Opened in 1982 as a women's-only garden, Umm Al Emarat Park (ummalemaratpark.ae; entry Dhs10) may be one of the city's oldest, but today it's its most lived-in public space. You'll see joggers looping the paths, walkers strolling beside its fountains and palm-tree-lined promenade, and families attending open-air concerts, pop-up markets or movie nights in its amphitheater.
Start at the central promenade, then make your way to the Botanic Gaden, home to to over 200 regional plant species. Marble slabs in the Wisdom Garden feature inspiring quotes by His Highness the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The 30m-high Shade House offers respite from the sun thanks to its ingenious passive cooling design, making it surprisingly comfortable even in warmer months. Climb the upper levels for brilliant views of the park from two decks.
Children can keep busy between the dedicated children’s park, playgrounds, and an animal barn with ponies, baby goats and tortoises.
