Abu Dhabi with Kids

Abu Dhabi is 90 minutes from Dubai and holds the region's main theme-park cluster on Yas Island, alongside two of the most striking buildings in the Gulf: the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Most families treat it as one or two day trips from Dubai; staying over makes sense if theme parks are the main purpose of the trip.

Best for ages: 4+
Suggested stay: 1–3 days
Best months: Jan–Mar, Nov–Dec
Daily budget: €270

Why Abu Dhabi works with children

Several theme parks in one place
Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World and a large water park, all on Yas Island.
The Grand Mosque
Free to enter, visually extraordinary, and open to visitors outside prayer times.
A museum built for the light
Louvre Abu Dhabi's perforated dome is the exhibit children remember.

Where to stay

Best areas in Abu Dhabi for families

2 areas cover most trips here; the difference is mainly theme parks versus beach and city.

Yas Island
Best for theme parks
Hotels within walking distance of the parks, several with park tickets bundled into the rate.
Corniche
Best for beach and city
A long public beach with a cycle path, close to the centre.

Family hotel picks in Abu Dhabi

Yas IslandMid-range
Yas Island — hotels with park tickets
Several Yas hotels bundle theme-park entry into the room rate, which for a family frequently costs less than buying tickets separately.
- Park tickets included in many rates
- Free shuttle between hotels and parks
- Walking distance to the parks and the mall
Fitting a family in
Family rooms are standard, and children often stay free in the parents' room.
Watch out. Yas Island is 30–40 minutes from central Abu Dhabi and has little beyond the parks and the mall.
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All family stays in UAE

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Things to do in Abu Dhabi with kids

Theme parkBook ahead
Yas Island theme parks
Abu Dhabi
A cluster of parks on one island — a motoring-themed park, an indoor park based on animated characters, and a large water park.
Ages
4–16
Time
9h
Adult, from
€85
Good to know. Multi-park tickets and hotel bundles usually cost less than separate entries for a family.
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CultureBook ahead
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Abu Dhabi
One of the largest mosques in the world, in white marble with inlaid floral stonework. Free entry by timed slot booked online.
Ages
5–17
Time
2h
Adult, from
Free
Good to know. Dress code covers shoulders, arms and legs for all visitors; women cover their hair. Abayas are lent free at the entrance.
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Museum
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
A museum under a perforated steel dome that scatters daylight across the galleries, with a dedicated children's museum inside.
Ages
5–16
Time
3h
Adult, from
€16
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Getting around Abu Dhabi

Taxis and ride-hailing are the practical way around. Yas Island runs a free shuttle between the hotels and the parks. The drive from Dubai is straightforward but the toll and parking rules differ.

Abu Dhabi tips for families

Culture & etiquette
The Grand Mosque has a dress code
Shoulders, arms and legs covered for everyone; women cover their hair. Abayas are lent free at the entrance. Entry is free but timed slots are booked online.
Money & costs
Staying on Yas can include park tickets
Several Yas Island hotels bundle park entry into the room rate, which often beats buying tickets separately for a family.
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Trips that include Abu Dhabi

Ready-made itineraries with this destination built into the route.

5 days€€€UAE
Dubai Family Break
Water parks, desert and a day in Abu Dhabi
Best for ages
4+
Pace
Moderate
Driving
No car needed
Theme parksBeachCity
View trip