The UAE capital and emirate of islands, Abu Dhabi has all the theme parks, waterparks and beaches kids could ever want.
It just opened the first Louvre outside France and, the new building which impresses most in the glittering cityscape, is a mosque.
Only two hours from Dubai, Abu Dhabi has been considerably more heritage savvy than its neighbor and that hasn’t gone unnoticed: the UAE’s only World Heritage site is here and Sir Bani Yas Island is designated a ‘World Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination’.
Al Ain is the UAE’s only World Heritage site and the world’s oldest permanently inhabited settlement – less than two hours’ drive from Abu Dhabi city.
The world’s largest expanse of sand, Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter), covers four Arab states and the historic oasis of Liwa in Abu Dhabi is one of the main gateways to this natural wonder.
Year round sunshine with temperatures between 70 and 80˚C in December and January, rising to 100˚F in August.
Abu Dhabi’s built on 200 islands, so it’s the only emirate for natural island-hopping.
Sitting on the Arabian Gulf, Abu Dhabi has dozens of white sand beaches, mangrove forests, oases, wadis and the UAE’s only links golf course.
Abu Dhabi has luxury beach resorts, soaring designer residences and the world’s only hotel over an F1 racetrack. Oasis villas, wadi spas and island homes are just a few of the more authentic places to stay for family holidays.
Everyone drives everywhere in the UAE and renting a car is the best way to explore Abu Dhabi with kids and give yourself freedom to visit more of the islands and historic areas. If you want to avoid driving, resorts will arrange transport or tours to major sites and taxis are easy and inexpensive for getting around different city districts.