Dubai: If you are new to Dubai and in the search for dedicated running tracks, where you can get in your day’s calorie burn, the good news is that there are plenty of options.
While many residential parks have accompanying jogging and running tracks, they are relatively smaller stretches. If you are looking for a long run, however, you may need to head to your nearest pond park - which have been built near populated areas in Dubai like Al Nahda, Al Barsha or Al Quoz - or dedicated running tracks that have been laid out across the city.
It is also advisable to keep a bottle of water handy, along with your mobile phone and car keys. If you are taking the public transport or a taxi, make sure you have your Nol card and some spare cash, as well.
While the weather does start to get warmer in March, as winter comes to an end, evenings and early mornings are still relatively pleasant and cool. So, here is a list of the top running tracks that you can visit in Dubai:
1. Al Barsha Pond Park
In the middle of the residential community in Al Barsha, the pond park’s 1.4km jogging track has a soft turf. The park opens daily and does not have an entry fee. While the jogging track is not very long, it is conveniently located near shopping locations as well, making it easily accessible for residents in the area.
Timings: 8am to 10pm
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/NfB95cqMC8TfGDM86
2. Al Mamzar Beach Park
The Al Mamzar area in Dubai, near the Sharjah border, is a quiet location for a relaxed morning or evening out. The synthetic track along the beach is 4km long and the area is not very crowded, making the experience very enjoyable. Many restaurants and eateries have also opened up along the stretch, making it easy to grab a quick drink or bite after your run. The track is accessible 24x7.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/z6fScHtX8Hg9Atqd7
3. Al Nahda Pond Park jogging track
Another family friendly location is the Al Nahda Pond Park’s jogging track, which is a 1.3km loop. Even though it is near the populated Al Nahda locality, the park is suitable for joggers, with several amenities like children’s play areas, restrooms and cafés.
Location: https://g.page/al-nahda-pond-park?share
4. Al Qudra Road jogging track
This one’s for the hard-core endurance runners. The 85-km long track, which is open to runners and cyclists, stretches across the Al Qudra desert. While the track is relatively quiet, you can expect the occasional campers driving past, so keep your attention on cars passing by. Also, as this is situated away from the city, it is advisable to have your supplies in the car and a phone handy.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/us85FUto6iC27sPG6
5. Al Quoz Pond Park
Another pond park that has a decent jogging track is in Al Quoz, with a 1.3km loop. The park is open every day and while entry is free, you can only access the track during the park’s opening hours – 8am to 11pm.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/xGMuSeeyhMp2u6S46
6. Burj Park
If you are looking for a run with a view, nothing can beat the 5km-long track around Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountains and Burj Park. The track also has a lot resting spots, around Burj Park and Downtown Dubai.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/jx7AzSftrX8n4S2r8
7. Creek Park
The jogging track at Creek Park, which is one of the more popular parks in Dubai, is approximately 4km long. The park is open every day from 8am to 11pm, however an entry fee of Dh5 applies.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/eZp9v1uoRcmauuET7
8. District One, Meydan jogging track
The 8km-long jogging track around District One residential district in Meydan is line with trees and well-lit, and provides an enjoyable run.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/3hNk5CSrfNysYqXz7
9. Dubai Autodrome
The Dubai Autodrome opens up every Wednesday evening to all cycling enthusiasts, with its 2.5km track.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/vkBoy2zarAkCD9cT8
10. Dubai Water Canal
The Dubai Water Canal provides a great view of the Dubai skyline and gives you the option of a 6.5km track along the canal and a long 12.8km track if take the Dubai Canal bridges.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/2h7hrWCUnpSY8zxy7
11. Dubai Marina
The Dubai Marina running track is 8km long, and is bustling with activity with the open markets and families enjoying the beach.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/LRdAC3SWXkjEzUtQ7
12. IMPZ Pond Park
The pond park in Dubai Production City also offers a quiet running experience, with a 2km long loop, which is accessible 24x7.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/xGMuSeeyhMp2u6S46
13. Jumeirah Beach
Another picturesque jogging track is along the popular location of Jumeirah beach, giving runners a good 14-km to cover. The track starts from Burj Al Arab and goes all the way to the Dubai Marine Beach Resort.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/TRAyFh1MLTKRgxwe8
14. Mushrif Park
Mushrif Park is a popular family destination, as it offers barbecue, cycling, horse-riding and even stargazine opportunities to visitors. Even though the entry fee is Dh3 per person, and Dh10 per car, the huge park, spread over five square km, provides enough activities to spend the day. The running track is a 4.5km loop.
Timings: 8am to 11pm
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/JzsvMyqD8ibfqNdu8
15. Palm Jumeirah – Al Ittihad Park
The 2.7km long running track around Al Ittihad Park provides the perfect opportunity for fitness lovers in the area to enjoy a run.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/rzrxm8Yf9Dioq25AA
16. Safa Park jogging track
Safa Park, along Sheikh Zayed Road, is a popular spot among running enthusiasts, providing a 3.5km track along the park’s, located close to the Dubai Water Canal jogging track. The track is accessible 24x7.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/rKgmEek6LbkxH7PF8
17. The Beach, JBR
The Beach at Jumeirah Beach Residence offers a 2km-long track along the residential area, which is bustling with activity. It also has an open gym for any additional exercise you want to get in.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/J17M6vxeWFQMHqPg8
18. The Greens
The running track in The Greens community is 3.5km long, and trails along the community’s lakes and parks. It is accessible 24x7.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/FHwydCfF98FcwDLC8
19. Zabeel Park
One of the most popular parks for families in Dubai, Zabeel Park, situated near the World Trade Centre offers a 2km-long running track and is accessible 24x7.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/yuonqSwAqa934g1BA
