Planning a family holiday in Abu Dhabi comes down to balance.

A theme park that thrills a teenager may be too much for a younger child, and a full day of sightseeing can wear out everyone, parents included.

The good news is that Abu Dhabi gives you enough variety to build a week that suits different ages: theme parks, beaches, desert adventures, museums, a mosque that people travel across the world to see, and quiet time by the Gulf.

We have been selling sightseeing packages and private tours in the city for more than 12 years, and the families who enjoy their holiday most are rarely the ones who see the most attractions. They are the ones who choose the right experiences and put them in a sensible order.

This guide covers how to plan your holiday in Abu Dhabi with children, where to stay, what to book early, how to think about your budget, and the mistakes we see families make most often.

Why Do Families Choose Abu Dhabi?

In recent years, alongside Dubai, Abu Dhabi has become a family destination in its own right across Asia and the Middle East. The reason is the range of experiences that suit families in one place.

• Beaches with warm weather even in winter, on islands such as Saadiyat, Al Maryah and Yas.
• Theme parks that children love, including Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.
• Parks you can visit in sunny weather, such as Abu Dhabi Zoo and Umm Al Emarat Park.
• Cultural attractions including Louvre Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum, with the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi planned to open in the future.
• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which architecture lovers visit for its decoration, marble and enormous chandeliers.
• International hotels at every level.
• Desert safari trips with dune driving, camel rides and sandboarding.

A group of shore excursions travellers at Grand Mosque

Which Families Enjoy Abu Dhabi the Most?

The city works for almost any kind of family. Over our years of experience we have noticed that the families who love it most are those travelling with children and teenagers. We also see many mothers travelling alone with their children, and they regularly tell us they feel safe and welcomed throughout the trip.

What Surprises Visitors After They Arrive?

The UAE has grown over the last 30 years into a centre for business, oil and investment, and the capital attracts people from many cultures who come to work and settle.
That has given Abu Dhabi an international character, and the local community has long been familiar with other cultures and comfortable around them. Visitors from abroad rarely feel like outsiders. The city is friendly to tourists, and the one thing to plan around is the heat, which is why we think of Abu Dhabi as a winter destination.

When Is the Best Time for an Abu Dhabi Family Holiday?

The period from November to March gives the most comfortable temperatures for beaches, walking and outdoor sightseeing. Families from Europe and North America who want sunshine in the middle of winter find December, January and February especially appealing. Summer is very hot, and in those months indoor attractions such as Warner Bros. World, museums and malls matter more.

Winter is also the busy season, so book the experiences that sell out early, which we cover below.

How Many Days Do You Need?

Five days is enough for the main highlights: the city tour and Grand Mosque, Yas Island, a desert safari and some beach time. Seven days allow a slower pace, a second theme park day, a cultural day and possibly a day trip to Dubai. We cover both ends of the range below.

A 7 Day Abu Dhabi Family Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and a Relaxed Evening

We cannot plan the first day until we know when your flight lands. In general we transfer the family to the hotel to rest, and if everyone still has energy, we add a light evening outing such as a waterfront walk or dinner.

Day 2: Private City Tour and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

In the morning we take the family on a private city tour. The route covers the Marina area, the view of the luxurious Emirates Palace hotel, the dates market and the port markets, with a chance to photograph the Etihad Towers behind you. Heritage Village is also on the usual route, but it is currently closed for renovation, so confirm its status before including it.

The Grand Mosque is open to visitors from 0800 am to 0900 pm on weekdays (Saturday to Thursday) while on the weekend (Friday), It welcomes the visitors from 2:30 pm – 9:00 pm, with last entry around 8:30 pm.

So the visit fits in the afternoon and carries on into the golden hour, when the light is best for photographs. Check the current hours before you travel.

Local Expert Tip: Adults need to dress to the mosque’s dress code before arriving. Some older guides say you can rent clothing from the market near the mosque. That is no longer available, so bring your own.

See our detailed guide about what to wear in the grand mosque for men, women and children.

Day 3: Yas Island Theme Parks

This is the most important day of the trip for children. We usually start with Yas Waterworld in the morning and continue to Ferrari World, both on Yas Island. It is a full and active day. If your family prefers a slower pace, give the whole day to one park.

Local Expert Tip: With little kids, We suggest to book Fast Track tickets for quick entry. Paying for them costs less than losing hours in queues.

Our guests at Ferrari Abu Dhabi during their day tour

Day 4: Museums and Palace Architecture

A cultural day is a good change after the theme parks. Options include Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan (the presidential palace), Zayed National Museum and the BAPS Hindu Mandir. You do not need to see all of them. Pick the two or three that suit your family.

Local Expert Tip:

1. Louvre Abu Dhabi is closed every Monday.
2. Qasr Al Watan closes on certain days and special occasions, so check before you go.

In the evening you can visit Marina Mall or Yas Mall for dinner and a relaxed walk.

Day 5: Beach Day on Saadiyat Island and a Desert Safari

• Spend the morning and early afternoon at a Saadiyat Island beach, such as Saadiyat Beach Club.
• Then head out for a desert safari in the afternoon and evening, with dune driving, camel riding, sandboarding and traditional entertainment.

Day 6: More Theme Parks or a Day Trip to Dubai

If you prefer to stay in Abu Dhabi, take the children to Warner Bros. World and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, or visit the Falcon Hospital, which makes a memorable day out and needs to be booked in advance.

If you have not been to Dubai before, a full day trip works well. It covers landmarks such as Burj Khalifa, the dancing fountain, Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah and the old city. [Link: Dubai day trip from Abu Dhabi]

Day 7: Departure

We transfer you from the hotel to the airport. If your flight time allows, we can add an activity in the city before the transfer.

Below; You can find a conclusion of the suggested 7-day itinerary

A 5 Day Version

If you only have five days, keep the arrival day, the city tour with the Grand Mosque, the Yas Island theme park day and the departure day. Use Day 4 for a beach morning on Saadiyat followed by the desert safari. You lose the cultural day and the second theme park day, but you keep the experiences most families remember.

Should You Visit More Than One Theme Park?

Yes, and we would encourage it, because each park has a different character: one built around racing and rides, one for water slides, one for films and one for marine life. This is also the reason we recommend putting your budget into experiences rather than a luxury hotel.

Local Expert Tip: Save your money and book 2 parks in one day for with a single ticket. Pay 475 AED instead of 870 AED, Per ticket

Which Yas Island Park Should Come First?

From our experience, and you can also check travel forums, Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld come first. They give very different experiences, and Ferrari World is built entirely around the Ferrari brand, which sets it apart from ordinary amusement parks. Warner Bros. World comes next for the same reason, as a park themed around films and characters rather than rides alone.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is one of the newer additions to the city, but it is a fairly familiar experience. It is not a bad day out. If your family has visited a similar marine park before, we would spend that money on something more distinctive.

Is Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Worth the Visit with Family?

Yes. It is among the best known mosques in the world that welcome visitors, and its reputation sits alongside Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali in Cairo. The architecture is distinctive, with huge chandeliers, columns and marble throughout. The visit is about architecture rather than religion, and it is a very good place to take photographs at any time of day, especially in the golden hour.

Entry costs only 10 AED. It used to be free. The one requirement is the dress code for adults. Children do not need a special dress code.

Is the Desert Safari Suitable for the Whole Family?

The safari is one of the activities families enjoy most. Children love the dune driving, and adults enjoy sandboarding, camel rides and the evening show. You can upgrade with a dune buggy or quad bike, which adds a lot to the experience but costs extra.

Local Expert Tip:

• Dune driving is not recommended for children under 3, older passengers, people with back or neck pain, or pregnant women. There are desert routes that avoid the dune driving, so ask your operator for one of those.
• Never forget to get your sunglasses, sunblock (or sunscreen), comfortable closed shoes, and a light jacket in winter times.

Which Experiences Look Good in Ads but May Not Suit Every Family?

Besides SeaWorld, which we mentioned above, the Corniche is something many visitors skip because they assume it will be boring. It is free, the views over the Gulf are lovely, and it is a calm place to spend time with your family. Some of the moments families remember for years are conversations and quiet time together rather than famous sights.

The other experience we recommend, though few people know about it, is an overnight desert safari. Camping in the desert for a night is natural, quiet and romantic, and every member of the family usually enjoys it.

Our Guests at Abu Dhabi Marina Cornich

Which Beach to Go in Abu Dhabi?

Saadiyat (225-375 AED) and Yas Beach (80-150 AED) both work well for families. If your hotel overlooks a beach, using it is a good free option.

If you are looking for free beaches, You can choose between:

• Al Bateen Beach
• Cornish Beach
• Mirfa Beach

Where to Stay in Abu Dhabi with Your Family?

There are two good choices. The city centre keeps you close to everything, which suits families who like to take walks, and it saves on transport costs. Yas Island puts you next to the theme parks, which are the centre of most family trips.

Local Expert Tip: You do not need a luxury hotel. Mid range hotels in Abu Dhabi do the job well, and some compare favourably with five star hotels in other destinations.

Below we offer a various shortlist of 5 hotels deserve to consider when planning your trip to Abu Dhabi:

At Yas Island

1. W Abu Dhabi Yas Island (5 star)

The hotel is built over the Yas Marina Circuit, so the setting is part of the trip. It has modern facilities and puts the island’s attractions close at hand. Average rates are around AED 900 to 1,100 per night.

2. Haven, Yas World Resort, Vignette Collection by IHG (5 star)

This one costs less than the W while staying in the five star category, which makes it a sensible base if you plan several days of theme parks. Average rates are around AED 800 to 950 per night.

3. Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island (4 star)

It sits close to the island’s attractions and has a swimming pool, restaurants and roomy accommodation options for families. It becomes a good choice when a seasonal offer is running. Rates can sometimes approach AED 500 to 600 per night, depending on availability and travel dates.

At Downtown Abu Dhabi

1. Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi (5 star)

The hotel is in the middle of the city, so it suits families who want to see Abu Dhabi beyond Yas Island. The Corniche, shopping areas and several city attractions are close by. Average rates are around AED 600 to 850 per night.

2. Cristal Hotel Abu Dhabi (4 star)

A budget friendly option in the city centre, with an indoor rooftop swimming pool and shops and restaurants nearby. Average rates are around AED 280 to 450 per night.

Hotel rates are indicative and can change a lot with the season, room type and availability. If you are travelling with two children, check the maximum room occupancy and bedding arrangements before you book. Children aged 12 and above may be charged as adults.

How Much Should You Budget for an Abu Dhabi Family Holiday?

Abu Dhabi is not a cheap destination for families. Set an approximate budget for the whole trip before you book and keep to it, because there are many temptations along the way. Put your money into attractions and experiences rather than a luxury hotel or an expensive restaurant. That is where the value is.

A 7 day trip to Abu Dhabi for two parents and two children usually costs between USD 4,200 and USD 5,600. Where your family lands in that range depends mainly on the hotel you choose and the activities you book. The estimate covers accommodation, food, transfers, tours and activities.

Local Expert Tip: Costs that surprise visitors are few if you plan well. The exception is the tourism dirham fee, which no travel agent or tour company can pay on your behalf. You pay it directly to the hotel, usually between 5 and 20 AED per room per night.

On food, since you will spend most of the day outside the hotel, a half board or bed and breakfast plan is enough, because lunch will probably be out. Theme park tickets often include a lunch option at a low price. The meal is decent and does the job.

How Do Families Get Around Abu Dhabi?

For a first visit with young children, we recommend a private tour. It costs more than a taxi, but it gives the family comfort and ease. Children do not wait around, the vehicle is at your disposal if you want to stop for a photo, and you avoid the tricks some drivers use to charge more.

When you land, do not take a taxi directly in front of the airport.

How Do You Plan Around Different Ages?

Depending on your children ages; You may consider:

Children between 4 and 17 tend to enjoy theme parks and the desert safari most, so we build the programme around those two. When a family has a mix of ages, we put the theme parks in the first days of the trip, while everyone still has plenty of energy and the children are looking forward to them.

Infants under 3 should skip the desert safari, because the dune driving is not suitable for them. For the same reason, we advise against an overnight safari when you are travelling with an infant.

With little ones, we almost always arrange a private tour. The car and driver stay with you, so you can stop when a child needs a break, leave when someone is tired and avoid waiting around with a restless toddler.

What Should You Book in Advance?

Book Yas Marina Circuit and the Falcon Hospital well ahead.

During peak season, book theme park tickets early as well. Tickets for the Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Watan do not need to be booked far ahead. In general, earlier is always better.

What Do Families Complain About During the Trip?

There is little to complain about, apart from last minute requests. Families sometimes hear about a place just before or during the trip and ask us to add it after the schedule has become tight. Yas Marina Circuit is the usual example. Many people want to visit it at the last moment, but its tickets sell out quickly and the prices are high, so it needs to be arranged weeks before. The Falcon Hospital works the same way.

Tips We Wish Every Parent Knew Before Arriving

1. Prepare suitable clothing for the adults who will enter the Grand Mosque. Children do not need it.
2. If you are not eligible for a visa on arrival, give yourself time. Getting the visa can take from a week to 10 days.
3. Do not exchange your currency at the airport. The rate is rarely good.
4. You do not need to buy a local SIM card. Hotels, tour vehicles and some public places offer free WiFi.
5. If you land early or leave late, use the free hours for a tour. On arrival, you can take a tour before hotel check in and pay only for the tour, instead of paying for an airport transfer and then for a separate tour. On departure, check out, take a tour and be dropped off at the airport.
6. Free things are not always boring. Sitting on the Corniche or around the Marina can be the best part of the day.
7. Try the local side of the city. Visit the Mina market and eat local food, instead of only ticking off tourist attractions.

Check Our our Family Travel Package (2 days to 10 days)

Frequently Asked Questions About an Abu Dhabi Family Holiday

What do parents ask most before booking?

Most questions are about what to wear, the weather, food prices and the policies for children when booking. Clothing, weather and costs are covered above. For child policies, ask each attraction and tour operator how they define child age and height limits before you pay.

Is Abu Dhabi worth visiting for a family holiday?

Yes. It combines theme parks, beaches, cultural attractions, desert experiences and hotels for every budget, and the winter weather is a real advantage.

How many days should a family spend in Abu Dhabi?

Five days cover the main highlights. Seven days allow a slower pace and extra theme park, cultural or Dubai day trip time.

What is the best area to stay in with children?

The city centre for easy access to everything, or Yas Island if the theme parks are the centre of your trip.

Is Abu Dhabi expensive for a family?

It can be. A mid range hotel and a plan that puts most of the budget into attractions help keep costs under control.

Is Abu Dhabi suitable for teenagers?

Yes. Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World and the desert safari all work well for teenagers, and the beaches and cultural visits balance the week.

Can you visit Abu Dhabi and Dubai on the same holiday?

Yes. A full day trip to Dubai fits easily into a 7 day stay without changing hotels.

What should I book before travelling?

Yas Marina Circuit and the Falcon Hospital first, then theme park tickets in peak season. The Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Watan do not need early booking.

Plan Your Abu Dhabi Family Holiday

We have organised sightseeing in Abu Dhabi for more than 12 years, and the best itinerary is always the one built around your children’s ages, your dates and your budget.

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