Dubai parks are for everyone: Here are more reasons to love them, beyond the greenery

Dubai's public parks are committed to inclusivity, offering a range of facilities for Persons of Determination (POD) and their loved ones. These include free wheelchairs, ramps, reserved parking, and specially designed seating where wheelchair users can comfortably sit in the middle of a family or group. Dubai Public Parks, managed by Dubai Municipality, prides itself on being a welcoming environment for POD.

The parks also feature accessible golf carts, Braille signage, adapted play equipment, and quiet rooms for autistic visitors. Staff are trained in sign language to cater to diverse needs. Recent upgrades have transformed 90% of Dubai's public beaches and 80% of its public parks into fully accessible spaces. Major parks like Mushrif National Park, Creek Park, Zabeel Park, Safa Park, Mamzar Beach Park, and Quranic Park have been fitted with wheelchair-friendly pathways, accessible restrooms, and quiet rooms.

A unique feature is a park bench with an open bay in the center, allowing wheelchair users to sit directly between family members. The seating has wide armrests and supportive backs for added comfort. A nearby covered wheelchair storage unit with transparent glass doors ensures easy access to wheelchairs when needed. These facilities align with the Dubai Universal Design Code and Dubai Municipality's goal of creating barrier-free public spaces.

The well-being of People of Determination is a top priority, with Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, emphasizing the municipality's commitment to integrating accessibility into all aspects of public facility planning and management.