Dubai Municipality has launched a competition to name 35 new parks across 11 residential areas in the city. Eligible residents can submit their suggestions until December 9, 2026, with a cash prize of Dh2,500 for each selected name. The total prize pool is Dh87,500.

The “Name Your Park” competition began on November 10 and is open to eligible residents across various age groups, including children.

The initiative coincides with Dubai Municipality’s plans to open 35 new neighbourhood parks during the winter season and aims to involve residents in naming public spaces in their communities.

Which areas are eligible to participate?

According to Dubai Municipality, the competition is open to residents of 11 residential areas: Al Khawaneej, Al Mizhar, Muhaisnah, Al Barsha, Al Warqa, Mirdif, Nad Al Sheba, Al Margham, Al Lisaili, Al Nahda and Ghadeer Al Tair.

Under the official terms, participants must live in the same neighbourhood or area as the park they wish to name. Dubai Municipality may also request proof of residence from applicants.

Criteria for Naming New Parks

Dubai Municipality has established six key criteria for assessing proposed names. Names should reflect the neighbourhood’s identity, history, local character or future vision, while conveying a positive meaning suitable for public use.

Proposed names must also be distinct from those of existing parks in Dubai, easy to pronounce, write and remember in both Arabic and English, and suitable for use on official signs and maps. They should also retain their meaning and relevance over time.

Under the rules published on the Dubai Municipality website, proposed names must be no more than two words and 50 characters long. Participants may draw inspiration from Emirati culture and heritage, including native trees such as ghaf and sidr, as well as traditions, handicrafts, poetry and historic sites.

The use of personal names, commercial brands and inappropriate expressions is prohibited. Proposed names must also comply with applicable laws and regulations and must not infringe the intellectual property rights of other individuals or entities.

35 Winners to Receive AED 2,500 Each

Mohammed Abdulrahman Ahli, Director of the Public Parks and Recreational Facilities Department at Dubai Municipality, highlighted the importance of residents’ participation in the initiative. He said every neighbourhood in Dubai has its own identity, history and distinctive characteristics, which should be reflected in the names of the new parks.

He said the initiative gives children, parents and long-standing residents an opportunity to help name public spaces and strengthen their connection with their local communities.

Ahli also said the opening of 35 new parks this winter marks the first phase of a broader initiative that could be expanded to other neighbourhoods across Dubai as more parks are developed.

Under the competition rules, all submissions will be reviewed and one winning name selected for each of the 35 parks. Each successful entrant will receive a cash prize of AED 2,500.

Dubai Municipality also reserves the right to amend or refine proposed names where necessary to ensure compliance with official naming standards.

The winners will be announced at a public ceremony in December 2026.

How to Enter the Park-Naming Competition

To enter the competition, applicants must visit the initiative’s official page on the Dubai Municipality website, select their residential neighbourhood and preferred park, and submit their proposed name.

The registration form requires participants to provide their full name, mobile number, email address, residential area and proposed park name. Participants must also confirm that they live in the selected neighbourhood and accept the competition’s terms and conditions.

Each participant may propose more than one name, but the final selection will be based on criteria established by Dubai Municipality.

The deadline for submissions is December 9, 2026, and the winners will be announced later that month after the proposed names have been reviewed and selected.