Dubai residents now have more opportunities to enjoy outdoor fitness, as Dubai Municipality has expanded access to parks across the emirate. Starting immediately, jogging tracks within 20 residential parks will open daily at 5:00 AM, catering to those who prefer exercising before the heat of the day. This change, alongside the renaming of several popular green spaces, aims to enhance community wellbeing and provide increased accessibility to recreational facilities.
The initiative affects parks throughout Dubai, including areas like Al Barsha, Al Quoz, and Al Twar. According to Dubai Municipality, the goal is to enable residents to “have a refreshing and active start to the day in the heart of nature.” The changes come as part of ongoing efforts to improve public amenities and support healthy lifestyles within the city.
Expanded Access to Dubai Parks
Previously, many parks opened around 8:00 AM. The new earlier schedule is particularly aimed at supporting fitness routines during the hotter summer months, when exercising outdoors later in the day can be challenging. This move aligns with Dubai’s broader vision of creating a livable and sustainable city, which prioritizes resident health and access to green spaces.
The expansion isn’t limited to internal tracks. Residents can also utilize jogging paths outside of 18 neighborhood parks, which have also been upgraded with new outdoor facilities. These exterior tracks offer an additional option for those seeking exercise locations.
Park Renaming Reflects Community Identity
Alongside the operational changes, Dubai Municipality has officially renamed four of its most frequented parks. The rebranding, announced in May 2024, aims to improve geographical clarity and better reflect the identities of the surrounding communities.
Al Quoz Pond Park is now Ghadeer Al Tair Pond Park, and Al Qusais Pond Park has been updated to Al Twar Pond Park. Oud Al Muteena First Park is now known as Al Muteena Fourth Park, while Al Qusais Third Park has been renamed Al Twar Fourth 1 Park. The municipality stated that these changes are meant to make navigation and park identification easier for residents.
Comprehensive List of Affected Parks
The 20 parks with newly accessible 5:00 AM jogging tracks include Al Barsha Pond Park, Al Barsha Second 1, 2, and 3 Parks, Ghadeer Al Tair Pond Park, Al Satwa Park, Al Quoz First Park, Umm Suqeim Park, Al Nahda Pond Park, and Al Twar Pond Park. Rounding out the list are Abu Hail Park, Al Muhaisnah 3 Park, Al Twar 1 Park, Al Muteena Fourth Park, Al Khawaneej Pond Park, Al Muhaisnah 1 Park, Al Warqa Third 1 Park, Nad Al Sheba First Park, Al Lisaili Park, and one additional unnamed location.
Meanwhile, the 18 neighborhood parks offering external jogging tracks are: Al Sufouh Park, Al Barsha South Park, Nad Al Sheba 2, 4 Parks, Blossoms Park, Al Lisaili Park, Al Muteena Second Park, Al Muteena First 2, 3, and 4 Parks, Al Warqa Second 1 Park, Nad Al Hamar Park, Al Garhoud 3 Park, Al Masjid Park in Al Twar, Al Twar Second and Third Parks, Al Qusais Second Park, and Al Twar Fourth 1 Park.
Greater Accessibility and Inclusivity
Dubai Municipality reports that over 80% of the emirate’s more than 220 public parks are now designed to be fully accessible to People of Determination. This ongoing effort reflects the city’s commitment to inclusive urban planning and ensuring that all residents can benefit from its public spaces. Accessibility improvements include ramps, designated parking, and accessible restroom facilities.
The municipality also adjusted general park hours in May. Now, lakeside parks, residential parks and playgrounds will open between 8:00 AM and 11:00 PM from Monday to Thursday, and from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM on Fridays, Saturdays, and public holidays. This creates more extended hours for overall access to outdoor recreation.
Looking ahead, the municipality has not yet announced further expansions to the early opening initiative. However, ongoing monitoring of usage patterns and resident feedback will likely inform future decisions regarding park accessibility and operational hours. The success of this current phase will be a key factor in determining whether the 5:00 AM opening is extended to more locations throughout Dubai.
