UAE parks evolve into major SME and tourism investment hubs

The UAE has placed strong emphasis on parks and green spaces as a core pillar of its sustainability vision and quality-of-life agenda, supported by national strategies aimed at expanding urban greenery, increasing tree coverage, and developing parks that meet global environmental benchmarks.

These initiatives prioritise modern irrigation technologies, the creation of healthy recreational environments, and the integration of local identity and Emirati heritage into park design.

Together, they enhance urban appeal, support the green economy, and position parks as more than leisure assets.

Across the UAE, parks now vary widely in form and function, ranging from city-centre and beachfront parks to desert, water, and safari parks.

Beyond their recreational role, they have evolved into open platforms for attracting investors and entrepreneurs, particularly from the small and medium-sized enterprise segment.

UAE investments in parks

Parks increasingly host commercial and recreational services that stimulate tourism, energise local economies, and create investment opportunities embedded within park environments.

The World’s Coolest Winter campaign, launched this year under the slogan “our winter is entrepreneurial”, highlighted the role of parks in supporting emerging businesses and increasing visitor numbers at leisure destinations nationwide.

Abu Dhabi: community markets and festivals

Abu Dhabi continues to encourage investment in public parks by attracting small and medium-sized business owners through annual festivals held at prominent locations.

In 2023, Abu Dhabi City Municipality launched the first phase of the Bastat Al Freej community market initiative at Family Park 1 and Rabdan Park, aimed at creating a sustainable recreational and service-oriented environment while activating community facilities.

Last year, the initiative expanded to the formal park along the Abu Dhabi Corniche, featuring 20 kiosks, food trucks, digital display screens, electric play zones, an electric train, and mini cars.

The market supports local farmers and entrepreneurs by offering premium agricultural products, including fruits, vegetables, dairy products, honey, dates, and herbs.

For the fourth consecutive year, Umm Al Emarat Park hosted the Garden Market, with approximately 90 per cent of participating entities classified as small and medium-sized enterprises.

The most recent season recorded 164 exhibitors, more than 7,000 free gifts, and 510 entertainment and educational activities, marking a 59 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

The park concluded its 2024–2025 season by welcoming 400,000 visitors from more than 90 nationalities.

The park has also hosted major events including the Forbes 30 Under 30 Summit, The Rig, Miami Vibes, and The Cove House, combining retail, entertainment, and culinary experiences that attract strong public turnout.

Dubai: large-scale investment in green infrastructure

Investment projects in parks and recreational spaces are flourishing in Dubai, aligned with the emirate’s landscaping and parks strategy approved by the Executive Council last year, with a budget of AED18.3bn ($4.99bn).

The strategy includes more than 800 projects, covering the development of over 310 new parks, the enhancement of more than 322 existing parks, over 120 open spaces, more than 70 road corridors, and 14 technology-driven projects.

In January 2023, the Higher Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs launched the Investment Opportunities initiative and the Unified Investment Platform for citizens, aiming to provide 500 investment opportunities across Dubai’s neighbourhoods to support Emirati SMEs.

Hatta and the wider emirates

In 2025, the Higher Supervisory Committee for the Development of the Hatta Region announced 14 commercial and investment opportunities implemented through Dubai Municipality. These include restaurants, retail outlets, and food and beverage units covering 750 square metres, supporting sustainable development and local entrepreneurship.

Across the remaining emirates, small and medium-sized enterprises continue to thrive within parks and recreational areas, which also serve as venues for festivals and events that provide entrepreneurs with entry points into long-term business growth.