Deira Parks Authority Rates Five Walking Trails by Distance, Difficulty

Deira Parks Authority released updated ratings this month for five trails that sort routes by measured length and slope grade.

City health data shows outdoor walking participation rose 22 percent between 2024 and 2025, with residents citing heat-managed early morning slots and shaded paths as the main drivers. The shift aligns with the Deira Wellness Initiative that added new signage and water stations at trailheads in March 2025.

Two routes stand out for daily use. The Al Murar Creek Path runs 2.5 kilometres along the waterfront from Al Maktoum Bridge to the Al Rigga footbridge, marked easy with flat pavement and benches every 400 metres. The 25th Street Loop in Al Rigga covers 4.8 kilometres through mixed residential blocks and ends at Rashidiya Gardens, rated moderate for its two short inclines that reach 8 percent grade.

Easy and moderate options near central Deira

The authority grades each trail using distance measured by GPS and difficulty based on elevation gain per kilometre. The Al Murar route gains only 12 metres total, while the 25th Street Loop adds 65 metres. Both start from free public car parks that open at 5 a.m.

Deira Parks Authority data from the 2025 annual report lists average daily users at 1,140 on the creek path and 870 on the 25th Street route. Entry remains free, though the nearby Al Ghurair Park charges 10 dirhams for parking after 8 a.m. on weekdays.

Practical steps before heading out

Walkers can download the official Deira Trails map from the parks authority site, which includes real-time shade coverage and drinking fountain status. The authority advises starting before 7 a.m. during July and carrying at least one litre of water per person on any route longer than three kilometres. Residents should check with a local clinic before beginning a new routine, particularly if they have not walked regularly since the previous winter season.