Al Mahatta Park is located in the heart of Sharjah’s Al Qasimia district, where the runway of the first airport in the Gulf region was once located. Today, it is a free green space, family-friendly, a physical space where joggers, families for picnics, history buffs, and fitness enthusiasts play their roles each day. It includes a list of when to go (including the Ramadan calendar), when it comes to time, accessibility information for strollers and wheelchairs, a breakdown of all the facilities, the best photography spots, and even a comparison of the park with the other parks in Sharjah, as well as a ready-made half-day package combining the park with the adjacent Al Mahatta Museum.
Where Is Al Mahatta Park and How to Reach It
Al Mahatta Park is situated in the Al Mahatta area of the Al Qasimia district in the centre of Sharjah, on the same street that was built over, but for Al Mahatta (King Abdul Aziz Street). The park is located next to Al Mahatta Museum and is close to the main shopping centres of Rolla, Al Qasba, and Sharjah.
- By car from Dubai’s Downtown: The park is around a 12-15 minute drive from Downtown Dubai via Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, and free street parking is available around the park, but it can be full during evening hours.
- By bus: the closest stop is the Rolla Bus Stop, which is located approximately 1 minute away. Routes E303, E307, E308, and E400, along with local routes 3 and 8, all serve this stop.
- Taxi or ride-hailing: the driver can easily find the park as it is close to the well-known landmarks of Al Mahatta Museum and King Faisal Mosque in central Sharjah.
History: From Gulf’s First Airport to a Public Park
Mahatta means “station” in Arabic, and it was originally established as a station. It was here in 1932 that the first airport was established, not only in Sharjah, but in the entire Gulf region, as it became a refuelling point on Imperial Airways’ route between Britain and India.
A new airport was built outside the city in 1977, and the runway area was converted into a green area, which is amply enjoyed today, with the original terminal building preserved and converted to the Al Mahatta Museum. The park boasts many wide walking paths, following the exact contours of the old landing strips, so that many Sharjah residents speak of the park as “walking on history”.
Al Mahatta Park Timings 2026 (Including Ramadan Hours)
The park operates a split-shift schedule to ensure that visitors don’t have to deal with the heat of the day.
- Morning session: 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Evening session: 4:00 PM to 10:0
- Ramadan Schedule: Gates usually open later in the evening, depending on the time of Iftar and post-Taraweeh visitors, but can vary from year to year. Before planning a night visit, it is best to confirm the current Ramadan timings with the Sharjah Municipality.
There is no entry or booking fee in the park. The adjacent Al Mahatta Museum is open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (later 4:00 PM on Fridays) for an AED 10 entrance fee for adults (13+) and an AED 5 entrance fee for children (aged 2 to 12).
Facilities and Amenities at a Glance
- Children’s playground with soft safety flooring, slides, and swings.
- A new walking/jogging path was installed on the old runway
- Outdoor gym equipment for use in outdoor exercises
- Playgrounds, such as football pitches, basketball courts, and volleyball courts
- Gazebos, benches, and picnic lawns that are shaded.
- Well-lit, exterior street parking, and a public restroom
- Main lawns with wide, flat, paved stroller/wheelchair paths throughout.
Accessibility: Strollers, Wheelchairs, and Senior Visitors
Al Mahatta Park is one of the stroller- and wheelchair-friendly parks in Sharjah, as the walking paths have been constructed over a flat portion of the former runway. The main loop path is flat and even, and does not feature any steps, so it is very popular with parents with prams and older people. Benches are set every few feet along the way, and shaded gazebos are available in the summer months for resting.
Things to Do at Al Mahatta Park
Yogis, light joggers, and strollers usually visit in the morning to enjoy yoga on the open lawns or a gentle jog along the paved track, or for a quiet walk before the sun rises. The park becomes a community gathering place by the end of the afternoon, with families laying out their picnic blankets, kids playing football on the open field, and groups playing volleyball or basketball in the park.
For history buffs, this visit should be complemented with a visit to Al Mahatta Museum, where they can see vintage aircraft, original flight instruments, and photographs of the UAE’s early days of flight. It can take 1–2 hours to visit the museum completely.
The tree-lined walkways and lawns are illuminated by the warm hues of golden hour, the hour before sunset, when photography buffs can expect the best results. The old aircraft are also a popular feature that can be seen at the entrance to the museum, and are used by visitors to document Sharjah’s heritage sites.
Al Mahatta Park vs Other Sharjah Parks: Quick Comparison
| Park | Entry Fee | Best For | Pets Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al Mahatta Park | Free | History + family | No |
| Al Qasba | Free (rides paid) | Dining + Ferris wheel | No |
| Sharjah Desert Park | Paid entry | Wildlife encounters | No |
| Al Ittihad Square Park | Free | Evening fountain shows | No |
Pet Policy: What to Know Before You Go
Unlike other green spaces in Sharjah, there is a no-pets policy in place at Al Mahatta Park. When you are travelling from outside the city and want to stay in Sharjah while you explore, you can make use of professional pet-sitting and boarding services in Sharjah, which you can book in advance.
Suggested Half-Day Itinerary
- 8:00 AM – Cool weather jog/walk along the old runway path in a quiet park.
- 9:30 AM – Head to the Al Mahatta Museum, which will be open from 8:00 AM to see vintage aircraft and aviation history, 1-2 hours.
- 11:30 AM: Light Breakfast or Snack under a Gazebo, followed by 1 hour of closing at midday (1:00 PM).
- 4:00 PM – Evening session – return and enjoy a family picnic, a casual play of footie, or a leisurely walk to Al Qasba and Oasis Mall for dinner.
Best Time of Year to Visit
October to March is the most comfortable period, with mild temperatures, perfect for long afternoons on the grass. In the warmer seasons (April–September), visit the park early in the morning or late in the day when it is cooler and more comfortable.
Also Read :
Al Khail Gate Community Centre Dubai
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Is entry to Al Mahatta Park free?
Al Mahatta Park is 100% free for anybody to enter; no ticket or booking is required. The Al Mahatta Museum is the only place adjacent to which has an entry fee.
-
What were Al Mahatta Park’s original timings before it became a park?
The land was the first airport of Sharjah, opened in 1932 as a refuelling point for flights between Britain and India. It operated as an airport until 1977, when a new airport was built outside the city, and this site was converted into a museum and public park.
-
What are the park’s exact opening hours?
Visitors can enjoy the park throughout the day in two sessions: 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, to help avoid the hottest parts of the day.
-
Is Al Mahatta Park suitable for wheelchairs and strollers?
Yes. All the main walking paths are flat, paved, and open, with no steps, making the park accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, and senior citizens.
-
Are pets allowed in Al Mahatta Park?
Yes. The primary walking paths are flat and paved and do not have steps along the way, making the park accessible and comfortable for people with wheelchairs, strollers, and seniors.
-
How much does the Al Mahatta Museum cost?
Admission is AED 10 for adults (13 years and above) and AED 5 for children (2 to 12 years). The museum is open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (extended to 4:00 PM on Fridays).
-
How do I get to Al Mahatta Park by public transport?
Routes E303, E307, E308, E400, and local routes 3 and 8 all stop at Rolla Bus Stop, which is approximately a 1-minute walk from the park entrance.
-
Is parking available at Al Mahatta Park?
Street parking is around the circumference of the park, but it can fill up at night, particularly on weekends!
-
What facilities does the park offer for fitness?
The jogging track is paved, and visitors can use the outdoor gym equipment, football, basketball, and volleyball courts, which are popular places for casual exercise and organised games.
-
What is the best time of day for photography at the park?
Golden hour – the last hour before sunset – provides the best lighting throughout the tree-lined walkways and lawns, and is excellent for photo opportunities close to the museum’s vintage aircraft displays.
