With lawns, gardens, waterfalls and more than 200 species of birds, Safa Park is one of Dubai’s most attractive green spaces. At 158 acres (64 hectares), it’s also one of the largest. From sporting facilities, playing fields and picnic areas to children’s playgrounds and a fairground, there is something to satisfy every member of the family.
If you are feeling active, play volleyball and soccer on the large lawn. Go jogging on the low-impact track that runs along the park’s perimeter and keep or get in shape in the gymnasium. There are also tennis courts and a basketball field.
If you don’t want to walk, tour the park’s grounds by renting a bike or climb aboard the mini train for a small fee. The train travels along a circular route and has nine stations. Stop off at the Japanese and Chinese gardens and admire the plants, water features and ornaments.
Enter the hedge maze that’s surrounded by bushes and try to find your way out. Walk the perimeter of one of the park’s three lakes or rent a paddleboat for a trip across the largest lake.
Children will love the games area, where there is a giant trampoline, Ferris wheel and bumper cars. There is also a small traffic village where they can drive battery-powered cars on purpose-built roads that have traffic lights and road signs. For smaller children there are swings and slides in several park locations.
Keen bird watchers should bring binoculars because more than 200 different species of local and migratory birds have been spotted in the grounds. These include types of parakeets, geese, kingfishers, wood pigeons and warblers.
Safa Park is open daily from early morning until late at night, and there is a small entrance fee. Among the facilities are picnic and barbecue areas as well as a number of cafés.
The park is located 8 miles (12 kilometers) from downtown Dubai and borders the Sheikh Zayed Road, the main highway that runs through Dubai. There is parking for a fee. The nearest metro station is Business Bay Station on the Red Line, a short walk away from the park.
