King Abdullah Park is a large city park in Riyadh’s Al Malaz district, next to Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium. Locals often call it Al Malaz Park. Its lake, lawns and evening dancing fountain make it one of the most popular family spots in the capital.
It is at its best after sunset, when the air cools and the fountain show begins.
Plan your visit to King Abdullah Park
- Entry: small fee (about SAR 11.50 reported)
- Open afternoons to late evening
- Time needed: 1–2 hours
History of King Abdullah Park
For much of the 20th century the site was Al Malaz’s horse racecourse, used for races held for King Abdulaziz, and later an equestrian club. Racing ended in 2002 and the land was handed to Riyadh Municipality in 2003 to become a public park.
Construction began in 2010 and the park opened on 2 October 2013. It covers about 32 hectares and is named after King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.
Attractions at King Abdullah Park
- Dancing fountain: a fountain about 110 metres long, with water jets, coloured lights and lasers set to music in the evening.
- Artificial lake: the park’s centre, ringed by a promenade.
- Lawns and picnic areas: hugely popular with families on weekend evenings.
- Children’s play areas: large playgrounds for younger children.
- Walking and jogging paths: wide paths loop around the park.
Things to Do at King Abdullah Park
- Watch the fountain show: arrive a little early on Thursday and Friday evenings to get a good spot by the lake.
- Picnic: bring a mat and snacks, as local families do.
- Walk or jog: the paths are pleasant on cooler evenings.
- Join the holiday crowds: Eid and Saudi National Day bring big crowds and fireworks.
King Abdullah Park – Entry Eligibility and Open Timings
- Entry: a small fee has been reported (around SAR 11.50 for adults); check at the gate.
- Hours: usually open from the afternoon until late evening, with reported closures on some days for maintenance. Check locally before you go.
- Fountain show: runs in the evening, with the first show reported around 6:15 PM.
How Long to Spend at King Abdullah Park
Allow 1–2 hours for a walk and the fountain show, longer with a picnic.
How to Get There
- Taxi and ride-hailing: Uber and Careem are the simplest way to reach Al Malaz.
- By car: there is parking around the park, but it is busy on weekends and holidays.
- Public transport: Riyadh’s Metro and bus network serves the wider area; check the Darb app for the best connection.
Arriving at Riyadh (RUH) Airport? Book a fixed-price airport transfer straight to your hotel.
Eateries Nearby King Abdullah Park
Food kiosks and stalls operate in and around the park, and the surrounding Al Malaz streets have plenty of cafés and casual restaurants. Many visitors simply bring a picnic.
Other Attractions Nearby King Abdullah Park
- National Museum of Saudi Arabia: in the King Abdulaziz Historical Center, a short drive west.
- Murabba Palace: a historic royal palace in the same complex.
- Masmak Fortress: the mud-brick fort at the heart of old Riyadh.
- Al Faisaliah Tower: views over the city from the Globe.
Before your trip
- Find hotels in Riyadh: central districts such as Olaya or Al Malaz keep the park a short ride away.
- Get a Saudi Arabia eSIM on Klook before you land, for maps and ride-hailing apps.
King Abdullah Park is a relaxed Riyadh evening out: a big green park in Al Malaz with a lake, playgrounds and a musical fountain show after dark. It is especially lively with families on weekend evenings and holidays.
Pair it with central Riyadh’s museums, a trip up Al Faisaliah Tower, or a night at Boulevard Riyadh City.