Dubai’s public parks are making significant strides to enhance accessibility and inclusivity for Persons of Determination (POD), reflecting the city’s commitment to creating barrier-free public spaces. Dubai Municipality’s Public Parks department recently highlighted the range of accessible facilities available across the city’s green spaces, designed to accommodate visitors with mobility challenges and other special needs.

Wheelchairs are provided free of charge at all public parks, complemented by designated parking spots for POD to ensure convenient access. Ramps facilitate smooth movement for wheelchair users, and accessible golf carts are available for those requiring assistance traversing larger park areas. These upgrades build upon earlier accessibility improvements announced in October 2025, when Dubai Municipality reported that 90 percent of public beaches and 80 percent of parks had been adapted to meet accessibility standards.

Major parks such as Mushrif National Park, Creek Park, Zabeel Park, Safa Park, Mamzar Beach Park, and Quranic Park have been retrofitted to include wheelchair-friendly pathways, Braille signage, adapted play equipment, and accessible restroom facilities. Additionally, quiet rooms have been introduced to support autistic visitors, and staff trained in sign language are present to assist those with hearing impairments.

One notable design feature is park benches with wheelchair bays centrally integrated rather than positioned off to the side. This layout allows wheelchair users to sit directly between family members or friends, fostering inclusive social interaction. The space includes a continuous backrest overhead and is marked with the International Symbol of Access on the paving to ensure the area remains unobstructed. Adjacent seats have wide armrests and supportive backs to aid elderly visitors and others with mobility requirements.

Also installed are climate-resistant, covered wheelchair storage units positioned near these benches. These units, featuring transparent glass doors and caster wheels for mobility, store wheelchairs for easy access throughout the park.

These enhancements align with the Dubai Universal Design Code and the municipality’s broader initiative to develop public environments that accommodate a diverse range of needs. “Universal accessibility is a fundamental consideration in how we plan, develop and manage Dubai’s public facilities,” said Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality and Head of Inclusion and Empowerment for People of Determination who are elderly or with mobility needs. Speaking at the eighth AccessAbilities Expo, Anwahi emphasized the municipality’s integrated approach that combines inclusive design, assistive technologies, and ongoing improvements to infrastructure and services.

This multi-faceted strategy aims not only to provide accessible physical infrastructure but also to ensure that public spaces respond effectively to the varied needs of users, promoting well-being and social inclusion for all visitors.