‘We love this park because it represents the essence of Dubai: you will see all the different cultures mingling together in harmony.’

Diana M, Dubai, UAE on Trip Advisor

This vast public park in the gardenesque Zabeel District is Dubai’s largest and is popular with diverse groups of families, couples, and young people. Shaded by 3000 palm trees with nearly 7000 other trees of 14 different species, the park features multiple attractions and recreational amenities including picnic areas, a fitness centre and skate park, cafés and restaurants. It has also become the setting for the Dubai Frame, from which a panoramic 360-degree view of Dubai can be seen.

European-inspired Design

Cracknell designed an undulating picturesque landscape over 50ha inspired by European park aesthetics but with a Middle Eastern flavour. Shaded allées connected by suspended pedestrian bridges and pathways link a boating lake and themed gardens with water features. There is a scented Rose Garden, a relaxing, aromatic Herbal Garden and a Children’s Garden which hosts educational exhibits. The Park is punctuated throughout by a series of striking sculptures by renowned artists, including David Harber, leading the visitor on a playful meandering route.

A Community Park

A huge open-air amphitheatre hosts cultural and artistic festivals and gatherings. It serves as a platform for a diverse array of year-round activities including music concerts, theatrical performances, dance exhibitions, and comedy shows. Weekly flea markets support the sale of organic fruits & vegetables and local foods and handicrafts.

Visitors are encouraged to linger in picnic spots furnished with tables and chairs, and to rent boats and fish in the man-made lake which is stocked with local species such as tilapia and catfish.

A Park for Sport and Healthy Living

Numerous sports facilities include cricket fields, football pitches, and tennis courts as well as a 2.5km scenic jogging track and bike hire. A diverse range of interactive and educational activities for young children includes playgrounds with built-in games and musical instruments to encourage exploration and learning.

Sustainable Gardens and Water-Wise Design

The park design incorporated water-wise management techniques to maintain a diverse selection of native plants. This planting palette resulted in a 60% decrease in water consumption and helped to facilitate manageable maintenance. A number of responsible horticultural and water conservation strategies were employed:
– Smart Irrigation – By utilising weather-based sensors, water usage is managed effectively. The irrigation controllers and soil moisture sensors can adapt watering schedules according to the current weather to avoid excessive watering.
– Hydrozoning – Plants were grouped according to similar water requirements to minimise over or under-watering. This practice ensures that each section of the park receives the right amount of water, promoting plant health.
– Xeriscaping – The park has carefully selected native, adaptive, and drought-tolerant plants that require less water and nutrients to thrive. By choosing these species, the park supports biodiversity, reduces its water footprint and the need for fertilisers. These plants, known as xerotropic plants, have unique adaptations that can withstand prolonged periods of drought.

A Thriving Green Heart

Zabeel Park enables a diverse melting pot of activity in leafy surroundings at Dubai’s centre, drawing both locals and tourists for relaxation, fun and shared community experiences alike.

Project Data

Landscape architecture: Cracknell
Project location: 24.417452543878664, 54.347732769511495
Year completed: 2005
Photo credits: Alessandro Merati / Copyright Cracknell, Copyright Cracknell, Copyright ed.maglente