Abu Dhabi, UAE’s capital emirate is one of the UAE destinations listed as the most visited place in the nation. The emirate is known for its wonderful assortment of attractions that are a blend of cultural and modern creative innovations. When you visit Abu Dhabi, you have a plethora of places to choose from which are apt for all kinds of visitors. One such attraction is Khalifa Park Abu Dhabi. It is an impressive recreational space that doubles as a natural oasis right in the midst of Abu Dhabi City. Here are all the details you need to know about this Abu Dhabi attraction.
About Khalifa Park
Set on the extended eastern road of Abu Dhabi City, around 10 minutes away from the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Khalifa Park is a haven for families, couples, and nature lovers. This lush park was founded in 2007 and is one of the first green spaces created in Abu Dhabi for visitors and locals to enjoy nature amid city life. The park gets its name from Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the second president of the UAE. The exterior of the park has a facade that is reminiscent of an old Bedouin fort, and inside, there are beautifully maintained gardens, water features, play areas, a water park, a library, and even a train ride.
Khalifa Park Operating Hours
Khalifa Park Abu Dhabi timings are different on certain days of the week. The park is open from 10 am to 10 pm on Sunday through Wednesday. The park is accessible from Thursday through Saturday until 11 p.m. Timings differ during public holidays, national holidays, and the holy month of Ramadan. Visitors to this Abu Dhabi park typically stay for 3 to 4 hours.
Khalifa Park Entry Fees
The Khalifa Park Entry fee is around AED 2 per person. However, some attractions inside the park will cost extra.
Train ride ticket: AED 3 per person
Visits to the Maritime Museum: AED 5 per person.
Murjan Splash Park: 50 AED per person. Visitors under the height of one metre are free to enter.
Things to Do in Khalifa Park Abu Dhabi
You and your friends and family can engage in several recreational activities inside this sprawling park. Here is what you can expect when you enter Khalifa Park.
Train ride: Begin your visit to this park with a train ride. This slow-paced train ride will give you a quick tour of the park and is a great alternative than reaching by foot across the park's attractions. The train takes you on a lovely, scenic tour of the park, meandering through some of the park's attractions and even through a tunnel. The train departs from the entrance and has a stop at the Maritime Museum inside the park before it heads back to its starting point.
Maritime Museum: Discover the fascinating Maritime Museum in Khalifa Park, which you can easily reach via the serene train ride. Get started on your journey through Abu Dhabi's past with an immersive experience filled with multi-media videos and lifelike dioramas located in Bedouin-era settings. An audio commentary will lead you through the museum as you learn about the city's history from its inception to the present. After the tour, take a fascinating stroll through the lovely aquarium. This is a must-see attraction that takes you on an exciting tour of the underwater world.
Murjan Splash Park: Within the park, you can also spend some time splashing in the water at a quaint, yet exciting water park. This splash area consists of rides and pools apt for all ages. Until further notice, the water park is currently closed for maintenance.
Khalifa Park Library: This park also give a sense of learning along with fun time. Those who love reading can take a break and explore a library built within the park. The library has a vast collection of English and Arabic books and offers quiet areas in welcoming settings where you can spend some time reading your favorite book.
Attractions Near Khalifa Park Abu Dhabi
From Khalifa Park, which is located on Abu Dhabi's eastern side, visitors can easily explore other popular attractions in this region. Some of the attractions that are nearby Khalifa Park and which can be easily clubbed with this park as a day tour itinerary are :
Eastern Mangrove National Park: One of the most visited natural attractions in Abu Dhabi, this attraction is only ten minutes away from Khalifa Park. Here, you can enjoy kayaking adventures on the calm waters surrounded by mangrove swamps and enjoy the tranquil vibes of the attraction.
Al Reem Island: Al Reem Island is a 20-minute drive from Khalifa Park and is situated across from the Eastern National Mangrove Park. Due to the abundance of recreational opportunities, dining options, and shopping venues on this island, it is one of the best neighbourhoods to explore in Abu Dhabi. Additionally, it is home to Reem Central Park and Reem Beach, both of which are great places for families to spend time together in Abu Dhabi City. The island neighbourhood is still in its early stages, with new projects on the way.
Salt Lake Abu Dhabi: Extend your nature expedition to Salt Lake Abu Dhabi. This natural oasis, also known as Al Wathba Salt Lake, located 30 minutes from Khalifa Park is one of the picturesque places to visit in Abu Dhabi. For its visitors, the beige sand desert and clear emerald pools of water with crystallized stepping platforms scattered across the water's surface create an otherworldly scene. It is one of the hidden gems that will captivate you with its beauty. While returning from Salt Lake Abu Dhabi, don't forget to indulge in some retail therapy. You can make a quick stop at Village Mall Mussafah en route to buy some locally made and international merchandise.
It is simple to arrange a day trip that begins at Al Reem Island, continues through Khalifa Park and Eastern Mangrove National Park, and ends at Salt Lake Abu Dhabi. You have the option to stop at the Village Mall Mussafah on your way back if you want to. By taking this one-day trip, you will learn about Abu Dhabi's eastern side, which most visitors fail to include in their itinerary and miss out on several fantastic, reasonably priced experiences.
FAQs
1. What is the best time to go to Khalifa Park Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi is a desert area, and the emirate experiences varying degrees of summer conditions. In comparison with the other months of the year, the weather is quite pleasant from October through March for setting out on outdoor excursions.
2. Does the park have any restaurants?
No, there are no dining options inside the park. However, there are restaurants and dining venues located around the park.
3. How far is Khalifa Park from Abu Dhabi Corniche Street? From Abu Dhabi Corniche Street, the park is around 25 minutes by car. To reach here, you should drive via E10 which is the fastest way to reach this attraction.
4. Are there parking spaces available? Yes, there is ample parking space available right at the entrance of the park.
Conclusion
Khalifa Park Abu Dhabi is a captivating attraction that seamlessly blends natural beauty, cultural exhibits, and family-friendly activities for a fun outdoor experience in the UAE. For those seeking an alternative to Abu Dhabi's bustling city centre and opulent malls, this attraction is a must-see. You will discover a charming spot on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi City when you visit this park.
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