Khalidiyah Park has reopened following major redevelopment by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), with more than 62,000 square metre site modernised to support a balanced lifestyle of exercise, leisure and socialisation.
Central to the project is a 660 metre enclosed cooled walkway connecting various zones of the park, with integrated rest spots encouraging outdoor activity throughout the year. The redesigned layout, in line with the UAE Year of Family objectives, improves accessibility for all visitors including senior citizens and People of Determination.
His Excellency Eng Eisa Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Director General of Infrastructure Development at the DMT, said: "This reflects our forward-thinking approach to urban design, offering visitors access to a diverse range of recreational activities. We were very conscious of Khalidiyah Park’s history and emotional value to the community, so every decision is focused on balancing modernity with a sense of familiarity. The importance of the park to a significant number of residents, and its central location, required us to ensure that it maintains its role as a positive contributor to quality of life for years to come.”
In addition to the cooled path, the park offers a comprehensive range of amenities designed to serve the entire community. Facilities include walking and jogging tracks, two multi-use games areas, courts for football and handball, and five children’s play zones including a sand play area. An amphitheatre has also been introduced to host community events and performances, while a central park zone and a sunken garden with ambient lighting act as natural gathering points.
Environmental considerations shaped every phase of the redevelopment. Native trees and drought-adapted species were planted to lower water demand, supported by high-efficiency irrigation systems. Smart LED lighting was also installed to reduce energy consumption, while permeable surfaces and appropriate materials help create cooler microclimates and minimise long-term maintenance needs.
The Khalidiyah Park transformation underscores the DMT’s commitment to accelerate projects under the Abu Dhabi Liveability Strategy, for which AED42 billion has recently been allocated to launch new initiatives.