Running is a way of life once you get into it, and you shouldn’t feel that because you are planning to go on a holiday to Dubai that you should neglect your healthy ritual. We have put together a list of seven different running spots perfect for working up a sweat that you can visit while you’re there.
Though not the longest of running tracks - coming in at just 1.4km long – Al Barsha Park has a great bouncy track that surrounds a pond, as well as 100 metre markers to help you keep track of how far you have run (or to give you that little push you might need to keep on going). Entrance is free to the park and it is open from 8am until 10 pm daily.
If you prefer more of a challenge and would like a track with some hills, Mushrif Park is for you. A nice change from Dubai’s flat streets, the track accommodates both cyclists and runners and is a great spot for a run during the day. However, there are no street lights to light the park up at night, so this track is more for those who want to run during the day – although there are running groups who meet up for their evening runs before the sun goes down if you would like to join in.
Known to be one of the most popular running parks with runners hitting the track on their own or in groups, Al Safa Park is sure to give you a good work out and is the perfect place for tempos and speed work. This beautiful park is open from 8 am until 10 pm daily and has a track measuring 3.5 km long. It’s good to know that if you cannot make the park’s opening times that the running track is on the park’s perimeter, meaning you can run even if the park is closed.
Runners can enjoy a run with a view at The Palm Jumeirah and, depending on how much time you have to spare or what your running level is, can opt for a long or short run. With two routes to choose from – the Shoreline route which is about 4 km long, and the Crescent route that is about 11 km long – you will be spoilt for choice.
Great for a quiet morning run, because the Dubai Marina gets busy with pedestrian traffic in the evenings, the 4.5 km route is great for those who enjoy taking in beautiful scenery along the way.
Open from 8 am until 11 pm with a small entrance fee of AED 5, Dubai Creek has an amazing 4 km track surrounded by luscious greenery and breath-taking scenery. Perfect for explorers, if you fancy something a little different you can exit the park and take in the Creek area.
More of a long-distance runner? Then Jemeriah Corniche’s 14 km long track is for you. Starting at the Burj Al Arab, the track runs along the corniche form there. What’s more, the ground is great for running, it’s never too crowded, and to finish off your run you can always go for a swim in the sea – bliss!
