Nestled in Sharjah’s Al Qasimia district, Al Mahatta Park feels like a breath of fresh air in the heart of the city. This vibrant green space blends leisure with heritage, offering spacious lawns, playgrounds, sports areas, and walking tracks—all with free entry. Designed with families in mind, the park features safe play zones and inviting picnic spots where you can slow down and reconnect. What truly sets it apart is its location on the former runway of Sharjah’s first airport, adding a fascinating layer of aviation history to its modern community vibe. With shady gazebos, well-maintained paths, and a pet-friendly corner, it has become a favorite retreat for seniors, fitness lovers, families, and even four-legged companions.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Al Mahatta (Al Qasimia), Sharjah, UAE |
| Nearby | Al Mahatta Museum (on-site), Mega Mall Sharjah (10–12 min) |
| Entry Fee | Free for all visitors |
| Hours | 8:00 AM–1:00 PM and 4:00 PM–10:00 PM daily |
| Managed by | Sharjah Municipality (Public Park) |
Location & Accessibility at Al Mahatta Park
Al Mahatta Park sits centrally along King Abdul Aziz Street (the old runway) in Sharjah, making it easy to reach from any part of the city. The entrance is near the Al Mahatta Museum—you can walk there from the museum in minutes. Public transport is convenient: buses run along nearby roads (King Abdul Aziz & Al Zahra Streets), and taxis/Ubers easily drop you off at the gate. If you drive, street parking is available around the park’s perimeter (though it can fill up during peak evening hours). Note that Sharjah’s summer heat means the park operates in two sessions each day: it opens at 8 AM, closes from 1–4 PM, then reopens until 10 PM. Morning and evening visits are highly recommended—Sharjah’s cooler hours bring out the joggers and picnickers. In winter, the weather is ideal for any park activity, while summer afternoons are best avoided.
History & Heritage of Al Mahatta Park
Al Mahatta Park is more than greenery—it’s built on aviation history. The word “Mahatta” means “station” in Arabic, a nod to the site’s past as Sharjah’s original airport. In fact, this was the Middle East’s first airport stop (opened in 1932), and the runways once ran through today’s Al Qasimia neighborhood. When a new airport was built outside the city in 1977, the old terminal became the Al Mahatta Museum, and the runway area was later transformed into this park. You can literally walk on the old runways—many of today’s wide walking paths were once landing strips. The nearby Al Mahatta Museum preserves original airport artifacts, so a park visit can easily be paired with a quick museum tour. This unique history gives the park a special character: children playing here are actually running around on what used to be airfields.
Facilities & Amenities at Al Mahatta Park
Al Mahatta Park is thoughtfully designed with something for everyone. It boasts a modern playground area with slides, swings,, and climbing frames set on soft safety flooring. Beyond playsets, you’ll find open sports facilities – a mini football pitch and courts for basketball and volleyball. Fitness enthusiasts can jog or walk along the park’s shaded pathways and stretch their legs on outdoor exercise equipment. If you need a rest, there are plenty of benches and gazebos under trees for reading, relaxing, or watching the kids play. Clean restrooms and drinking fountains are available on-site for convenience. The park is wheelchair- and stroller-friendly thanks to level paved paths and multiple entrances. All of this is free for you to enjoy—from sunrise to late evening.
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Children’s Playground: Colorful slides, swings, and climbers on cushioned flooring.
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Sports Courts & Field: A small football/soccer pitch and outdoor volleyball/basketball courts for group games.
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Walking/Jogging Paths: Wide, tree-lined tracks encircle the park, perfect for morning jogs or evening walks.
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Seating & Shade: Benches, gazebos, and picnic spots under trees let you rest or enjoy meals outdoors.
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Pet Zone: A leash-friendly area means you can bring your dog for exercise. (The park’s pet-friendly policy “makes this park an absolute charm” for pet owners.)
Activities at Al Mahatta Park
Whatever you enjoy, Al Mahatta Park has something to offer. In the cool morning air, many visitors go for runs or do yoga on the grass. Fitness trails and open lawns make it easy to work out or play casual sports. Later in the day, the park fills with families. You might see group picnics on the green, kids flying kites or chasing bubbles, and small birthday parties with balloons. The park’s open field and courts encourage games like soccer and volleyball (football and sports are listed among its top activities).
Popular activities include
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Morning exercise and jogging around the park
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Casual sports games (kickball, soccer, volleyball, etc.) with friends or neighbors
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Family picnics and gatherings on the grassy lawns
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Children’s play and exploration in the safe playground area
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Simply relaxing—reading a book on a bench or meditating under a tree
At sunset, the scene shifts: the paths light up softly and the temperature drops, making it a poetic time for an evening stroll. Sharjah residents often use this peaceful park as a daily retreat—a “calm corner” away from the city bustle.
Nearby Attractions and Amenities
Al Mahatta Park’s central location means you have options to explore even more around Sharjah:
| Place | Type | Distance/Details |
|---|---|---|
| Al Mahatta Museum | Aviation Museum | Adjacent to the park is original airport terminal with exhibits |
| Mega Mall Sharjah | Shopping & Dining | ~10–12 min drive (huge mall with shops & food outlets) |
| Oasis Mall | Shopping | ~6 min drive (supermarket, stores) |
| Sharjah Science Museum | Museum | ~9 min drive |
| Local Restaurants | Eateries | Aroos Damascus, Muhammad Ghous (1–4 min drive) |
| Bus Stops | Public Transport | On King Abdul Aziz & Al Zahra St.—routes across Sharjah |
You can easily combine your park visit with these nearby stops. For example, after playing with the kids, swing by the next-door Al Mahatta Museum to see the old control tower and historical photos. Mega Mall is just a short drive away if you want to shop or grab a meal. Several eateries are within walking distance of the park’s entrances. In short, amenities like shopping and dining are never far from this park, making it easy to spend a half-day in the area.
Visiting Hours & Tips
Plan your visit around Sharjah’s climate. In general, Al Mahatta Park opens 8 AM–1 PM and 4 PM–10 PM daily. These split hours help avoid the hottest midday sun. The quiet morning slot is ideal for a refreshing jog (with gentle light and cool air), while the evening opening is perfect for families and social gatherings as the park “comes alive.” Winter months (October through March) are perfect for extended park outings.
Since admission is free, crowding isn’t an issue—but evening hours (6–9 PM) tend to be the busiest. The park is well-lit at night, so later visits are still safe. Don’t forget sun protection and water in summer. To get the most out of Al Mahatta Park, aim for a weekday morning or a post-work weekday evening—you’ll have fresh air, calmer paths, and a chance to see Sharjah life at its most relaxing.
Conclusion
Al Mahatta Park is a true hidden gem in Sharjah, where rich history blends effortlessly with lush greenery. As UAE Edge highlights, it offers a tranquil atmosphere, family-friendly activities, jogging trails, and safe play areas, which explains why people of all ages love coming here. Whether you’re in the mood for a workout, a relaxed picnic, or a quiet moment under the trees, this park delivers every time. Its fascinating past—as a 1930s airport transformed into a public park—only deepens its appeal.
If you find yourself in Sharjah, make sure Al Mahatta Park earns a spot on your must-visit list. It stands as a living reflection of the city’s cultural heritage and offers a refreshing escape from the urban rush. Even a short visit can leave you feeling renewed, proving that sometimes, twenty peaceful minutes are all you need to reset.
