A renewed public space at the heart of the community
The comprehensive redevelopment of Al Sarooj Park marks a significant milestone in enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors in Al Ain. Implemented by Al Ain City Municipality, the revamp reflects a broader vision to upgrade public spaces, strengthen community bonds, and create inclusive environments that cater to families, youth, and visitors of all ages.
Designed as more than a traditional park, the renewed Al Sarooj Park now serves as a multifunctional destination where recreation, culture, heritage, and sustainability come together. The project demonstrates how thoughtful urban planning can transform green spaces into vibrant community hubs that support both social interaction and economic activity.
Leadership visit highlights commitment to urban well-being
As part of the redevelopment’s completion, Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Ain Region, visited Al Sarooj Park to review its upgraded facilities and assess the impact of the transformation on the surrounding community.
During the visit, His Highness toured key areas of the park and received briefings on how the redevelopment aligns with Al Ain’s long-term urban development goals. The visit underscored the leadership’s focus on creating integrated neighborhoods where public spaces play a central role in supporting family life, healthy lifestyles, and social cohesion.
Sheikh Hazza emphasized that parks and public facilities are not optional amenities but essential pillars of urban planning. Well-designed green spaces, he noted, contribute directly to community well-being and help build balanced urban environments that respond to the real needs of residents.
Souq Sabie and community-driven economic activity
One of the standout features of the revamped park is Souq Sabie, a community market designed to support local social and economic activities. The market provides a platform for productive family projects, artisans, and small businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship within a public, family-friendly setting.
By integrating a commercial element into the park, Al Sarooj Park bridges leisure and livelihood. This approach revitalizes public spaces while reinforcing local economic participation, ensuring that the park remains active, engaging, and relevant throughout the year.
Street Furniture project enhances visual identity
Another key component highlighted during the visit was the Street Furniture project, an initiative aimed at unifying the visual identity of service elements across roads, parks, and public spaces in Al Ain.
The project includes benches, seating areas, waiting shelters, and related infrastructure designed to reflect Al Ain’s distinctive urban and environmental character. These elements are crafted using sustainable, climate-resilient materials that meet high safety and quality standards.
Beyond aesthetics, the unified designs extend the operational lifespan of facilities, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance user comfort. The result is a cohesive public realm that feels both functional and visually harmonious across the city.
New amenities redefine the park experience
The redevelopment introduces a wide range of amenities that significantly expand how the park can be used. One of the most distinctive additions is the dedicated area for mobile camping vehicles. The RV Park can accommodate up to 36 camping vehicles of various sizes, making Al Sarooj Park a unique destination for camping enthusiasts within the city.
Families and groups can also enjoy 60 designated barbecue areas, offering ample space for gatherings and social events. A children’s play zone provides a safe and engaging environment for younger visitors, while a theatre area hosts performances, traditional arts displays, and recreational competitions that celebrate local culture.
Heritage-style seating areas add a sense of identity and continuity, while a shaded pedestrian walkway spanning approximately 9,500 square meters ensures comfortable movement throughout the park, even during warmer periods.
The artificial lake and eco-leisure transformation
A major highlight of the redevelopment is the Al Sarooj artificial lake, which covers around 7,000 square meters. Surrounded by seating areas and an illuminated walking path, the lake offers visitors a tranquil recreational experience set amid greenery and natural surroundings.
The lake plays a central role in transforming the wider Wadi Al Sarooj Forest area into an integrated eco-leisure destination. By preserving the site’s natural environment while enhancing accessibility and comfort, the project strikes a careful balance between conservation and community use.
A space designed for all generations
The revamped Al Sarooj Park is intentionally inclusive. Its facilities cater to children, youth, adults, and seniors, ensuring that every visitor can find a space that meets their needs. Whether it is active recreation, cultural engagement, quiet reflection, or social gathering, the park offers diverse experiences within a single, cohesive setting.
This inclusivity reflects a broader planning philosophy that views public parks as shared living spaces rather than isolated recreational zones. By encouraging interaction across generations, the park strengthens social ties and fosters a sense of belonging.
Supporting Al Ain’s long-term vision
The redevelopment of Al Sarooj Park aligns with Al Ain’s wider strategy to enhance livability through high-quality public infrastructure. By investing in sustainable materials, climate-resilient designs, and community-focused amenities, the project sets a benchmark for future park developments across the region.
Accompanying Sheikh Hazza during the visit were senior officials, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Rashed Musabbeh Al Manei, Director-General of Al Ain City Municipality, along with representatives from the Department of Municipalities and Transport. Their presence highlighted the collaborative effort behind the project and its importance within the broader urban development agenda.
A model for future public spaces
Al Sarooj Park now stands as a model of how thoughtful redevelopment can elevate everyday life. By combining green spaces, cultural venues, economic opportunities, and leisure facilities, the park demonstrates the powerful role public spaces play in shaping healthier, happier communities.
As residents and visitors continue to explore its new features, Al Sarooj Park is poised to become a lasting symbol of Al Ain’s commitment to sustainable growth, community well-being, and a high quality of urban life.
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