When you think of Dubai, the images that flash by are the ones of the luxurious Atlantis, The Palm, the cityscape as viewed from atop the Burj Khalifa, dune bashing while in the dessert safari, kite surfing or watching the sun set across the Arabian Gulf from the breathtakingly beautiful beaches, strolling along the traditional gold souk, indulging in customary retail therapy at the world’s largest shopping destination (The Dubai Mall), and cruising along the Marina followed by dining at some of the best restaurants (including Michelin starred ones) the city has to offer.
So, when I was visiting Dubai to tick off some of the bucket list goals in this man-made wonderland, a friend recommended I include Miracle Garden in my itinerary. My immediate response was “Yeah sure! You must be kidding right? How could one possibly grow a garden in a dessert?” … That’s the Miracle, my friend replied.
And two weeks later, in the end of November, there I was, marveling at what I’d call a dream sequence from ‘Alice in Wonderland’
Gardens have long been a source of inspiration for artists and photographers – and it’s not hard to see why when you enter Dubai Miracle Garden – one of the most stunning attractions in Dubai, attracting millions of visitors every year to soak in the beauty of this 72,000 sq m flower park.
I’m a sucker for all things Disney, so my favorite display is the 18-metre floral structure of Disney’s beloved Mickey Mouse, featuring nearly 100,000 flowers and weighing 35 tonnes that also holds a Guinness World Record for World’s Largest Topiary Structure. Some of the other famous attractions that bowled me over as well include the record-breaking Emirates A380 display; the floral castle which transported me back to the years spent admiring the castles in England and Scotland; and of course the ‘Aerial Floating Lady’, who is truly a stunning showstopper!
New Attractions
Dubai Miracle Garden draws in 55,000 visitors each week, showcasing an impressive array of over 150 million flowers representing more than 120 varieties, all spread across a vast expanse of 72,000 square meters.
New features at Dubai Miracle Garden have been enhanced with a special emphasis on the Smurfs-themed exhibits. A team of architects, designers, gardeners, and florists has worked diligently to cultivate and enrich the visitor experience.Additionally, the garden has installed a larger Water Wheel alongside the existing two smaller ones, catering to the increasing number of visitors. To accommodate the growing crowds, there has been an expansion in parking facilities.
Furthermore, new additions also include an expanded range of entertainment events and shows, complemented by an increased variety of retail and dining options within the garden. Visitors can now enjoy additional seating areas strategically placed throughout the garden. Among the attractions are floral tunnels, innovative 3-D installations, and unique heart-shaped structures resembling hands, all adding to the charm and diversity of Dubai Miracle Garden.
Other attractions at the park include the record-breaking Emirates A380 display along with the 18-metre floral structure of Mickey Mouse within the garden’s Disney Avenue, which I have already mentioned earlier. Other visual treats include the Floral Castle that accommodates a garden dining experience, illuminated nightscape, and the distinctive Caribbean and Asian hammocks.
Walking Track
A 400-meter walking track at the park offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy leisurely walks in the midst of the floral artistry on display. The track will also be used for daily entertainment shows including costume and floral parades, street performances, Zumba sessions and other physical and recreational activities.
Guinness World Records
The Dubai Miracle Garden has been recognized thrice by the Guinness World Records. While the garden held the Guinness World Record in 2018 for ‘The Tallest Topiary Structure (Supported) forming a shape of Mickey Mouse’, it broke the record for the world’s largest floral structure forming the shape of A380’ in 2016. The garden has also earned the distinction of featuring the ‘Largest Vertical Garden’ back in 2013.
Some of the international awards include ‘The International Prize for Leading Tourist Gardens from Canada’ in 2017; the ‘Grand Prize for Commercial Design’ from the National Organization for Professional Gardens in the UK in 2017; and the ‘World Garden Tourism Award’ for the Garden of the Year category in 2015.
How to Get There:
By Train:
Take the Dubai Metro and alight at MOE (Mall of the Emirates metro station) on the Red Line.
By Bus:
Use RTA Bus route 105 from MOE to reach Dubai Miracle Garden.
By Taxi:
Taxis are also available if public transportation is not convenient for you.
For more information visit www.dubaimiraclegarden.com.
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Sanjay has been navigating the stormy waters of the Indian media and entertainment industry for nearly 3 decades, and has worked with some of the leading Indian and international media brands in this time. His travels to various international destinations for work and leisure has led him to appreciate the connection between food and travel, and he likes to share his experiences through his articles on Travel and Food Network. He lives in Mumbai, but considers himself a global foodie-citizen.
