Abu Dhabi family holidays -little luxuries of life

Abu Dhabi with baby for us was one the loveliest and most memorable – first Christmas with our first child! And to make Abu Dhabi family holidays even more memorable, we threw in few luxury treats. Friends based in UAE lent us their car to drive between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. A smooth straight forward 1 hour journey as infrastructure is great and directions likewise. So we left Dubai just after lunch, with the little one deep asleep for the journey. But over the years (with toddlers and kids included), we got rental cars, both from Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports, easy drive around and roadtrips both airports!

Abu Dhabi with baby – Sofitel Corniche

With a baby 12 years ago we picked Sofitel Corniche for similar considerations to Dubai base; they were running a great offer for the executive lounges. We got a suite on the 25th floor overlooking the blue Arabian golf, designery, spacious and impeccable, 2 bathrooms including separate bath tub area with Lcd, pillows menus and butler service. All very UAE and convenient. The other great detail was the access to the Executive floor, with tailored service, including nice breakfasts, amuse-bouches for lunch, patisseries and macaroons for tea time and wine served until 7pm. We made the most of the Executive Club and most evenings after the baby went to sleep, monitored him with the camera and wifi over nibbles, grown up conversations and wine ( payable after 7pm but very convenient for us afterall).

Sofitel Corniche executive club

Sofitel Corniche executive club at Xmas

Christmas felt very joyous at the hotel, with the Executive club staff being so attentive and kind – delightful Abu Dhabi family holidays! Baby modelled his first Xmas outfit and was particularly chilled and delighted by the Indian talkative staff. Another great little detail that we loved at Sofitel executive lounge was baby’s own toiletries – yummiest fragrances of coconut plus the crispest bedsheets and little cute pillow. We all felt very spoilt in here plus it felt truly good value for money.

Favourite places Abu Dhabi with baby :

– We celebrated Christmas Eve/ the 24th at the Beach Club Saadiyat Island, hanging around the swimming pool sipping bubbles and enjoying the views over the wild beautiful beach of the Natural Reserve and the sleek functionality of the Club. Our UAE friend joined us and we caught up bathing in the sun, entertaining the baby and taking pictures.

Saadiyat island beach

– Christmas lunch we went to Turquoiz at St Regis – right by the beach, North African theme restaurant and lounge – great half day. We loved the chill out vibes, food and wine, very chic, relaxed and still family friendly. After lunch we spent a couple of hours by the beach and the bar, a good dj and ambiance. And in 2022 and 2023 we found St Regis beach as stunning as we left it, Turquoiz now a fabulous Buddha Bar, as good as Buddha Bar Mykonos by Santa Marina!

St Regis Abu Dhabi beach

And Buddha Bar by St Regis Saadiyat makes a wonderful spot for sunset drinks and chilled early dinner by the beach, we loved the food, the music and vibes!

Buddha Bar by St Regis Saadiyat with kids

Road trips from Dubai : Buddha Bar by St Regis Saadiyat

Some other day trips Abu Dhabi with baby (or without), updated with our fantastic 2022 & 2023 trips:

– Ferarri World Abu Dhabi has been a legendary day for the kids, we reckon 3 years olds ideally and older to enjoy driving cars, soft play areas and all the fun. Our 6 year and 9 years olds reckon it makes the best fun park they have been to, and London & around have been rather spoilt!

Ferarri World Abu Dhabi legendary day alert, the kids concluded

Ferarri World Abu Dhabi young kids rides

–Louvre Abu Dhabi : Jean Nouvel’s architecture is magnificent and sunsets especially gorgeous in there; the permanent collection is filled with glorious antiquities (that our Percy Jacksons fan adored), whilst the children museum visionary and engaging.

Louvre Abu Dhabi – kids loved the permanent collection

UAE road trip itinerary : Louvre Abu Dhabi

– Emirates palace, part of Mandarin Oriental. Tones of grandeur and a landmark hotel, home to the Hakkasan that our kids love and rave about. Spot the difference between 2023 sans enfants and 2024 with kids in tow but hey the message is: the modern design and contemporary Cantonese cuisine takes the spotlight; our kids adore their crispy salt and pepper squid, noodles and tofu; whilst we love their dim sums and grilled Chilean sea bass.

Hakkasan Abu Dhabi with kids

Hakkasan Abu Dhabi Emirates Palace

– Observation Deck 300, Jumeirah At Etihad Towers, nowadays Conrad Abu Dhabi Towers. Nice tea and stunning views.

Abu Dhabi with baby – Observation Deck 300, Jumeirah At Etihad Towers.

Abu Dhabi family holidays at Fairmont

– Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa By Anantara. Great service and pool, chilled day over beers and casual food.

Abu Dhabi with baby. Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa By Anantara.

– Abu Dhabi public beaches, long, calm and nice strip, lovely walk in the morning or sunset.

Abu Dhabi with baby. Public beach

Fab walk by Saadiyat island white sand beach

–Sheikh Zayed Mosque is the largest in UAE and its architectural grandeur meant to reflect the cultural diversity of the Islamic world with a contemporary art twist. Swarovski crystals chandeliers and mosaic marbles are just some of the highlights; it makes a stunning sight at sunset – we soaked in daily from our Ritz Carlton glam pied a terre!

Road trips from Dubai : Sheikh Zayed Mosque at sunset

Sheikh Zayed Mosque with kids

Taxis are relatively cheap and friendly, baby sleeping a bit on the way out and lunch time normally by the beach. December temperatures were nice and mild : 22/23C degrees at most, very pleasant for us all. Abu Dhabi family holidays were such a treat for us all, we have been back regularly with grown up kids and planning some more.

Over the years we have tested it all: St Regis Saadiyat to Hyatt Park Saadiyat; Ritz Carlton to Fairmont; Rixos Marina to Rosewood and Bab Al Qasr; Saadiyat is still our preferred beach in Abu Dhabi to chill but depending on your agenda and timelines you will find all listed in here fab.