Al Ittihad Park, Trunk of Palm Jumeirah
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Al Ittihad Park is a free, 1.1 million square-foot public park stretching down the trunk of Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. Open 24 hours a day with no admission fee, it is one of the few parks in the city designed primarily for residents rather than tourists — a 3.2 kilometre paved loop, more than 100 species of UAE-native plants, fenced play areas for children, outdoor fitness stations, and direct access from the Palm Monorail. This guide covers the facilities, exact transit options, the best times of day to visit, and what to expect across the seasons.
At a Glance
| Location | Trunk of Palm Jumeirah, Dubai |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | 24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
| Admission | Free |
| Total area | ~1.1 million sq ft (≈ 102,000 m²) |
| Jogging / cycling loop | 3.2 km, paved, lit at night |
| Native plant species | 100+ UAE-native trees and shrubs |
| Nearest monorail station | Al Ittihad Park (Palm Monorail) |
| Nearest metro station | DMCC, Red Line (≈ 10 min via Palm Tram + Monorail) |
| Parking | Free on-site, multiple lots along the trunk |
| Pet-friendly | Yes, on lead — waste collection points provided |
| Best for | Running, cycling, family picnics, evening walks |
What You'll Find
Al Ittihad Park is structured as a long green corridor running parallel to the monorail track. The main amenities are clustered along the trunk in repeating sections, so the experience is consistent from end to end rather than concentrated at a single entrance.
Jogging and Cycling Loop (3.2 km)
The signature feature is a continuous 3.2 km paved loop that circles the entire park, surfaced for both running and cycling. The path is fully lit after dark, which is essential between May and September when the only comfortable hours to exercise outdoors are before sunrise or after sunset. Kilometre markers are painted along the surface, and the absence of traffic crossings makes it one of the safest urban running routes in Dubai.
Outdoor Fitness Stations
Free-to-use adult exercise stations are positioned at intervals around the loop — pull-up bars, parallel bars, step-up platforms, and stretch stations. The equipment is steel, weatherproof, and intended for bodyweight training rather than weighted lifting.
Children's Play Areas
Several fenced kids' zones are spread along the trunk, each with shade canopies, soft rubberised flooring, swings, slides, and climbing frames. Different zones suit different age ranges, so families can pick the section closest to their preferred parking lot.
Picnic Lawns and Pet-Friendly Spaces
Open grass areas are interspersed between the planting beds. Picnics are allowed, and the park is one of the more relaxed pet-friendly destinations in Dubai — dogs are welcome on a lead, and waste-bag dispensers are placed near most entrances. There are no formal barbecue facilities, so visitors typically bring blankets and cold food.
Native Plants and Landscape Design
Al Ittihad Park was deliberately landscaped with UAE-native species rather than imported tropical plants, which is unusual for Dubai's public spaces. Expect to see ghaf trees (the national tree of the UAE), date palms, sidr (Christ's thorn jujube), neem, frankincense, and a range of local flowering shrubs that bloom most heavily between February and April. Educational signage is installed near several of the planting beds, naming the species in English, Arabic, and Latin — useful for residents trying to learn the local flora and a quiet boost to the park's appeal as a botanical destination.
Getting There
By Palm Monorail
The Palm Monorail has a dedicated Al Ittihad Park Station halfway along the trunk, which is the most direct option. The monorail runs roughly every 15 minutes from the Palm Gateway terminus near Nakheel Mall. A single one-way ride is AED 15; a return is AED 25.
By Dubai Metro and Tram
From mainland Dubai, the cleanest public-transport route is:
- Step 1 — Red Line Metro to DMCC Station (formerly Dubai Marina).
- Step 2 — Walk into Dubai Marina Mall and take the Dubai Tram one stop to Palm Jumeirah Tram Station.
- Step 3 — Transfer to the Palm Monorail at Palm Gateway and ride two stops to Al Ittihad Park.
Total journey from Downtown Dubai is around 45–55 minutes. Nol cards work on the metro and tram; the monorail uses its own ticketing.
By Car
The trunk has multiple free parking lots along its length. Drivers from mainland Dubai enter via the Palm Gateway tunnel from Sheikh Zayed Road. Parking is rarely a problem outside of Friday evenings; the park's residential catchment uses it heavily on weekends.
By Taxi or Ride-Hailing
Careem and Uber both serve the Palm without restrictions. Drop-off is allowed at any of the parking-lot entrances. Expect a 15–20 minute ride from Dubai Marina or JBR.
Best Time to Visit
Dubai's climate splits the year into two very different park experiences.
- October to April — the peak season. Daytime temperatures sit between 18 °C and 30 °C, and the park is comfortable from sunrise to past midnight. Expect crowds on Friday and Saturday evenings.
- May to September — daytime use is impractical; surface temperatures on the path can exceed 50 °C. The park is still open and used, but only between roughly 5 a.m. and 8 a.m., or after 8 p.m. once the path has cooled. Lighting and irrigation make late-evening visits pleasant even in summer.
For running specifically, early Friday and Saturday mornings are quietest. Weekday evenings (5–7 p.m.) draw the largest crowds during the cool months.
Facilities and Accessibility
- Drinking water fountains along the loop
- Public toilets at parking lots
- Wheelchair-accessible paved paths throughout
- Free Wi-Fi in select zones
- Bicycle-friendly — no bike rental on site, but the path is wide enough for shared use
- No food vendors inside the park; nearest cafés are at Nakheel Mall and the Golden Mile
Nearby
Al Ittihad Park is close to several of Palm Jumeirah's better-known destinations, which makes it easy to combine into a longer afternoon. Within 10 minutes by car or monorail you can reach Nakheel Mall, The View at The Palm observation deck, The Pointe waterfront promenade, and the Atlantis The Palm resort at the tip of the crescent. Dubai Marina Walk and JBR – The Beach are a short tram ride back across the trunk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Al Ittihad Park free to enter?
Yes. There is no admission fee at any time of day. Parking on site is also free.
What time does Al Ittihad Park open and close?
Al Ittihad Park is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The path is lit after dark.
How long is the running track at Al Ittihad Park?
The full loop around the park is 3.2 kilometres of paved path, suitable for both running and cycling. Kilometre markers are painted along the surface.
How do I get to Al Ittihad Park by public transport?
The fastest route is the Palm Monorail, which has a dedicated Al Ittihad Park Station. From mainland Dubai, take the Red Line Metro to DMCC Station, the Dubai Tram to Palm Jumeirah Tram Station, then transfer to the Palm Monorail.
Is Al Ittihad Park dog-friendly?
Yes. Dogs are welcome on a lead. Waste-bag dispensers are provided at park entrances.
Is there parking at Al Ittihad Park?
Yes. Multiple free parking lots are located along the trunk of Palm Jumeirah at intervals around the park. Parking is widely available outside Friday evenings.
Can you cycle at Al Ittihad Park?
Yes. The 3.2 km paved loop is shared between runners and cyclists. There is no bicycle rental on site, so cyclists need to bring their own equipment.
Are there toilets and drinking water at Al Ittihad Park?
Yes. Public toilets are located at the main parking lots, and drinking water fountains are spaced along the running loop.
Is Al Ittihad Park suitable for children?
Yes. There are several fenced playgrounds along the trunk, each with shade canopies, soft rubberised flooring, and equipment for different age ranges.
What is the best time of year to visit Al Ittihad Park?
October to April is the peak season, when daytime temperatures are comfortable. Between May and September, the park is best used early in the morning or late in the evening once the surface temperature has dropped.