UAE National Day long weekend: 6 free barbeque spots to visit in Abu Dhabi

The long weekend is soon upon us, so you're probably wonder what to do for it. Go outdoors and grill your own lunch or dinner at barbeque spots across Abu Dhabi where you can take your own food items and cook it exactly as you like it.

Yas Gateway Park: With green spaces, dedicated pay areas and barbecue spots, the Yas Gateway Park can be part of a fun indoor-outdoor day. Located next to Yas Mall, you could combine your shopping day trip with a barbecue evening at one of the designated areas.

Reem Central Park: Located on Al Reem Island, this park is sports-forward with multi-purpose courts and a skate park. It also features a mural dedicated to basketball legend Kobe Bryant. It has a beach walk side and a canal walk area for two different kinds of experiences. You can also buy snacks at the food outlets there.

Al Khalidiya Park: This one is one of the emirate’s oldest and biggest parks and is also one of the most popular among residents. The shaded areas and vast green spaces allow for relaxed picnics. The park is only five minutes away from Khalidiyah Mall, so this is yet another option to combine shopping and a picnic later.

Dolphin Park: This park features permanent barbecue fixtures that the public can use for free. The park, named after its large dolphin water feature, is best to enjoy a stroll with views of the mangroves. It features outdoor gym areas, dome seats and walkway leading up from Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel.

Heritage Park: Yet another one of the ‘Corniche parks’ in Abu Dhabi, this park has a paved pathways, many green areas, barbecue pits and water fountains. The park also offers dhow harbour views.

Lake Park: This park situated alongside the Corniche usually fills up with families during weekends. The highlights of the park are a 15-metre high fountain in the lake and a quaint bridge, which make the perfect backdrop for Instagram-worthy shots. The park has dedicated barbecue areas, along with play areas for kids to run around and enjoy the outdoors.