Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
What began as a stretch of greenery in 2015 has since grown into a vibrant community hub, offering an array of experiences - from falcon shows and outdoor film screenings to the ever-popular Park Market.
Umm Al Emarat Park has become a favourite destination for Abu Dhabi residents, especially families in the city.
The park's calendar for the new season, which kicked off this month, is packed with activities for all ages, each rooted in a distinctive identity that celebrates the UAE's heritage, values, and aspirations.
"The park has been keen to integrate authentic Emirati identity into the core of its programmes and events … through falconry shows and handicraft workshops conducted by inspiring Emirati women," Rasha Kablawi, the park's official spokesperson, told Aletihad in a recent interview.
"This blend of heritage and openness to diverse cultures has fostered a spirit of convergence and communication, making the park a unified platform that celebrates diversity and belonging."
Spanning over 14 hectares, Umm Al Emarat Park is one of Abu Dhabi's largest green spaces, home to more than 250 species of trees and plants, Kablawi noted.
Within this expansive landscape are facilities not usually found in a public park: a shade house, a botanical garden, an open-air theatre, and a small zoo, alongside vast areas for picnics and community events.
Making full use of its space and amenities, the park ensures that its seasonal programmes cater to visitors of all ages, offering something for everyone.
"Children have fun at educational play areas, the zoo, and the cinema, while families enjoy cultural events, recreational activities, and diverse dining experiences," Kablawi said.
At the same time, the park maintains quiet pockets of nature where the elderly can rest, take a stroll, and enjoy community sessions that embody the spirit of Emirati hospitality.
With 2025 designated as the Year of Community in the UAE, Umm Al Emarat Park has lined up events that "embody the values of solidarity, cooperation, and belonging," Kablawi said. Its popular Park Market supports entrepreneurs and SMEs, while yoga and meditation bring residents together in wellness sessions.
All the events and initiatives that make the park stand out stem from the importance it places on partnerships, Kablawi added.
"Umm Al Emarat Park has collaborated with the Tadweer Group on sustainability, the Emirates Red Crescent on community initiatives, and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to enrich cultural and artistic programmes."
Inspired by the legacy of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Umm Al Emarat Park serves as a platform for identity and diversity, celebrating nature, culture, and community.
