The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has placed great importance on parks and green spaces as part of its vision for sustainability and improving quality of life. It has launched national strategies to expand and green cities, developing parks to world-class standards with advanced environmental criteria. These efforts leverage modern irrigation technologies and create a healthy recreational environment for citizens and residents, while integrating local Emirati character and heritage into the designs. This enhances the appeal of cities and supports the green economy.
Beyond their significant recreational value for residents and tourists, parks and open spaces have also become platforms to attract entrepreneurs and owners of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). They play a pivotal role in hosting these investments, attracting tourism and leisure, and stimulating the local economy. This is highlighted by the "Most Beautiful Winter in the World" campaign, this year held under the slogan "Our Winter is Entrepreneurship," which underscores the exceptional role of parks in supporting and nurturing new ventures.
Promising Opportunities Investment in parks and recreational areas in the UAE offers promising opportunities, backed by government strategies to expand green spaces and increase their appeal. Local governments are fostering an environment for public-private partnerships to create and develop parks, launching initiatives to allocate commercial spaces (for restaurants and events), and offering investment programs for citizens. The focus is on sustainability, creating job opportunities in design, landscaping, and related services, which enhances quality of life and attracts more visitors and investors to surrounding areas. Parks and natural spaces have become central investment and development platforms, transcending their role as mere green areas to become hubs where community needs meet sustainable commercial activity.
"Bustya Al-Frij" Abu Dhabi encourages investment in public parks and attracts SME owners through annual festivals hosted in the emirate's leading parks. In 2023, the Abu Dhabi Municipality launched the first phase of the "Bustya Al-Frij" Community Market initiative. This aims to create a sustainable, service-oriented recreational environment, activate community facilities, and provide a suitable space for marketing and entertainment businesses. The first phase was organized in Al Wahda 1 and Rabdan parks. Last year, the municipality held the event in the official park on Abu Dhabi's Corniche. The community market featured numerous facilities, including 20 kiosks selling a variety of food and beverages, mobile food trucks, display screens, electric ride-on zones for children, a small train, and cars for the entertainment of visitors of all ages. The market supports local farmers and project owners, giving the community access to fresh, high-quality agricultural products.
"Umm Al Emarat" Park hosted its fourth annual "Garden Market" event, which is highly popular for its eco-friendly products that cater to all park visitors. 90% of participants are owners of SMEs. The last season saw 164 exhibitors presenting handmade goods and diverse food through retail outlets. Over 7,000 free gifts were distributed, and 510 recreational and educational activities for children and families were conducted, a 59% increase from the previous year.
The park has also hosted prominent local and regional events, including the "Forbes 30 Under 30" summit, "The Rig," "Miami Vice," and "The Cov House," which combine live entertainment, creative activities, and diverse food experiences. For instance, "The Rig" event featured over 100 selected shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, ensuring visitors an exceptional experience.
800 Projects Investment projects in parks and recreational areas are flourishing in Dubai. This is part of the emirate's greening and parks strategy, approved by the Executive Council last year with a budget of AED 18.3 billion. It includes over 800 projects: developing more than 310 new parks, renovating over 322 existing parks, creating over 120 open spaces, over 70 road corridors, and 14 technological projects.
In January 2023, the Higher Committee for Development and Citizens' Affairs launched the "Investment Opportunities" initiative and a unified investment platform for national citizens. This will provide 500 investment opportunities across neighborhoods and areas in the emirate of Dubai, aiming to support and provide opportunities for citizen-owned SMEs to showcase and market their home-based products.
In 2025, the Higher Committee for the Development of the Hatta region announced the launch of 14 investment and commercial opportunities within the project through the Dubai Municipality. The goal is to boost commercial activity, encourage and support national local projects, and provide investment opportunities for Hatta residents, enhancing the region's status as a globally attractive tourist destination. The range of commercial investment opportunities offered by Dubai Municipality includes four restaurants, four retail stores, and six food and beverage units with a total area of up to 750 square meters.
Across the other emirates, SMEs are thriving in all parks and recreational areas with unique features and competitive advantages, meeting the needs of visitors for services, food, and beverages. Furthermore, these areas host numerous festivals and events where owners of such businesses find windows for investment and entry into the world of entrepreneurship.
