The UAE may not have the best reputation when it comes to welcoming four-legged friends, with most public parks and beaches out of bounds, and, landlords having strict no-pet-policies. Things have however changed in the last few years with more people owning pets in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and the government making efforts to increase awareness about animal rights and abuse in the Emirates. This Thursday, let’s take a look at some of the pet-friendly places in Abu Dhabi you can check out with your furry friends over the weekend.

Pet-Friendly Restaurants in Abu Dhabi

We all have those days when we feel pangs about leaving our pets behind as we go gallivanting around town. There’s no need to worry about that anymore. Since it’s mostly dog-owners who frequent eateries with their pooches, we have put together a list of dog-friendly restaurants in Abu Dhabi serving up yummy treats for both dogs and their humans. You must remember that even the pet-friendly restaurants in Abu Dhabi do not allow them indoors; you will have to keep them on a leash, close to you in the outdoor dining spaces.

Cafe Firenze in Al Zeina, Al Raha Beach

This Italian bistro in the prestigious Al Raha Beach community is a great spot for some dog-friendly dining in the capital. The properties in Al Zeina are known to be among the few pet-friendly places in Abu Dhabi, so pet owners in the area can pop down for an al fresco meal with their furry friends.

Jim’s Kitchen Table Masdar City

From fresh bread and pastries to big breakfasts and succulent meats, there’s plenty to love about this hipster cafe in Masdar City. What makes it extra special is the fact that your four-legged friends can also join in on the fun. Well worth the drive to Masdar City, this quirky dog-friendly restaurant in Abu Dhabi is definitely one of the hidden gems to add to your list of must-try eateries in the city.

Nolu’s Cafe Al Bandar, Al Raha Beach

Yet another cafe close to the pet-friendly apartments in Al Raha Beach, Nolu’s is the ideal place for your pooch to relax amidst spectacular views of the sun, sand and seas. This unique fusion restaurant combining Afghan flavours to California’s favourite street foods is just the kind of place to celebrate special occasions with your human and four-legged friends.

Sportsman’s Arms, Zayed Sports City

The family-centric gastropub, which is famous for sports in Abu Dhabi, also welcomes your non-human family members to enjoy a meal in the beautiful terraced spaces. Your dogs can lie down and enjoy the outdoor views as you sip on a refreshing drink in this pet-friendly restaurant in Abu Dhabi.

Pet-friendly Parks in Abu Dhabi

Anyone who has ever owned a dog knows how difficult it is to contain the energy and enthusiasm of your pets in the limited space of your home. They need long stretches to run around and exercise. These pet-friendly places in Abu Dhabi are ideal for your pets to experience the outdoors and get a break from their indoor existence. There are a few pet-friendly parks in Abu Dhabi to walk your dogs and even a few beaches that allow you to bring your pets, and some of the newer developments are making sure there’s space to exercise your pooches regularly.

Cloud 9 Abu Dhabi

There are very few catteries and kennels in the UAE to leave your pet during a family holiday. Cloud 9 is certainly one of the exceptions, where the staff are extremely attentive to the needs of your dogs and cats. You can happily leave your dogs or cats at this pet resort and even spend hours with them in the dedicated parks and recreation areas. It’s easily one of the go-to places for your pets in Abu Dhabi that seamlessly combines entertainment, exercise and relaxation.

Falcon Hospital Dog Agility Park

A hospital for the royal falcons might seem like the last place to take your pets for a jaunty outdoor stroll, but it’s definitely grown into one of the most pet-friendly places in Abu Dhabi. The park has agility equipment to challenge your dogs and keep them in great physical shape. It also allows you to bond with your canine and be a little more attuned to their needs.

Al Bateen Open Beach

The public beaches and parks are out of access for your canines and felines in the capital. The open beach in Al Bateen is, however, available for pet owners in Abu Dhabi who want to take their pets out for a run. They can frolick in the open sands and take a refreshing dip in the sea.

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The Kite beach in Yas Island and the open beach near the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre are also good spots to take your dogs for a walk in Abu Dhabi.

Note: The permissions are however subject to change, so check before you take your pooch for a stroll.

Pet-Friendly Communities in Abu Dhabi

Now that we have looked at some of the places you can frequent with your pets, here are some of the most pet-friendly residential communities in Abu Dhabi where you can live with your animal friends.

Reem Island

Reem Island, a popular residential area in the capital is known for being one of the few pet-friendly communities in Abu Dhabi. Not all buildings allow pets, so it would be wise to consult with the landlord first. Some of the apartments in Reem Island that allow pets include Reem Diamond, Al Maya Tower, Beach Tower and Mangrove Place. The green spaces in Al Reem Island also work as pet-friendly parks for dog walking.

Zayed Sports City

The properties in Zayed Sports City are also known for being pet-friendly. The apartments in Rihan Heights, in particular, are extremely welcoming of dogs and cats.

Sas Al Nakhl

The self-contained modern villas in Sas Al Nakhl by master-developer Aldar offer extensive spaces for pets to roam around. The development has some of the few pet-friendly villas in Abu Dhabi, perfect for families with larger pets requiring a little more room.

As you can see, things are definitely not as bad as they were in the past. Many of the new communities are opening up to the idea of allowing pets. Even the high-end apartments and villas in Saadiyat Island are known to allow pets; always remember to check with your landlord, though, to avoid any confusion.

If you are thinking of taking your pooch a little further away, check out some of these awesome pet-friendly places in Dubai and introduce your pet to the delights of the neighbouring emirate. Do you know of any other pet-friendly spots in the city we may have missed out on? Don’t forget to let us know in comments if you check out one these lovely locations with your furry buddies.

Disclaimer: These permissions are subject to change, so kindly verify before heading to these pet-friendly places in Abu Dhabi.