy in a fun, structured environment. It’s also a great way for you to bond with your dog, socialise with other pet owners, and reinforce positive behaviours through teamwork and consistency.
For this experience, you can visit the Falcon Hospital.
Residential communities for pet owners
Some communities are known for their pet-friendly policies. These include:
- Al Reef Villas: Located near the airport, it has vast open spaces for pets to enjoy.
- Reem Island: High-rise living with parks and cafés nearby.
- Zayed Sports City: Sports facilities merged with pet-friendly spaces.
- Sas Al Nakhl Village: Quiet environment suitable for families with pets.
Key takeaways
Abu Dhabi has grown into a lively network of dog parks. The best parks include Al Khubeirah Sheikha Fatima Al Masar and Falcon Hospital Agility Park.
Most of those parks offer facilities, such as secure fences, hydration stations, and comfortable seating areas. But before planning a visit to your preferred dog park in Abu Dhabi, remember to learn about the prevalent park rules.
Lastly, the pet culture in the city goes beyond parks. It includes beaches and cafés. There are also several pet-friendly training centres and communities.
FAQs
No, not all. So, check the park policies before planning your visit.
Yes. Most dog parks in Abu Dhabi have separate zones for large and small dogs. It helps keep the area safe and enjoyable for all.
Parks in general are free of charge. However, some specialised venues, such as Falcon Hospital, may charge an entry fee.
Consider bringing along:
• Cleanup bags
• Leash
• Water
• Vaccination documents
• Toys
Yes. Beaches like Al Bahrain and Hudayriyat Island allow dogs. However, leash rules may vary.
