A family favourite – All about Khalifa Park in Abu Dhabi
The emirate of Abu Dhabi is famous for having some of the most verdant green spaces in the UAE. And it’s fair to say that amongst them, Khalifa Park is deserving of special mention. Are you wondering if Khalifa Park is worth the visit? What are the attractions here? What are the Khalifa Park Abu Dhabi opening hours? This detailed guide has got you covered.
About the Park
Named after his highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Khalifa Park is one of the oldest parks in Abu Dhabi. It cost around $50 million to build. The park features its own museum, train, aquarium, play parks and a formal garden. Additionally, the park has some of the most beautiful BBQ spots in Abu Dhabi.
Other notable perks at the park which opened in 2007, include a cultural library, beautiful water features, an open auditorium, ponds, mini waterfalls, auditorium, a maritime museum, canals, fountains and play spaces dedicated to kids. Plus, it’s considered among the best places for walks in Abu Dhabi. Here is a more detailed review of attractions at the park.
Khalifa Park Abu Dhabi Tickets and Opening Hours
Here is what visitors need to know before planning a trip to the park:
- Khalifa Park tickets: AED 2 (entry only)
- Khalifa Park Timing: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm | 10:00 am to 11:00 pm (Thursday to Saturday)
- Khalifa Park Abu Dhabi Location: Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street, opposite ADIB
- Contact: +971-56-522-9267
Attractions
Ride the Train
The train at Khalifa Park is a great way for parents and kids to get from one side of the park to the other and have fun while doing it. Each ride is accompanied by music to make the trip more pleasant. The train makes several stops along the way, so visitors can explore the attractions. Running along the perimeter of the park, visitors can catch a ride from two places, either from the stop nearest the main entrance or the library located at the far end of the park.
- Ride charges: AED 3 per passenger
Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum at Khalifa Park is located near the entrance next to the gym. Just turn left right after entering the park and look for the sign that says “Abu Dhabi – A Journey Through Time.” A typical tour at the Khalifa Park museum starts with a video that introduces the tour ride and features the following attractions.
TIME TUNNEL
The tour ride features a moving roofless capsule that physically carries passengers through the Time Tunnel. The ride gives visitors some historical context to the emirate’s transformation through scenes and wax statues depicting the history of the UAE from its pre-Union days. Animatronic wax figures of Emiratis weave clothes, wave and welcome visitors as the capsule passes through early nomadic times. It then charts the fall of the pearl- fishing industry and the development of the oil industry.
Lasting around 20 minutes, the air-conditioned ride is a welcome reprieve for those visiting the park during hot summer months.
AQUARIUM
Once the capsule ride ends, visitors can proceed upstairs to the Khalifa Park aquarium. Featuring a series of small aquariums each housing different fish and sea life, this area is a perfect stop for families with kids. The great big turtle is especially a draw for younger visitors.
Murjan Splash Park
Murjan Splash Park is a water park with activities focused on the main play structure which features a crawl tunnel, water wheel, water guns and more. Other notable activities at the Khalifa water park include:
- Lazy River Ride: Winding all the way at the back of the waterpark, the 0.6-foot lazy river ride makes its way along with twists and turns and is perfectly safe for small kids.
- Bumper Boats: These are small battery-powered boats for smaller kids where they can play sailor.
Other features include:
- Six water-based activities
- Food and beverage facilities
- Purchasable swimwear and towels
- Changing rooms
- First aid
WATERPARK TICKET PRICE AND TIMINGS
Keep these details in mind before a visit to the waterpark:
- Opening hours: 02:00 pm to 10:00 pm | Ladies Day on Wednesdays
- Entry Fee: AED 50 (cash payments only) |AED 70 (Friday to Sunday)
Khalifa Park Library Abu Dhabi
There are libraries for children and adults at Khalifa Park, each with its own entrance and located in different buildings. While the libraries do have books in English, the majority are in Arabic. Visitors are expected to be quiet though. We recommend avoiding the library, one of the many libraries in Abu Dhabi, if you have rowdy children at your party as visitors who disturb the peace are asked to leave.
Khalifa Park Gym
The Adrenagy Training Club at Khalifa Park offers visitors a holistic approach to achieving their fitness goals. Professional instructors are on hand to provide guidance and continuously monitor your progress. Each client is provided customised training programmes based on their objectives and a variety of options to help them achieve them. Additionally, personal trainers ensure that their charges are educated on their routines to make them more comfortable and rise to their fitness aspirations more efficiently.
Khalifa Park Events
Attractions aren’t all that Khalifa Park is famous for! The Khalifa Park Abu Dhabi events are also quite popular with residents. It’s a great place for family and friends to get together and enjoy themselves. One of the most famous was the Abu Dhabi Festival of Falconry.
Additionally, Khalifa Park offers other services. For example, it offers to host birthday parties, reservations for football matches and even accommodates school excursions.
Park Rules
Guests are expected to adhere to these rules while at the park:
- Kids below the age of 13 must be accompanied by adults
- Proper swimming attire should be worn at the waterpark
- Park authorities will not take responsibility for any unattended valuables
- Men over the age of 10 are not allowed in the pool on Ladies Day
- Outside food is not allowed
- Smoking is prohibited
FAQs
Which is the biggest theme park in Abu Dhabi?
With several family-friendly attractions and a myriad of F&B outlets, Warner Bros. Abu Dhabi is the emirate’s biggest theme park.
How many theme parks are in Yas Island?
There are four namely Yas Waterworld, Ferrari World, Sea World and Warner Bros. World.
Is Yas Island worth visiting?
As a home to some of the world’s most amazing theme parks and Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island is a definite must-visit.
That’s all for our review of Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi. Considered one of the best and biggest green spaces in Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Park is a great addition to any family’s travel list.
For similar leisurely activities, visit our picks of notable public parks in Abu Dhabi. The parks in Al Ain are worth visiting too if you plan on staying in the emirate for longer. Visiting Dubai? Our list of things to do at Burj Park will come in handy before you take the family there.
