Safa Park, Sheikh Zayed Road

Safa Park is a large urban park located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, established in 1975 as the city’s first central public park. It spans approximately 64 hectares (158 acres) and is situated about 10.5 kilometers southwest of Dubai’s historic center, bordered by Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Wasl Road, Al Hadiqa Street, and 55th Street.

Originally located on the edge of the city, the park provided a much-needed green retreat amid the surrounding desert dunes and sparse residential areas. Over the years, Safa Park has evolved into a major green oasis surrounded by modern skyscrapers and vibrant urban development.

The park has undergone several redevelopments, most notably in 1984 when sanitary facilities and a children’s indoor playground were introduced, and again between 1989 and 1992 when new recreational and service facilities enhanced its appeal. Safa Park features a variety of attractions including three freshwater lakes, more than 16,000 trees and bushes, extensive lawns, waterfalls, picnic areas, barbecue spots, and playgrounds equipped with swings, slides, and trampolines.

Visitors can enjoy sports facilities such as tennis, basketball, volleyball courts, and football pitches, along with jogging and cycling tracks. The park also offers unique attractions like a hedge maze, a small traffic village for children to safely drive battery-operated cars, and boat rentals on the lakes.

Despite the reduced size due to the construction of the Dubai Water Canal in 2014, which saw the northeastern half fenced off and cleared, Safa Park remains a beloved recreational destination. It is home to over 200 species of local and migratory birds, attracting bird watchers and nature lovers.

The park is open daily, typically charging a small entry fee, and is popular with families, fitness enthusiasts, and tourists alike. Safa Park’s strategic location near Sheikh Zayed Road and accessibility via nearby Business Bay Metro Station further contribute to its status as a vital and cherished green space in the heart of Dubai’s fast-paced cityscape.