In a city defined by velocity, spectacle and architectural ambition, it is perhaps unexpected that one of Dubai’s most compelling automotive gatherings unfolds not on a racetrack, but on the grass. The Grand Picnic has quietly established itself as a signature date in the UAE’s car-culture calendar, an event that replaces grandstands with picnic blankets and pit lanes with palm-lined walkways.
Held annually at Safa Park, the one-day experience transforms one of the city’s most beautiful green spaces into an open-air automotive gallery, bringing together rare machinery, collectors, and enthusiasts in a deliberately relaxed setting.
A Different Kind of Car Event
Unlike traditional concours or high-intensity track days, The Grand Picnic is rooted in atmosphere rather than competition. Visitors wander among displays of classic cars, sports cars, supercars, motorcycles and even trucks, presented informally across the lawns rather than in regimented rows.
Last year’s edition featured more than 1,000 cars, with organisers expecting an even larger turnout as the event continues to grow.
The concept is intentionally social. It is described as “a day of stunning cars, delicious food, and great coffee” that celebrates community as much as machinery. That positioning has allowed the event to carve out a distinctive niche in the region’s automotive landscape which is less exhibition, more gathering; less spectacle, more shared appreciation.
Safa Park as a Cultural Backdrop
Now celebrating its fifth year at Safa Park, The Grand Picnic has developed a symbiotic relationship with the venue.
Spanning more than 150 acres, the park provides an unusually tranquil canvas for automotive display, enabling visitors to explore cars while strolling through landscaped greenery rather than convention halls.
For a single day, the space is reimagined as a part lifestyle event, part cultural showcase, blending automotive heritage with Dubai’s appetite for curated outdoor experiences.
More Than Metal: The Lifestyle Dimension
The Grand Picnic consciously expands beyond cars. A curated line-up of homegrown food concepts and cafés anchors the social element, encouraging guests to explore rather than simply circulate.
Live music, family-friendly activities and themed activations ensure the atmosphere remains inclusive, drawing not only collectors but also families and design-minded visitors seeking a distinctive weekend experience.
This intersection of automotive passion, gastronomy, and leisure is precisely what differentiates The Grand Picnic from conventional car shows. It reframes car culture as a lifestyle expression rather than a purely technical interest.
The Practicalities
The Grand Picnic typically runs from morning through evening (10am to 9pm), offering visitors a full day to explore, socialise and unwind.
Attendance is intentionally accessible: the event itself is free, with only the nominal Safa Park entry fee required.
Car participation, however, is curated and requires prior approval, underscoring the organisers’ focus on maintaining a distinctive and carefully selected display.
A Day to Remember
Whether you arrive as a lifelong collector, a casual enthusiast or simply someone drawn to beautifully crafted machines, The Grand Picnic invites you to slow down and experience Dubai’s automotive scene from a different perspective.
Wander the lawns, discover unexpected favourites, and take in the atmosphere that makes this gathering so distinctive. If you attend, we encourage you to share your favourite moments that turn a day in the park into a lasting story by joining the conversation in the comments below.
