Dubai: The first outdoor dog park in the UAE will open its doors to residents and their furry friends on February 1 next year in Ras Al Khaimah.

Built by the government of Ras Al Khaimah, the park will be located in Al Jazeera Al Hamra area at the RAK Animal welfare Centre (RAKAWC).

Run by RAKAWC, the ‘Pawsome Park,’ invites all dog-loving people of the UAE to enjoy a range of facilities with their pets, in a 7,000 square metre area, where their dogs can socialise and enjoy the outdoors.

“The park will offer off-leash areas for dogs to play and run freely, a dog walking path, a fully equipped agility park and a swimming pool,” Dr Chenjerai Sigauke, RAKAWC Manager and Head Veterinarian, told Gulf News.

The park will also have a cafe area where like minded dog owners can socialise while their dogs play, as well as an area for pet related activities like pet birthday parties, pet shows, training among others.

“The park’s main aim is to provide dog owners with a place where they can take their dogs to play freely and safely away from traffic and without any restrictions. It will also serve as a place where dog owners can socialise and share tips on responsible pet ownership and make new friends,” said Dr Sigauke.

Also incorporated in the park will be a doggy day care centre and a pet hotel.

“These facilities will cater for both residents of RAK who go to work as well as tourists with pets who visit Ras Al Khaimah,” added Dr Sigauke.

Rules and regulations

He pointed out that before admission to the park, all dogs will have to undergo a behaviour assessment to ensure that their temperament is acceptable to be in the park.

“This is important for the safety of other dogs as well as people in the park. Aggressive and overly excited or scared dogs will not be allowed,” said Dr Sigauke.

However, the park is open to all breeds and sizes of dogs, with a separate area for small dogs weighting 10kg and less, and another area for large dogs.

“It is very exciting and humbling for Ras Al Khaimah to be the first emirate to establish a fully functional outdoor dog park of this kind in the UAE. This project would not have been successful without the full support of His Highness Shaikh Saudi Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, who has been a champion of animal welfare in Ras Al Khaimah and UAE in general,” said Dr Sigauke.

While charges to the park have not been announced yet, the park will offer visitors a monthly and yearly membership package, as well as day passes depending on preference.

The RAKAWC provides pet owners in RAK with a one-stop shop for all animal and veterinary related services, including a fully functional veterinary clinic, pet shop, boarding facilities, animal shelter, humane Stray Animal Control and Animal Welfare Education programme in schools.