I Needed a Breath of Fresh Air and Al Barsha Pond Park Was Right There!
As much as I love the glittering skyline and the business of Dubai, I need a breath of fresh air every now and then.
Good thing, there are many green spaces around the city where I can escape from the chaos and enjoy a different view whenever I want to. One of my favorites is Al Barsha Pond Park.
In this guide, I’ll share with you Al Barsha Pond Park and the things you can do while you’re here.
What is Al Barsha Pond Park?
Al Barsha Pond Park is a 50-acre park in the Al Barsha neighborhood that’s designed to give residents and visitors a place to enjoy nature and spend time outdoors.
The park has a massive central pond, a 1.5-kilometer running track, a cycling area, a kids’ play area, several shaded picnic spaces and even fitness machines that guests can use.
Al Barsha Pond Park also hosts different events throughout the year – from flea markets to local concerts.
Best Time to Go
Al Barsha Pond Park is open all year round, but most people spend time here during the winter months when the weather is warmer.
It’s also best to explore the park early in the morning or late in the afternoon if you want to avoid the scorching heat, especially during the summer.
Things to Know
Before heading to Al Barsha Pond Park, here are a few tips and tricks that will surely come handy:
- Al Barsha Pond Park is open daily II to Thursday and 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM every Friday to Saturday.
- You don’t need to pay an entrance and parking fee when visiting Al Barsha Pond Park.
- Wear comfortable clothing when visiting the park, but make sure you dress conservatively to respect Dubai’s culture.
- Never leave your trash behind after going on a picnic at the park. You can bring your own food and enjoy it at the many shaded areas around the park.
How to Get Around
Where to Stay Near Al Barsha Pond Park
Montreal Barsha Hotel
Address: 23rd Street – Al Barsha 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 501 9000
Pricing: $$$
If you want to be near Al Barsha Pond Park during your vacation, you can’t go wrong with the Montreal Barsha Hotel.
We love this four-star hotel for several reasons. For one, you get to enjoy modern amenities, well-designed interiors and luxurious rooms at more budget-friendly prices than other parts of the city.
We also love that the hotel is just a few minutes away from Mall of the Emirates and Dubai International Airport.
Al Khoory Atrium Hotel
Address: Al Barsha 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 519 7999
Pricing: $$
Al Khoory Atrium Hotel is everything you’d expect in a luxury hotel without breaking your bank, especially if you want to be near Al Barsha Pond Park.
The lobby is already a showstopper with its ultra high ceiling and modern interiors. And the rooms, they’re some of the most comfortable rooms we’ve ever stayed in!
Now if you don’t mind spending for the ultimate luxury, Al Khoor Atrium Hotel has a 90-square meter Executive Suite where you have your own room, work space, living and dining area, and even a private jacuzzi!
Grand Excelsior Hotel Al Barsha
Address: Al Barsha 1 near Mall of the Emirates – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 444 9999
Pricing: $$
If the name doesn’t give it away, you can expect everything to be grand at the Grand Excelsior Hotel Al Barsha, one of the nearest hotels to Al Barsha Pond Park.
In fact, this hotel is designed to look and feel like a cruise ship. So, if you dream of cruising but don’t have the budget yet, this place will give you all the feels of being on a ship.
You can go for a simple room – that’s not really so simple – or the grand suite that also gives you complimentary shuttle service to the Mall of the Emirates and the Beach.
The hotel also has an outdoor pool, a traditional British pub, a fitness center and a lobby cafe for you to enjoy during your stay.
Where to Eat Near Al Barsha Pond Park
Dip Dash Restaurant and Cafe
Address: Shop No. 6 – Rasis Business Center Mashreq Road Opposite Al Telal 14 – Al Barsha 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 52 606 6047
Pricing: $$
If you ever get hungry after going around Al Barsha Pond Park, Dip Dash Restaurant and Cafe will get that sorted for you.
This restaurant proves that healthy food can be delicious and enjoyable, and we guarantee, you’ll love everything they serve here even if you’re not vegan or vegetarian.
Focusing on healthy Asian food, we love the restaurant’s Japanese soba noodles, poke bowl and tofu bao.
You should also try their Burmese khow suey, Dip Dash holi cauli and jungle ramen. Okay, we’re hungry now!
Al Fanar Restaurant and Cafe – Al Barsha
Address: Al Barsha Pond Park – Al Barsha 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 353 3733
Pricing: $$$
You don’t need to leave Al Barsha Pond Park to enjoy delicious food because right within its premises is one of Dubai’s top restaurants, Al Fanar Restaurant and Cafe.
In fact, this restaurant is an attraction with its stunning interiors designed after the ruins of Jazirat Al Hamra where the country’s rich seafood culture originated.
But once the food is served, we guaranted you’ll be wowed with everything. If you ask any of our favorites, we recommend the classic Paratha breakfast in the morning to get your day started.
You can even have fun with a Build your Breakfast Tray where you choose everything you want to enjoy!
But the seafood is the real highlight of this restaurant with favorites like the mixed seafood machboos, king fish biryani and grilled sea bream.
Tashas Al Barsha
Address: Al Barsha 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 589 3322
Pricing: $$
Tashas is where you go to get a hearty breakfast that you can enjoy any time of the day, whether it’s before or after you visit Al Barsha Pond Park.
Here, everything is simple and unpretentious. You get to choose from a classic menu consisting of a classic and mini breakfast option depending on your appetite.
You can also go for the acai and chia bowl if you’re on a health kick or the famous barsha burger if you’re on a cheat day.
What to Do in Al Barsha Pond Park
Go on a Morning Run
Most people visit Al Barsha Pond Park to go on a morning run on its 1.5-kilometer running track.
While there are plenty of jogging spaces around Dubai, Al Barsha Pond Park is special because you get views of the massive lake and a lot of greenery while running.
We also love the vibe of this park with many fitness enthusiasts doing their morning runs here. Seeing them will surely inspire you to reach your goals!
Explore the Park on a Bike
If you’d rather be on two wheels while exploring the park, you’d be glad to know that Al Barsha Pond Park has a biking trail that goes around the massive space.
You can rent a bike at Byky Sports Cycle located within the park where you have the option to go for a traditional bike, a personal bike, an e-scooter or a pedal go-kart.
This is definitely a must-try activity, especially if you’re visiting the park with kids.
Enjoy a Relaxing Ride on a Duck Boat
Yes, you read that right! You can ride a duck boat on the lake in Al Barsha Pond Park to enjoy some fresh breeze and the relaxing views of the water.
You can rent these solar-powered boats that fit two people to go around the lake in the middle of the park. It’s a perfect activity, especially in the late afternoon right before the sun sets.
Let the Kids Run Wild at the Play Area
Al Barsha Pond Park is a great place to visit with the kids because of its massive outdoor play area where the little ones can really run wild and free.
We especially loved watching the kids run barefoot and make friends with other kids playing in the park. Some even bring their little sand buckets and shovels to really enjoy this space.
Enjoy the Events at the Park
Aside from different outdoor activities, Al Barsha Pond Park also hosts different events throughout the year.
Here, you can join different workshops, watch shows and shop at flea markets and bazaars that are all aimed to bring the community in Al Barsha together.
Where to Shop in Al Barsha Pond Park
Dubai Flea Market
Address: Al Barsha Pond Park – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 56 788 2348
If your idea of shopping involves hunting down excellent second hand items, you’ll have a grand time shopping at the Dubai Flea Market, a weekly event hosted in Al Barsha Pond Park.
This flea market is the biggest of its kind in the UAE and more than 60 sellers gather together to sell their preloved clothes, home appliances, toys, furniture and almost anything you can think of.
We guarantee you’ll find a gem or two while shopping at this massive flea market, so prepare to do some hunting!
Ripe Market
Address: Al Barsha Pond Park – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 315 7000
Ripe Market is another must-visit shopping space in Al Barsha if you’re looking for homegrown food and locally made products.
We love this market for everything it has to offer and the community that it brings together adds to the vibe that makes Ripe Market such a special weekend only event in the park.
What to Expect from Weather in Al Barsha Pond Park
Winter: The best time to explore outdoor attractions like Al Barsha Pond Park is during the winter months from December to March. This is when Dubai enjoys the best weather with temperatures dropping to 16 degrees Celsius at night.
Summer: Summer is brutally hot in Dubai and it runs from June to September when temperatures reach up to 50 degrees Celsius during the day.
Transition period: In between the seasons are two transition periods that run from April to May and October to November.
Apps to Download When Visiting Al Barsha Pond Park
Visit Dubai: The official tourism app of Dubai where you can find information about Al Barsha Pond Park and other tourist spots
Uber: The most important app to use for booking a private car service when you’re in Dubai
Careem: Dubai’s version of an Uber where you can book a private car to take you around the city
RTA Dubai Drive: If you’re planning to drive around Dubai, this app has the most detailed maps of the city and it can even suggest the best parking spots to make your life easier
S’hail: The app to use if you want to check the train, bus and water taxi schedules in Dubai