Everyone books Dubai. Abu Dhabi sits an hour down the road doing many of the same things with more space, more calm, and in my opinion an easier time with kids. As someone who plans the Gulf for families, I often nudge people toward the capital, and they almost always thank me for it.
Here is what you get. One of the most beautiful buildings on earth in the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which is free to visit and leaves even wiggly kids awestruck. A branch of the Louvre under a giant silver dome that rains light. And on Yas Island, a cluster of world class theme parks, including a fully indoor one that is a lifesaver in the heat.
The city spreads across islands linked by bridges, and there is no metro, so you get around by taxi or Uber, both cheap and metered. Base on Saadiyat Island if you want beaches with your culture, or on Yas if the theme parks are the whole point.
The big thing to plan around is the heat. Come November to March and it is warm and glorious. Come in high summer and you will live between air conditioned museums, malls and the pool. Plan the season right and Abu Dhabi is one of the easiest, most rewarding family cities anywhere.
Want the full plan? Abu Dhabi With Kids. Ready to book it? Work with me.
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