Mushrif Park is one of Dubai’s oldest and largest public parks — 5.25 square kilometres of shade from more than 70,000 Ghaf trees, camel and horse rides, Bedouin-style tents and a scattering of Arabic and English show-homes, all opened back in 1980. It sits at the heart of Mirdif, the family suburb built up around it.
Set away from the tourist trail near the airport, it offers a more local slice of the city, as part of our main Dubai guide.
Updated: July 2026 — by Monica Bonalto
Mushrif Park, and the suburb around it
The suburb centres on City Centre Mirdif and the park itself, with quiet residential streets and community centres filling the rest of the map — a short drive from the airport and Deira, and a genuine change of pace from central Dubai.
Indoor skydiving, and family days out
City Centre Mirdif is home to iFLY Dubai, the region’s first indoor skydiving centre and reportedly the world’s first with double vertical wind tunnels — each a 10-metre chamber powered by twin 400hp fans pushing air at up to 200km/h, open to anyone aged three and up. Add Sky Zone and Little Explorers under the same roof and Mirdif is a genuine, hot-weather-proof family favourite, the kind our guide to things to do in Dubai this summer leans on. Much of the park-and-play side is low-cost or free, per our best free things to do roundup, and more ideas nearby feature in our things to do in Dubai guide.
Eating in Mirdif
Mall dining and neighbourhood cafes cover every budget here, strong on family-friendly, affordable options. Start with the best restaurants in Dubai, find a deal in the best dining offers, or track down a bowl for our best ramen in Dubai hunt.
Residential, and easy on the airport run
Primarily residential, Mirdif suits longer stays in apartments, with good value and easy airport access.
No Metro here, so bring a car
Best reached by car, with bus links serving the area; the Metro does not currently reach Mirdif, so a car or taxi is easiest. The cooler months from October to April are ideal for Mushrif Park and the outdoors, though the mall keeps Mirdif comfortable year-round. Quiet, green and unpretentious, Mirdif is where residential Dubai relaxes away from the towers.
Back to the wider city
Head back to the main Dubai guide to explore more of the city’s neighbourhoods.
Top things to do in Mirdif
- Mushrif Park — one of Dubai’s oldest and largest public parks (opened 1980), 5.25 square kilometres with over 70,000 Ghaf trees, camel and horse rides, Bedouin-style tents and a scattering of international show-homes.
- iFLY Dubai — inside City Centre Mirdif, the region’s first indoor skydiving centre and reportedly the world’s first with double vertical wind tunnels: two 10-metre chambers powered by twin 400hp fans pushing air up to 200km/h, open to anyone aged three and up.
- Sky Zone and Little Explorers — under the same City Centre Mirdif roof, rounding it out as a genuine hot-weather-proof family day out.
What is Mirdif known for?
Mushrif Park’s camel rides and Bedouin-style tents on one side, and City Centre Mirdif’s iFLY Dubai indoor skydiving centre on the other — a genuinely wide range for one suburban neighbourhood.
Mirdif, quick questions
Is Mirdif a good area to live in for families? Yes — spacious villas, easy access to Mushrif Park, a reliable neighbourhood mall in City Centre Mirdif, and a settled, community feel, generally at rents more competitive than Dubai’s premium central districts.
Is Mirdif close to Dubai Airport? Yes — it’s one of the closer residential communities to DXB, with short journey times via Al Ain Road or Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, which is part of why it’s popular with aviation staff and frequent travellers.
Does Mirdif have a metro station? No — the Dubai Metro doesn’t run directly through Mirdif, so most residents drive or use taxis, ride-hailing apps or RTA bus connections to reach the nearest station. Worth factoring in if you plan to live car-free.
What is there to do in Mirdif with kids? Mushrif Park is the standout, with cycling paths, a mini train and a small zoo/aviary section. City Centre Mirdif adds a cinema, play areas and family-friendly dining, so a full weekend is easy without leaving the neighbourhood.