Dubai's public parks to be revamped in major investment drive

Restaurants, shops and event spaces to be created under park project launched by Dubai Municipality

New visitor facilities are set to be rolled at public spaces across the city, including Zabeel Park. Courtesy Dubai Municipality

New restaurants, shops and live event spaces are to be created as part of a bid to revamp public parks in Dubai.

Dubai Municipality is encouraging both local and overseas investors to set up commercial projects in some of the city's most popular green spots.

The authority said that about 10 per cent of the area of parks will be set aside for business opportunities.

The scheme aims to make a walk in the park all the more enticing by introducing an array of fresh amenities.

"Dubai Municipality is making significant contributions by providing a conducive and encouraging environment for foreign and domestic investment," said Dawoud Al Hajri, director General of Dubai Municipality.

Najeeb Mohammed Saleh, director of planning department at Dubai Municipality, said investment opportunities will be available at attractions such as Creek Park, Safa Park and public spaces in Mushrif and Mamzar, as well as the recently-opened Quranic Park, a new culture spot celebrating the Quran.

"The aim of these opportunities is to invest approximately 10 per cent of the area of ​​each park to implement investment projects to serve the community and raise the level of happiness of visitors to public parks, in addition to optimising the resources and assets available to the Municipality,"  said Mr Saleh.

Parks in Dubai already boast a wide variety of facilities, with Creek Park home to the Dubai Dolphin Centre, Mamzar Smart Park featuring beach sports courts and chalets for rent and Mushrif Park playing host to an international village.

Dubai Municipality recently took part in the Annual Investment Forum 2019, which featured investors from more than 140 countries.

The municipality attended the global gathering to highlight the business opportunities on offer in the city's parks.