Dubai is known for its modern skyline but has many hidden historical gems. One such place is Burj Nahar Park. It is an old watchtower surrounded by beautiful gardens, making it a peaceful spot. ‘Burj’ means tower in Arabic and this one is a reminder of Dubai’s past.
Many locals recommend it as a must-see for those interested in history and culture. The park offers a quiet escape from the busy city, with greenery and a perfect photo setting. Let’s explore more about this park below.
Burj Nahar Park – Overview
Burj Nahar Park is a historical site in Deira, one of Dubai’s oldest districts. Built around 1870, it is a watchtower renovated in 1992 to preserve its original look. The tower is made of bricks and surrounded by beautiful date trees and a landscaped garden. Like the beautiful Dubai museums, this park is also a popular attraction for those who love exploring the city’s rich history and heritage.
Visitors can walk through the green gardens and enjoy the well-maintained surroundings that add to the park’s charm. The watchtower offers panoramic views of the area and is a great spot for photography and unwinding.
The park features many native plants suited to the desert climate. Instead of extensive, decorative gardens, it highlights simple, natural greenery that reflects Dubai’s focus on sustainability. Burj Nahar Park is a quiet place to relax, enjoy nature and appreciate a part of the city’s history.
History of Burj Nahar
Although the park is a modern development, it is closely connected to the area’s history, giving visitors a glimpse into Dubai’s past. Burj Nahar was initially built for defence. Like many places worldwide, the UAE’s history includes wars and conflicts with neighbouring regions.
Burj Nahar was one of three watchtowers built to protect Dubai. It guarded the eastern side while the other two, now long gone, watched over the north and south. These towers helped spot approaching strangers or enemies, just like the watchtowers on European city walls.
Today, Burj Nahar is a peaceful landmark. It offers visitors a great view of Deira and is surrounded by Deira Gardens, filled with colourful flowers.
Things to Do at Burj Nahar Park
Burj Nahar Park is a quiet, family-friendly place with open spaces and a relaxing atmosphere. Though it does not have an extensive list of amenities, it offers simple activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy. For instance:
Alt text: Palm trees in burj nahar park
1. Stroll and Relaxation
The park’s wide, breezy paths are perfect for walking or relaxing. Whether you prefer a morning jog, an evening stroll or a midday walk, it’s a peaceful escape from the busy city.
2. Photography
The park is a great spot for photography. The historic watchtower and natural scenery provide beautiful backdrops, especially during sunrise and sunset.
3. Bird Watching
Many birds visit the park, making it a good place for bird watchers. Bring binoculars to spot different species and enjoy a quiet bird-watching experience.
4. Yoga and Meditation
The park’s calm surroundings make it ideal for yoga and meditation. Visitors can find a quiet space to stretch, breathe and connect with nature.
5. Social Gatherings and Family Picnics
The park has open spaces where families and friends can meet for a picnic or a small gathering. No booking is needed, making it a simple and free place for social events.
How to Reach the Burj Nahar Park
Burj Nahar is easy to reach via Dubai’s public transport. For instance:
By Metro
Take the Dubai Metro Red Line to Union Metro Station. From there, it’s approximately a 15-minute walk to Burj Nahar. Exit the station and head northeast on Al Maktoum Road; the watchtower will be on your left.
By Bus
Several bus routes service around Burj Nahar. Buses 10, 13A, 13D, 27, 64, C1, C3, C4 and C18 have stops near the Burj Nahar Intersection. You can use the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) journey planner to find the most suitable route from your location.
By Taxi
Taxis in Dubai are readily available. Request a ride to Burj Nahar in Deira and the driver will take you directly to the site.
Opening Hours, Location and Contact
Here are the details on location, contact and opening hours of the park:
Address
Omar Bin Al Khattab Street, Deira, Dubai, UAE
Contact
+971-4-221-5555
Opening Hours
The Burj Nahar Park is open 24 hours a day. However, you can call the given number to book a picnic or gathering.
Entry Ticket Price
Free Entry
Nearby Attractions
The main attraction closest to the park is the Burj Nahar Mall, which offers a variety of shopping and entertainment options. Spanning 9,300 square metres, the mall features a mix of retail outlets, dining establishments, a gym, a family entertainment centre and government services.
There is also a Nesto Hypermarket and Department Store, which is a convenient destination for residents and visitors for everyday shopping. The mall also boasts about 650 parking spaces and residential apartments.
Here are some other attractions within a short drive from Burj Nahar:
- Al Ghurair Centre (4 minutes away)
- Reef Mall (5 minutes away)
- Gold Souk (6 minutes away)
- Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (15 minutes away)
- Dubai Creek (16 minutes away)
Nearby Communities
Here are some communities located near Burj Nahar, along with their approximate driving times:
- Abu Hail – 5 minutes away
- Al Muteena – 5 minutes away
- Hor Al Anz – 6 minutes away
- Al Baraha – 7 minutes away
- Al Rigga – 10 minutes away
FAQs
No, Burj Nahar Park is free to enter. Visitors can enjoy the historic watchtower, gardens and open spaces without any charges.
Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to visit, as the weather is cooler and more comfortable for walking and exploring the park.
Burj Nahar Park is a peaceful spot that combines history, nature and relaxation. Whether you explore the old watchtower, enjoy a walk or unwind in the gardens, it offers a quiet escape from the city’s fast pace. Visiting here is a simple yet meaningful way to experience Dubai’s past and present.
Also, check out these best parks in Dubai if you are a true nature fan looking to explore the city’s greenery!
