These picnic spots are calling your name…
Hope you soaked up every second of winter—got out, explored, and made the most of those cooler days—because yep, it’s official: the sun’s back, and summer is creeping in hot. While there’s still a little time left to enjoy the outdoors, what better way to do it your way than with a laid-back picnic? Here are some top spots to roll out that blanket and chill before the heat takes over.
Hatta Dam
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Believe it or not, this jaw-dropping turquoise dam is just under two hours from Dubai. Tucked between rugged mountain ranges, the drive alone is a visual treat—but it only gets better when you arrive. Pack a picnic and soak up the serene vibes of this epic nature escape. Want to level up the experience? Rent a kayak or pedal boat and float your way through the calm waters. And if you’re into hiking, this rocky paradise has plenty of trails—so lace up those comfy shoes and get ready for some seriously scenic views.
Al Qudra Lake
If you’re hunting for the ultimate picnic vibe, Al Qudra Lake hits the mark. Nestled in Dubai’s desert, these man-made lakes are a dreamy escape during the cooler months—perfect for lakeside camping, cruising down the Al Qudra Cycling Track, or grabbing eats from the nearby food trucks. Nature lovers, you’re in for a treat too: it’s a hotspot for spotting local wildlife like desert foxes, oryx, and a variety of birds—including rare ones like the steppe eagle and the Asian houbara.
Zabeel Park
Spanning the size of 45 football fields, this massive green escape is surprisingly peaceful despite being just a stone’s throw from some of Dubai’s busiest intersections. It’s got everything you need for a perfect day out—barbecue and picnic spots, restaurants, boat rides, a jogging track, fitness centre, lush botanical zones, and even a cricket pitch you can book for a friendly match.
Kite Beach
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Kite Beach, located right under the iconic sail of the Burj Al Arab, is buzzing with energy. Whether you’re into yoga, volleyball, or kite surfing, there’s no shortage of activities to dive into. But it’s not all about the water sports—there’s also a beach library, shopping spots, and plenty of food outlets for those midday cravings. This beautiful stretch of sand is one of the few free beaches still left in Dubai, making it the perfect place to pack a picnic, especially when the sunset turns the sky into a masterpiece.
Safa Park
This park has some of the best barbecue spots and play areas in the city, with grassy lawns covering about 80% of the space—making it ideal for picnics and social gatherings. But what really sets it apart is its 3.5-kilometre spongy running track that loops around the park’s perimeter. A go-to spot for Dubai’s running community, it’s hard to top when it comes to a scenic and enjoyable running route.
Nessnass Beach
Tucked away from the more popular spots like Kite Beach, Nessnass Beach offers a tranquil escape. This serene stretch of sand is a favorite among kite surfers and has a few kiosks for drinks and snacks. With charming older villas on one side and the downtown Dubai skyline on the other, it’s the perfect spot to kick back and unwind for an afternoon. Plus, with the beach running track passing right by, it’s an ideal pit stop for runners looking to enjoy some peace and calm during their daily jogs.
Sunrise Beach
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A bit of an open secret, Sunrise Beach in Jumeirah is tucked away behind a quirky turn off the main road, leading you to a peaceful stretch of sand. Popular with locals for winter mornings and evenings, it’s completely unregulated—no lights, no crowds, just pure tranquility. It’s the ideal spot for intimate picnics, a romantic date, or hanging out with friends. And with no one around to rush you, you can stay as long as you want, soaking up the vibes well into the night.
Al Mamzar Beach Park
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Spanning a massive 99 hectares, this all-in-one park packs in four beaches, pristine lawns, swimming pools, an amphitheatre, playgrounds, basketball courts, and spots for football and volleyball. But the real standouts? A whopping 28 barbecue areas perfect for grilling and chilling, plus a 12-foot concrete half pipe that’s a major magnet for Dubai’s skateboarding scene. With kiosks dotted around selling drinks, ice creams, and snacks, it’s the picnics and BBQ vibes that truly steal the show.
Creek Park
Glorious green lawns, lush botanical gardens, playgrounds, train rides, barbecue spots, and food stalls are just the start at one of Dubai’s biggest and most action-packed parks. Scattered across the grounds are unique attractions like a mini golf course, a go-kart track, a scenic promenade, and even a theatre. But the real showstopper? The park’s very own cable car—soaring 30 meters high and gliding 2.3 kilometres end to end, it offers unbeatable views of Old Dubai’s skyline.
Mushrif Park
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First opened back in 1974, Mushrif Park is the OG of Dubai’s park scene—a true giant that leans more toward a national park than your typical picnic spot. Its sheer scale puts most other recreational spaces to shame, with standout features like a sprawling 35,000 square metre Ghaf tree forest. Of course, it still ticks all the usual boxes—kids’ play areas, barbecue zones, restaurants, and canteens—but it goes the extra mile with a train ride, an equestrian centre, and even camel rides for that authentic desert vibe.
