How Abu Dhabi's 'smart parks' are reinventing healthy living
SAMIHAH ZAMAN (ALETIHAD)Abu Dhabi is transforming the quality of life within the capital city through a slew of forward-thinking initiatives designed to boost safety, convenience, and public health.Among these is a programme devised to enhance Abu Dhabi's public parks. Led by the emirate's Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), the initiative aims to 'upgrade' the park experience for every visitor.The emirate currently boasts seven 'smart parks', which feature a range of interconnected tech solutions to empower people and businesses. Sensors are used to monitor lighting equipment, parking bays, irrigation systems, and waste bin capacity in the parks, as well as to measure air quality. AI-powered cameras are used to ensure high levels of security within the facilities.In addition, the parks feature smart benches that allow users to recharge their devices. Visitors can also connect to free WiFi services within these smart parks.'These facilities have up to 1,400 sensors that measure different variables, such as soil humidity, electricity consumption, and air quality to improve visitor experience, sustainability standards, and park management operations,' the Abu Dhabi DMT has said.Four of these smart parks are located within the capital city, namely Al Nahyan Park, Family Park, Dalma Park, and Corniche Park. Al Tawya Park and Al Jahili Park are located in Al Ain Region, whereas Sheikh Salama bint Butti Park is located in Al Dhafra Region.Well-equipped green spaces have contributed to Abu Dhabi's score on the IMD Smart City Index, which ranked the capital within the top five smart cities globally for 2025.The global index ranks 146 cities based on residents' perceptions of their city's structures and technology. In the case of Abu Dhabi, about 84% of respondents expressed satisfaction at the availability and upkeep of public parks and green spaces.The DMT had earlier said it opened more than 200 parks and beaches in 2024 alone, including a number of 'pocket parks', which are small facilities that typically serve the neighbourhoods in which they are located.The emirate's public parks feature accessible recreational spaces, sport courts, play equipment, and exercise areas — all built to promote healthy, active lifestyles among residents within the urban landscape.Incidentally, the emirate has seen a significant increase in physical activity levels, as revealed in the latest edition of Abu Dhabi Sports and Physical Activity Survey, conducted annually by the Department of Community Development.
More than 50% of Abu Dhabi residents met the World Health Organization's recommended physical activity levels, the poll showed. The percentage of children and adolescents engaging in at least 60 minutes of daily exercise also increased, with the growth in sport infrastructure and public walking and cycling tracks in the emirate seen as contributing elements.
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