The Best Dog-Walking Spots in Dubai

Not only is The Greens a superb place to live for expats in Dubai, it's one of the most dog-friendly areas of the city and has become a dog walking paradise. On your daily stroll you'll find plenty of other pet owners enjoying a walkout and about, all within a pretty, and most importantly safe, environment. In fact, it's that popular that people travel specifically to the area to take advantage of the laidback, relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Proudly one of the first leash-free pet parks in the world, the Pet Park at The Greens is very popular with residents living in the area that have an access pass. So if you live in The Greens, make sure to get your hands on the pass, at a small one-time fee, and take advantage of this great park for you and your pooch. While it is a park, and not exactly a walk around the area, there's plenty of space to let your dog roam free without the restriction of a leash!

While this place isn't exactly filled with lush greenery right now, the area is most definitely up and coming and becoming increasingly popular for residents to move to. The entire JVC area is huge, and thus any dog owner has the benefits of roaming free on relatively quite roads, nestled between stretches of sand and new housing developments.

We don't mean the place itself, but as you approach Zero Gravity and Skydive Dubai you'll be surprised to find a long, wide stretch of grass near their open-air gym. Look past the muscles and you'll see humans huddled with their K9s for a daily stroll and frolic. We appreciate it may sound a little odd, but with a view of Dubai Marina, the ocean and sea air, it's a great place to relax with your favourite furever friend.

As Dubai's first outdoor park designed specifically for dogs, Bark Park in Al Awir has rapidly become a haven for dog owners and their pooches to enjoy. Providing ample space for your four-legged friends to run free, this place offers a safe space for dogs to enjoy. While it's not a 'walking spot', this dog park is a great way for your pooch to let off some steam and socialise... Prices start from AED 30 per dog on weekdays, and AED 65 per dog on weekends. There are also membership packages available.

The outdoor dog park at Sustainable City opened early 2018, and is another welcome addition to the dog-friendly spots in the emirate after changes in Dubai's laws restricted access to Al Qudra lakes. This 1,000 square metre facility caters for pet owners in nearby communities; Sustainable City, Arabian Ranches, Mudon, Rem Raam, Layan, Al Waha, Motor City and Studio City. The park is open from 6am until 10pm, and an annual membership costs AED 300.

There are a few great dog walking spots on Palm Jumeirah, namely the Golden Mile strip as well as the promenade that lines the outskirts of the Palm itself. The Golden Mile is a peaceful strip of greenery, and is a great place for a stroll with your dog - there's many pet friendly cafes that allow you to sit outside and enjoy a cup of coffee with your pup. Not only that, but the promenade that was newly installed in recent years along the edge of Palm Jumeirah also provides ample space for a great walk with your dog!

Not so much a dog walking place, but this popular bar and venue in Dubai allows owners to bring their pooches to accompany them while seated outside. Take advantage of being able to do so, order yourself a beverage and relax with friends, human and canine.

There's a sociable dog park, daycare and resort that you can visit at Dubai Investment Park. The pet resort encourages dogs to socialise and interact with other dogs, and let their owners have a conversation with fellow pet lovers. This place is the biggest of its kind in the Middle East, and is definitely worth a trip with your pooch to treat them every so often.

The center also provides dog training, daycare, grooming and services to control behavioural problems your pooch may have, in addition to providing boarding accomodations for cats. So head down there when you next have a spare afternoon and let your doggy enjoy the 5* recreation centre that is said to be as large as18 tennis courts... That's definitely ample space for them to get tired out!

Located in Downtown Dubai, this place is one of the few Dubai parks in which dogs are actually allowed. Well, technically there's no signs stating any restrictions so make the most of being able to take your pooch here while you can. It's located beneath the iconic Burj Khalifa and provides brilliant views of the Dubai Fountains.

There's a large open space you can venture to behind the camel market in Nad Al Sheba. Let your pooch of their leash and enjoy the desert together!

If you don't mind driving out somewhere, there are fantastic places with plenty of space for your pooch to roam free in across the city. Particularly, the open acres of desert behind the Arabian Ranches community, Mirdif and Al Barsha 1. All are great places to let your dog run around and get that well-needed exercise... And for free too!

PLEASE NOTE: Earlier versions of this feature listed Al Qudra and Jebel Ali Beach as dog-friendly areas. Dogs are banned from all beaches in Dubai, and changes in the laws recently have prohibited dogs from visiting Al Qudra lakes.