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Visit Abu Dhabi for your next family holiday..

Abu Dhabi has seen significant recent investment in tourism, high end hotels and the incredible Formula 1 grand prix circuit. If you are looking for a luxury break with guaranteed sunshine, stunning hotels, World class service and plenty to keep you and your kids busy, could Abu Dhabi be the answer?

Abu Dhabi is far less busy than its more famous neighbour Dubai and less than a third of the size. So expect a much more chilled out experience with less crowds and noise. This may appeal to some families. Prices are also much lower both for the holiday itself and while you are there, so eating out and local attractions will cost you significantly less than Dubai, although remember this is still a premium destination.

There are plenty of things to keep your kids entertained on a break in Abu Dhabi. As well as beautiful sandy beaches and safe, calm waters with a wide array of watersports available. Take a trip to the Corniche, eight kilometres of manicured waterfront where you wil find cafe’s, cycleways and plenty of childrens play areas.

There are plenty of other fun attractions worth a visit. Here are our favourites..

Family things to do and see in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is hot and what better way to cool off and have fun than in a waterpark. Yas Waterworld is set in 15 hectacres and has a wide range of thrilling rides for the whole family. There are some truly unqiue rides here, including the world’s first and largest hydromagnetic waterslide and the 550 metre Bandit Bomber slide which comes complete with lasers, water guns and special effects.

Ferrari World

The Worlds only Ferrari themed amusement park is also the Worlds largest indoor theme park. There are some fantastic thrill rides with speed and driving being the theme here. It was recently voted the Middle East’s leading tourist attraction.

Wildlife

Right next to the city is the tranquilty and beauty of the Mangrove National Park. Take a boat trip through the Mangroves and spot the array of bird life, including large numbers of flamingos. As well as the Mangrove park there are three other wildlife options in and around Abu Dhabi. The Emirates zoo is worth a visit and has a large selection of animals including white tigers. The Al Ain zoo is set in a 900 hectare park and has over 4000 animals. On Sir Bani Yas Island just along the coast from the city is the Arabian wildlife park. This is a game park where the animals roam free. 4×4 safaris are available.

Observation deck 300

As its name would suggest the observation deck sits 300 metres above the city. Enjoy the best views in Abu Dhabi while enjoying a delicious high tea.

Yas Mall

Like Dubai, Abu Dhabi is a pardise for shoppers with a selection of huge shopping malls. Yas Mall is the newest and largest addition. This huge centre will keep even the most professional shoppers busy with over 400 shops plus lots of family orientated restaurants and a 20 screen cinema. The centre is directly linked to Ferrari World.

Yas Marina Grand Prix circuit

The Jewel in Abu Dhabi’s crown and one of the most impressive F1 tracks in the World. If your kids are into the Grand Prix they will love a visit to this iconic circuit.

Where to stay?

There are plenty of family friendly hotels in Abu Dhabi. We have picked out our favourites that offer exceptional standards and plenty for the kids to do, including kids clubs….

Hilton Abu Dhabi

This superior 4star hotel is set on a private beach on Abu Dhabi’s vibrant Corniche close to Marina Mall, with stylish rooms, including family rooms that sleep four. The private beach club has three pools, water sports and a kids’ area. The hotel does have a kids club for three years and up. Babysitting is available as are swimming lessons for under two’s and watersports coaching for older kids.

Emirates Palace

‘ a lavishly imagined dream’ is how the hotel describes itself. This Iconic Abu Dhabi landmark sits in extensive manicured grounds on a pristine beach. This is Abu Dhabi’s most exclusive address and favourite choice of the super rich. If your budget allows then this is the ultimate family destination in Abu Dhabi. There is an excellent kids club for five years an up. They can enjoy lots of fun and games and even a kids beauty salon. Kids will love the Cascades adventure pool, with its lazy river, waterfalls and water flumes. There is also ‘Sarab Land’ where the kids can play under supervison by trained staff.

St Regis Sadiyat Island

Just a short drive from the hustle of the city centre is this stunning Meditteranean inspired beach resort. This award winning resort offers contemporrary style and elegance on one of the best beaches around where Hawksbill turtles come to nest and dolphins often come in close to the beach to play. The Sandcastle kids club takes kids from four years and features indoor and outdoor play areas and activities. Younger kids are allowed but you will have to hire one of the private nannies to supervise them.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort By Anantara

This is one of the best ways to experience Abu Dhabi with kids! This luxury family resort combines the beauty of the traditional Arabic architecture with the stunning desert sand dunes as a back drop. Your teenagers and children will love camel riding, sand duning and falconry exhibitions. There is a teens club and kids club to keep them happy with games, computers and movies.

When to go..

It rarely rains in Abu Dhabi so anytime you visit expect lots of sunshine. It does get hot though. If you have small kids we would recommend avoiding July and August where temperatures regularly hit 40oC. We know, thats summer school holidays but you may be better off taking advantage of the nice European weather at that time. The Christmas and New Year period see average high’s in the low twenty’s. You may prefer one of the half term dates, with October seeing average temperature’s of 29oC and Easter 27oC.

If you want to find out about Abu Dhabi family holidays contact one of our friendly travel experts.