Sheikha Fatima Park, formerly known as Khalidiyah Ladies Park, is to be redeveloped at a cost of Dh94 million.

The renovation work began last month and was expected to be completed by July 2018, said officials at the Department of Municipal Affairs and Transport and Abu Dhabi City Municipality.

An artist’s impression of the 46,000-square-metre redevelopment, which will include 24,035 square metres of green areas, showed fountains, walkways, play areas and a pavilion.

The park is designed to host entertainment, sports and community events.

The capital’s residents said they were looking forward to the park reopening.

“Parks are an essential part of our lives,” said Sara, an Emirati mother of three. “This is a great news that Khalidiyah park is going to be equipped with different kinds of facilities.

“I wish all parks in the city were equipped with great facilities, so we will have more options.”

The revamp is part of the government’s commitment to develop green spaces and recreational facilities in line with Abu Dhabi Vision 2030.

Naji Al Arefi said Khalidiyah was one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city and in need of more green spaces, with residents having to travel to the Corniche which has limited parking and is always busy.

“I believe in every pocket of the community there should be a park,” said Mr Al Arefi, from Yemen. He also said that there should be proper public transport links so people do not have to drive.

Indian Ramesh Menon welcomed the park’s renovation. “It’s very good move. I welcome such facilities in the city.”