Danish landscape architecture firm SLA has completed one of the largest urban greening projects in the United Arab Emirates. In collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport, SLA has designed and delivered 104 new neighbourhood parks across the emirate, covering a total area of 740,000 square metres.
The parks are located in communities including Khalifa City, Al Ain, Shakhbout, and MBZ, and mark a bold shift toward sustainable, health-focused public space development. What was once barren land now hosts vibrant, community-centric environments designed to enhance biodiversity, urban cooling, and quality of life.
Nature-based design to cool the city
The project introduces more than 22,500 native trees and achieves a 500% increase in biodiversity, contributing to carbon reduction, urban cooling, and stormwater management. Each park features shaded walkways, local plant ecosystems, and multi-use zones, including sports courts, playgrounds, dog parks, and social spaces tailored to specific neighbourhood needs.
“We’ve seen how high temperatures make it hard for people to be outdoors,” says Rasmus Astrup, Design Principal and Partner at SLA. “These parks are designed to change that by creating cool, green spaces where people can meet, move, and connect with nature close to home.”
Community engagement and climate resilience
Each park is uniquely designed using SLIM (SLA Landscape Information Modelling)—a proprietary digital tool that merges ecological, social, and climatic data to guide every aspect of the design process. SLA’s interdisciplinary team of designers, ecologists, and anthropologists used SLIM to tailor every park to its location, ensuring maximum functionality and climate resilience.
“This is not a ‘starchitect’ project,” adds Astrup. “It’s about making real, tangible improvements to everyday life. We’ve collaborated with residents, studied their needs, and used smart design tools to build spaces that are both beautiful and deeply functional.”
Parks for all ages and all seasons
The 104 parks vary in scale, from 1,600 sqm pocket parks to 20,000 sqm adventure parks, offering an inclusive range of amenities for all ages. From football pitches to picnic zones, every park prioritises accessibility and sustainability. Special soil techniques and drought-tolerant planting reduce irrigation needs, lowering long-term maintenance and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s green infrastructure.
This initiative redefines the role of urban parks as essential public health infrastructure, social hubs, and biodiversity engines. It also provides a scalable model for other cities across the region facing climate adaptation challenges.
“These 104 parks show what’s possible when nature, technology, and community come together,” Astrup concludes. “They’re more than parks—they’re vital tools for healthier, greener, and more connected urban life.”