Abu Dhabi parks are becoming a place where children explore biodiversity, sustainability and heritage
Forget boring classrooms; Abu Dhabi’s parks are stepping up as interactive outdoor learning hubs where students can get their hands dirty, explore local wildlife, and really connect with nature.
These green spaces aren’t just for picnics and playgrounds anymore; they’re bringing lessons to life with workshops and hands-on activities that make learning fun.
One park taking this to the next level is Umm Al Emarat Park. Their programmes are designed for different age groups, so younger students get to explore desert plants and animals, while older kids dive into workshops on sustainability, Bedouin traditions, and desert survival.
Teenagers even get to study ecosystems and learn about the inspiring legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Since the program started in 2016, over 80,000 students have joined in the fun, including 3,372 in the 2024–2025 school year alone.
You might also like: ‘Al Ain: A Living Oasis’ returns with a new season
Rasha Qabbalawi, the park’s spokesperson, says the aim is simple: “Combine learning and fun in the heart of nature, opening doors of discovery for students.” These programmes are also a great way to connect kids to Emirati heritage and teach them about sustainability in a hands-on way.
It’s not just Umm Al Emarat Park getting in on the action. The Abu Dhabi City Municipality is transforming other public parks into educational spaces packed with workshops on biodiversity, recycling, water conservation, and eco-friendly practices.
There are even plans to work closely with the Ministry of Education to integrate park programs into school curriculums, making these green spaces true open-air classrooms where students can learn, explore, and have fun all at once. Who knew school could be this fun?
Follow Yalla for all the latest news