The best barbecue spots in Dubai

Visit one of the city's popular parks located alongside the winding Dubai Creek, and snag one of the many free-to-use barbecue pits across the lush green space. Creek Park's wide open fields make for a wonderful location to fire up the grill and barbecue in Dubai, so children can race about while parents laze under the cool breeze and winter sun. While there, why not enjoy the stunning views of the water, botanical gardens, play some mini-golf or get competitive on the go-kart track? Little ones can stay entertained with numerous playgrounds, and there's even a cable car that provides spectacular aerial views.

Zabeel Park is one of the largest parks in Dubai – approximately the size of 45 football fields – and home to the Dubai Frame. Here, you will find dedicated areas for barbecues dotted across the green, set near the shade of tall palm trees. Young ones have plenty to do, with a children’s amusement complex and expansive ‘edutainment’ centre. If you want to test your skills during the cookout, you can even try mini-golf, cricket, skating, skateboarding or racing along the BMX track.

For a barbecue with a side of adventure, set up camp at Mushrif Park. Apart from the main event (grilling!), there are several recreational activities to keep you busy while you barbecue in Dubai, including the Aventura Adventure Park – a treetop, zipline-based obstacle course for both adults and children. The park is also well-known for its variety of birds from the Middle East – keep an eye out for the Arabian babblers, yellow-throated sparrows or the rare pallid scops owl.

Nestled alongside a picturesque corniche, Mamzar Beach Park offers visitors more than 200 acres of tree-lined landscapes. Take your pick of more than 30 public barbecue spots, each offering fabulous views and plenty of fun. The park features five beaches plus jogging tracks, swimming pools, children's play areas and, for thrill-seekers, a chance to enjoy fast watersports fun like jet skiing.

Venture out to the exclave of Hatta and set up a barbecue at Hatta Hill Park. Work up an appetite by climbing to the tower at the highest point of the hill and you'll be rewarded with captivating views of the rolling Hajar mountain range. Then head back to the park to make the most of running tracks, sports fields and children's play areas. Pack more adventure into your cookout with a visit to Hatta Wadi Hub for some adrenaline-fuelled fun.

Head to Al Qudra Lakes, deep in the desert and part of the Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve, and soak up the views and wildlife at this serene getaway. While there are no dedicated barbecue facilities on-site, you can come prepared with your own stand or pan – just remember to clean up after you're done to avoid damaging the protected environment. It tends to get cooler at night, so make sure to pack something warm.