Dubai Park
Dubai Park, United Arab Emirates

Situated across the road from the Ismaili Centre Dubai, the Dubai Park is a gift from His Highness the Aga Khan VI to the city of Dubai. In common with many Islamic inspired gardens, the fountains allow the water to flow along channels which are interconnected with water pools. The criss-cross fountains recall similar features found at the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. Water channels run along the sitting alcoves giving an all-encompassing feel of water.


The 3000m park was conceived as a neighbourhood garden based on the concept of an Islamic garden. The serene setting is reflective of its Islamic heritage, drawing on the traditions of a faith which has inspired outstanding architecture and landscapes for many centuries in Dubai and throughout the world. For example, archways from the Fatimid period of the 10th to 12th centuries have been used in the park structures. The project architect, Maher Stino, was also the landscape architect of Al-Azhar Park, a project of the Trust in Cairo, Egypt.


Situated at the summit of the park is a grand pergola that provided a raised shaded sitting area from which the entire park is visible. Additional sitting alcoves and concrete benches are located throughout the garden under the shade of palm trees for those wishing to enjoy the evening breeze. Three gates allow for the easy flow of people from all three road sides of the park. One of the entrances lies along the axis of the raised pergola from which the cascading fountain originates.


In common with many Islamic inspired gardens, the fountains allow the water to flow along channels which are interconnected with water pools. The criss-cross fountains recall similar features found at the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. Water channels run along the sitting alcoves giving an all-encompassing feel of water.


While the pergolas are made of African teak, the low boundary walls are finished in Aleppo limestone. The fountains are finished in granite and the hard landscape is a combination of concrete pavers, polished and flamed granite. The soft landscape consists of trees, shrubs, ground covers and climbers. These include tall palms, fragranced jasmine, and colourful lantana and bougainvillea.


The design of this small park provides something for all visitors, whether they wish to sit and read a book, allow their senses to be stimulated by the scents of flowers and the sound of water, or simply to admire nature while strolling along the gently curving walkway.

Location

43 2nd Street, Oud Metha, Dubai Park, United Arab Emirates

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Associated Names

Part of Site

Events

Inaugurated by His Highness the Aga Khan IV and His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan – senior members of the ruling families of the United Arab Emirates in 2008.

Dimensions

Surface area: 3000m²

Additional Names

Ismaili Centre Dubai, Park
Alternate
Ismaili Centre Park
Alternate

Site Types

landscape

Keywords