What I learned about family Holidays in Abu Dhabi after visiting with my two kids

Mother and Baby writer Hannah visited Abu Dhabi in December 2024 during the Christmas holidays with her two sons, George(6) and Frank (4) and her mother, Traci. They stayed in The Fairmount Hotel for five days. Throughout the trip, they were assisted by a holiday rep, Anamaria, and a personal driver, Ram.

As a mother of three, I’m no stranger to the stress and anxiety of planning a trip with kids. But after a turbulent year, I promised myself that I would travel more with my children. Firstly, I was craving sunshine, and the UK just doesn’t deliver. But more importantly, I wanted to create those precious, lifelong memories of family adventures that I still treasure from my own childhood. So when the chance came to experience a family holiday in Abu Dhabi, let’s just say I didn’t hesitate for a second.

To be totally honest, I didn’t know much about Abu Dhabi or the UAE in general. Sure, I’ve ticked off plenty of places during my 33 trips around the sun, but the Middle East? Never been, and, to be honest, it wasn’t exactly at the top of my bucket list either. I'd seen all the glamorous holiday snaps on Instagram, but one of my biggest misconceptions before visiting was that it would be ultra-conservative and unwelcoming. It didn’t seem like the ideal spot for my spirited (read: slightly feral) young children. But spoiler alert: I couldn’t have been more wrong. While there are rules to follow, the UAE is rich in diversity, cosmopolitan, and incredibly welcoming. It’s a perfect mix of old traditions and modern, open-minded vibes, making it an ideal destination for a young family. But, of course, I had no clue about all this when I set off on my adventure.

I had decided that Boxing Day would be the day we’d jet off. It felt like the perfect way to wrap up what had been a great year for our family. The end of December is honestly one of the best times to visit Abu Dhabi — the weather is gloriously mild and sunny, making outdoor activities like beach days and family outings a breeze. And, even though Abu Dhabi is part of the UAE,  where Islam is the country's official religion, a quick Google search showed that most hotels and tourist spots had gone all-out with Christmas decorations, adding a festive touch to our adventure.

But, of course, travelling with young kids is never straightforward — whether you’re heading to the park or hopping on a plane to a foreign country. True to form, just two days before we were due to leave, one of my children came down with Chicken pox. Cue panic and mum guilt. The trip was now officially one family member short, and we hadn't even stepped onto the plane.

What's it like flying to Abu Dhabi with kids?

We flew to Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways, the UAE's national airline. Now, brace yourself for what might sound slightly controversial: Etihad is second to none. If you're a Millennial, you probably remember when British Airways was the airline to fly with — the golden days of free headphones and a free cuddly bear to add to your collection. But, much like that beloved plastic McDonald's toy you thought was the best thing ever, those days now feel like a distant memory. That was until I stepped onto the pristine Etihad Airways aircraft. No matter where they were seated, every child was given an adorable Warner Bros. superhero bag filled with a drinking bottle, notebook, and crayons. This thoughtful touch was just the beginning, offering a glimpse of the warm Arabian hospitality that awaited us throughout our trip.

The flight to Abu Dhabi is just under seven hours, but it flew by (pun intended). The whole experience was surprisingly comfy, with Etihad supplying warm blankets, headphones, cosy pillows, earplugs, and an adorable Christmas tote bag that I actually used after the flight to carry our swimming stuff. The entertainment options were endless — from the latest blockbusters to timeless classics, games, music, and even a live camera feed from the front and rear of the plane. When the boys got a little restless, I whipped out the travel games and colouring books.

The food was delicious! The boys got their meals in cute Scooby-Doo boxes packed with fruit, chocolate, yoghurt, and warm pasta. My meal was butter chicken curry, and it came with real cutlery (luxury!). The boys got colourful, high-quality plastic cutlery, which we happily took with us.

How to get around Abu Dhabi with kids

We were lucky enough to have a private driver during our time in Abu Dhabi, and Ram, our driver, truly made the experience special. Though he was a man of few words, he was always punctual, polite, and incredibly hospitable, greeting us with a smile every time — from the airport pick-up to each morning of our stay. That said, I know this kind of service is a luxury not everyone can afford.

Getting around Abu Dhabi is still easy and convenient for families looking for other options. Taxis are readily available, and ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem work well in the city. If you want to take the stress out of navigating, many attractions are well-connected by public transport, and there’s also the option of a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus for a hassle-free way to explore the city. Plus, most hotels offer shuttle services to major spots, making family travel a breeze.

Where to Stay in Abu Dhabi with Children

We stayed at The Fairmont Hotel, and while Abu Dhabi has no shortage of great places to stay, this one really stood out. From the jaw-dropping view of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the private beach and heated swimming pools, it’s got the whole package. We had interconnecting rooms - perfect for larger families like ours. One of my biggest pet peeves is when hotel rooms only fit two kids and two parents, but The Fairmont’s setup lets us leave the interconnecting doors open, so we could all have our own space (and I mean a lot of space - these rooms are seriously generous). Plus, we could still see and hear each other, which was a win-win for everyone.

If your family loves theme parks, you could also opt for The WB Abu Dhabi Curio Collection by Hilton, which is closely linked to the many theme parks Abu Dhabi has to offer. A full review of the family hotels in Abu Dhabi and The Fairmont Hotel will be coming shortly.

Family Dining in Abu Dhabi

One of my biggest worries about taking my kids abroad — or even on a simple family day trip — is their very specific diet, which revolves mostly around chicken nuggets, pasta, and chips. When it comes to trying new foods, my children are not the adventurous type. One suspicious look at anything unfamiliar, and they’ll loudly protest, claiming they 'don’t like it.' So, I was admittedly a little nervous about what they’d eat while we were in Abu Dhabi.

Thankfully, breakfast and dinner were included in our stay, which was basically a lifeline for us. Breakfast ran from 6:30 am to 10:30 am, and dinner from 7 pm to 10 pm. And let me tell you, this buffet was unlike any I’ve ever seen. The breakfast spread had everything — fresh fruit, yoghurt, cereals, hot breakfast options, and fresh pancakes. The real challenge wasn’t finding something the kids liked; it was trying to stop them from going back for seconds (and thirds). Seriously, knowing when to say 'enough' was the hardest part.

Dinner, however, was a little trickier. As an adult, the selection was perfect: fresh fish, a rainbow of salads, every kind of meat you could imagine, all served with potatoes, rice, or vegetables. Absolutely divine. But the real game-changer came when our wonderful waiter leaned over and asked, “Would you like me to ask the chef for some nuggets and chips?” And let me tell you, these weren’t just any nuggets; these were the best nuggets and chips we’ve ever tasted.

As for eating out in Abu Dhabi, you won’t be short of options. At most tourist attractions, you’ll find all the usual suspects from the UK (hello, familiar comfort food) along with some Indian and Arabian cuisine. We never struggled to find something to please everyone's palate. But a little tip: portions are huge, especially at theme parks, so be cautious about over-ordering. We quickly learned that "one portion" could easily feed two... or three.

Budgeting for a Family Trip to Abu Dhabi

Budgeting for a family trip for any holiday, including Abu Dhabi, can be a balancing act, but it’s doable with some planning. While Abu Dhabi is known for its luxury, many ways exist to make it affordable. Accommodation can be pricey, but choosing family-friendly hotels with all-inclusive packages or self-catering apartments can help save costs.

Dining out varies, with options ranging from budget-friendly local eateries to high-end restaurants, so it’s all about choosing wisely. Entrance fees to attractions like theme parks and museums can add up, but many places offer family passes or discounts for kids, so it’s worth researching beforehand. Public transport is relatively cheap, and taxis are fairly affordable, though ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem can be a good option if you're travelling in a larger group.

My top tip and advice I definitely did not listen to is to take your own pictures or ask to purchase digital images to save money. It is so easy to get sucked into purchasing photographs, especially with all the amazing experiences Abu Dhabi has to offer. Such a big chunk of my budget went into buying pictures because I'm a sucker for making sure that every memory is captured. Also, as a mother, I am often not in the photographs, so it was a purchase that I was happy to make (until I totted up how much I spent when I got home).

The best family-friendly attractions in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is packed with family-friendly attractions, so much so that I will dedicate a separate article to break down the best places to visit and what each one offers. Trust me; you won’t run out of things to do — whether it’s splashing around at one of the world’s largest water parks, soaking up culture at world-class museums, or diving right into the action at Warner Bros. World Yas Island, which, as a die-hard Disney fanatic, I’ll admit is a serious contender for the Disney World crown. From adrenaline-pumping rides to immersive cultural experiences, Abu Dhabi keeps the whole family entertained, regardless of age or interest. So, get ready for a trip where boredom is simply not on the itinerary.

Overall thoughts

One of the first things you’ll notice when you land in Abu Dhabi is how ridiculously clean and safe the city is. From the moment you step off the plane, it’s like walking into a spotless, well-organised paradise. Bins are never more than a stone’s throw away, and they’re not just your run-of-the-mill rubbish bins - each one is divided into four sections for recycling because Abu Dhabi is all about that eco-friendly life. In fact, parts of the city have earned the title of some of the greenest areas in the world.

And if you're wondering how safe it feels, let me tell you: Abu Dhabi has been voted one of the safest cities globally for eight years in a row. Everything is designed with safety in mind, from pedestrian-friendly streets to an abundance of prayer spaces and clean public restrooms. Plus, every 20 minutes or so, you’ll spot a family-friendly park because family is literally at the heart of everything Abu Dhabi does. The locals go above and beyond to ensure families are safe and have an unforgettable time.

We were lucky enough to have a private licensed guide for the entire trip in Abu Dhabi, and let me tell you, Anamaria was an absolute gem. She was a walking encyclopaedia of the city’s history, casually rattling off facts with ease like it was second nature. But what made her stand out wasn’t just her knowledge — she quickly became more than just a guide. She became a friend, someone we laughed with and genuinely enjoyed spending time with. My boys even declared that she’s now part of our family, and honestly, I couldn’t agree more. Anamaria truly embodied the spirit of Arabic hospitality. Nothing was ever too much trouble, even when we were running late because we couldn’t find a missing croc or needed yet another toilet stop. Her warmth, humour, and generosity perfectly captured the heart of the UAE - she was, without a doubt, a big part of what made our trip so special.

Safety tips for travelling to Abu Dhabi with kids

First off, Abu Dhabi is incredibly safe, but it never hurts to stay vigilant. Always use seat belts in taxis, and if you're taking public transport or taxis with little ones, consider using a child seat if available — some taxis offer them on request. The heat can be intense, especially in summer, so make sure your kids are well-hydrated and slap on the sunscreen every few hours. Be mindful of the local customs — while Abu Dhabi is family-friendly, modest dress is appreciated, particularly in places like mosques and religious sites. And don’t forget to take a few breaks! The city has plenty of parks and shady spots, so you won’t be far from a breather when the little legs get tired. All in all, family holidays in Abu Dhabi are as easy as they come.

Cultural Etiquette: What Parents Should Know

Abu Dhabi is a welcoming and modern city, but respecting the local customs is important, especially when travelling with kids. A little cultural awareness goes a long way in ensuring a smooth trip!

Dress modestly: While tourists may wear shorts and T-shirts, it’s respectful to cover shoulders and knees in public areas, especially in mosques and cultural sites.

Public behaviour: Public displays of affection are frowned upon, so save the cuddles for private spaces.

Ramadan: If you're visiting during Ramadan, be mindful of local fasting customs — avoid eating, drinking, or chewing gum in public during daylight hours. Be sure to check if it is Ramadan before you travel, as the date changes.

Respect prayer times: You’ll hear the call to prayer five times a day; it’s a sign of reverence, so it’s best to pause and respect the moment, whether you’re at a restaurant or on the street.

Do not take photographs without someone's permission.

Hannah Carroll was invited to Abu Dhabi as a guest of Visit Abu Dhabi. The review is based on her honest, firsthand experience during the trip.

About The Author

Hannah Carroll is a Senior Digital Writer at Bauer Media, specialising in product reviews, how-to guides, and listicles. With a background in Journalism and experience writing for outlets like Mother&Baby and Grazia, Hannah brings a wealth of insight into family life and practical home solutions. As a mother of three, she uses her firsthand knowledge of parenting to offer honest, relatable advice on everything from family tech to fashion and home décor.