Khalifa Park: Your Complete Guide
Planning to visit Khalifa Park in Abu Dhabi? Let me be your local guide to this destination.
Khalifa Park is one of Abu Dhabi's largest and most beloved recreational spaces, spanning 500,000 square meters. Named after the late President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and constructed with approximately $50 million investment, the park has been a family destination since opening in 2007. Located on Al Salam Street next to the Ministry Complex, Khalifa Park offers comprehensive attractions for all ages including museums, splash parks, trains, libraries, and beautiful landscapes.
Park Scale & Location
-
Total area: 500,000 square meters (5.4 million sq ft)
-
Opened: 2007
-
Construction cost: Approximately $50 million
-
Location: Al Salam Street (8th Street), next to Ministry Complex
-
Named after: Late President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Operating Hours & Admission
-
Hours: Open 7 days/week, 12 hours daily (extra hour on weekends)
-
Typical schedule: 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM (closed until 3 PM)
-
Weekends: Open until midnight
-
Entry fee: AED 2 (adults and children 3+ years); Free for children under 3
Major Attractions
Murjan Splash Park
-
Water slides and splash features
-
Children's water play areas
-
Multiple pools and splash zones
-
Entry fee: AED 50 (free for children under 1 meter)
-
Operating hours: Peak hours during hot season
Maritime Museum
-
UAE maritime heritage exhibits
-
Historical ship models and artifacts
-
Cultural displays
-
Entry fee: AED 5 per person
-
Educational focus: UAE maritime history
Train Rides
-
Mini trains touring park highlights
-
Scenic route through park landscape
-
Historical vignettes depicting UAE transformation
-
Ticket: AED 3 per person
-
Capacity: Multiple daily departures
Cultural Library
-
Books and educational resources
-
Community gathering space
-
Study areas
Khalifa Park Aquarium
-
Marine life exhibits
-
Fish displays in aquatic environments
-
Family-friendly attractions
-
Integrated into train experience: Aquarium accessible via train ride
Carousel
-
Traditional family amusement ride
-
Children's entertainment
Playgrounds
-
Multiple play areas for different age groups
-
Climbing structures
-
Slide facilities
-
Age-appropriate equipment
Additional Facilities
-
Open auditorium: Event and performance space
-
Fountains & ponds: Scenic water features
-
BBQ areas: Family picnic facilities
-
Jogging & cycling tracks: Fitness paths
-
Amphitheater: Outdoor gathering space
Dining
-
Kalila Cafe & Restaurant:
-
Location: Zone 1
-
Hours: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Daily)
-
Phone: +971 2 666 5008
-
Multiple other dining venues throughout park
Nearby Attractions
-
Wahat Al Karama: 3 minutes
-
Al Maqta Fort: 7 minutes
-
Emirates Palace: 8 minutes
-
Rabdan Marina: 9 minutes
-
Zayed Sports City: 10 minutes
-
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: 10 minutes
-
Louvre Abu Dhabi: 15 minutes
Family-Friendly Features
-
Safe, secure environment
-
Multi-generational appeal
-
Educational components
-
Recreational entertainment
-
Shaded rest areas
-
Amenity facilities
Visitor Guidelines
-
Pets: Not allowed in park
-
Annual passes: Available for frequent visitors
-
Special hours: May close early/open late on public holidays
-
Seasonal variations: Extended hours during winter months
-
Accessibility: Family-friendly facilities and pathways
Photography Tips
Park landscapes, garden features, splash park activity, train rides, fountain displays, and family moments provide comprehensive leisure photography opportunities. Best light captures occur during afternoon/golden hour before sunset.