Hatta Hill Park

Spread over 63,915sqm at the foothills of the Hajjar Mountains is Hatta Hill Park – the perfect spot for a leisurely barbecue. If you want to make a day of it, there’s plenty to see and do on the drive from Dubai, such as the Friday Market where you can buy anything from fruit and veg to toys, carpets and pots, and of course, a visit to the Hatta Heritage Village, Fort and Dam is an essential part of the experience. There are lots of wadis to explore, areas for kayaking and hiking, and if you’re peckish during the journey, I’d recommend stopping off for a Mandi.

Al Qudra Lakes

If you live in Dubai, the Al Qudra Lakes are on your doorstep and a great place to connect with nature, wildlife and the desert. The area gets quite busy on the weekends and in the early evening, with people often heading for the famous Love Lake and enjoying beautiful views of the desert sunset. Quick tip - if you haven’t come prepared for a BBQ, you’ll find vendors selling wood at the roundabout just before the Lakes, and there is a Spinneys close by, too so you can buy all your meat and veg and ready-made sides and salads.

Safa Park

This is a lovely, central spot to gather with friends from around the city. It’s easy to get to, flat (so a good one if elderly parents or grandparents are in town), and there’s loads to see and do. There are permanent barbecue facilities dotted around the edge of the park and amazing views of Downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa. With a jogging track, football pitch, tennis courts and other sporting facilities, it’s a cool place to enjoy with a big group of families and friends.

Mushrif Park

With bikes for rent, a tree-top adventure course, 20km of mountain biking trails and a 10km walking path, this is the place to get active before you settle into a well-deserved barbecue. The park is also home to Dubai Crocodile Park, and Dubai Safari Park is close by. This is an awesome spot for family adventures and grilling, especially in the cooler months. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you’re really missing out!

Dubai Creek Park

One of the most popular BBQ and picnic spots in Dubai, Creek Park offers an ideal set-up for a day out. There are botanical gardens, children’s play areas, cable cars, dhow cruises and so much more to keep the whole family entertained. It’s also home to Dubai Dolphinarium and Children’s City, which are reasonably priced and definitely worth a visit. The pre-installed barbecue stations can get busy at weekends so try and get there early.