How to Have a Two-week Luxury Family Holiday in Abu Dhabi - Tips on Enjoying a Fabulous Two-week Getaway in Abu Dhabi with the Family

As one of the Middle East's most coveted holiday destinations, Abu Dhabi is a desert capital full of stunning beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, retail hotspots and mammoth theme parks. Perfect for a family holiday, spending two glorious weeks in Abu Dhabi requires planning and sound knowledge of the three areas that make up the capital of the UAE. From finding the best resorts to taking part in memorable activities, here are some tips on how to enjoy a two-week family vacation in Abu Dhabi.

1. Secure Luxurious Rests

As the location in which your family will be spending a majority of the time on holiday, selecting family resorts in Abu Dhabi is of great importance. Whether it is the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara or any similar rest, it is necessary to ensure that the property has enough engaging facilities on-site to keep different members of the travel party occupied. Hotels with their own arcade, shopping mall, kids clubs and spas are perfect for those who are heading to Abu Dhabi with a group. A convenient location is another feature you cannot compromise on when it comes to the ideal family hotel as your proximity to the city's best highlight means one can explore Abu Dhabi without the hassle and without spending hours on the road, on the way to attractions and activity hubs.

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2. Sign up for Wildlife Adventures

Regardless of the age range of your tiny tots, a visit to the Arabian Wildlife Park is a must for all families based in Abu Dhabi. Home to a whopping thirteen thousand free-roaming creatures, a tour of this massive compound is as close to families can get to enjoying a safari excursion in the Middle East. Some of the Arabian Wildlife Park's most popular inhabitants include the Arabian oryx and cheetahs while gazelles, hyenas and giraffes are also part of this leafy landscape that's been built to mimic the natural habitat of these animals.

3. Head to the Desert

What's a trip to a holiday hub in the desert worth if one steers clear of the arid landscapes that define its geography? Clock in some desert time during a trip to Abu Dhabi by signing up for a desert safari.  Local tour operators will offer up a host of packages suitable for families with additional activities such as dune bashing or wadi bashing also thrown into the mix in some cases. Those who wish to camp out in the desert in a classic Bedouin-style tent are also welcome to do so since a two-week holiday affords families time to immerse themselves in the arid environment.

4. Spend Time at Yas Waterworld

Ranked the best water park in the city, no family holiday in Abu Dhabi would be complete without spending a day or two splashing around at Yas Waterworld. A whopping 45 water-based rides and attractions are part of this landmark splash centre, which includes 5 slides that are only found in Abu Dhabi. Some of these highlights include the tornado waterslide that lets 6 persons slide down abreast as well as the 3-metre-tall standing wave that can be ridden using bodyboards and flow boards. 

5. Don't Forget Ferrari World

When the world's first-ever Ferrari theme park is located in Abu Dhabi, what family can resist driving around the largest indoor theme park in the world? Those with a love of fast cars and Formula One racing will find no better place to live out their fantasies than this massive compound that's home to more than 20 themed rides and the globe's fastest rollercoaster dubbed Formula Rossa.

6. Make Mealtimes Truly Special

Two weeks is more than enough time to wine and dine in Abu Dhabi's top family restaurants so make the most of your family mealtimes by dropping in on these well-loved establishments. Jones the Grocer, Stars 'n' Bars, and Flavours are veritable icons in this regard.