12 hidden gems for families in Abu Dhabi

Visiting Heritage Village is a great way to learn about the way of life that once existed in the UAE. This reconstructed village features a souk, mosque, dhows and a traditional fort, originally built to ward off invaders from the sea. Kids will be fascinated at the barasti (traditional palm-leaf houses), the ox-drawn well and the falaj (an ancient irrigation system), which still works today in Abu Dhabi's garden city of Al Ain! Artisans demonstrate their craftsmanship here too, like pottery, weaving and glass blowing. You may even have the opportunity to get involved!

After an extensive conservation programme, the historic Bait Mohammed Bin Khalifa was beautifully restored as a community space for the public. Located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al Ain, you can explore the building and enjoy the permanent exhibition on display—a deep dive into the home’s history and its surroundings from over 60 years ago.

A high-speed trip through the Empty Quarter, the world's largest uninterrupted sand mass, is the experience of a lifetime. Kick off with adrenaline-inducing dune bashing across the vast slopes, try a camel ride, sandboard or quad bike, marvel at the glorious desert sunset and spend the evening at a traditional Bedouin camp where you'll savour freshly grilled Arabic food. The evening’s entertainment also includes belly dancing shows and henna for the guests. Desert Rose Bedouin Desert Camp offers return transfers from your hotel for day and overnight trips.

A trip to the Al Ain Zoo is an Abu Dhabi-must. Home to over 4,000 animals, you can experience several fun activities like penguin feeding, the lemur exhibit, parrot show, reptile encounter, horse and camel rides, a birds-of-prey show and much more. Pop in at the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre where you will learn about how the UAE has been preserving our precious natural environment.

Book an Al Ain Safari tour for an unforgettable hour-long journey across 217 hectares of land along the base of the majestic Jebel Hafit mountain. Safari guides will share their knowledge of the ecosystem and their conservation efforts, and will ensure you get to see as many animals as possible, including lions, white rhinos, zebras, giraffes, and wildebeest. Cap it the day off with a gourmet dinner under the stars and on the edge of the lion territory.

One of eight islands making up the desert islands of Al Dhafra, Sir Bani Yas Island offers everything you need for a day of fun. For watersports, head to Desert Islands Watersports Centre where you can sail, snorkel, dive or kayak through the pristine waters of the wildlife reserve, or take a relaxing sunset cruise. 

Hop on a 4x4 safari with expert guides for a breathtaking tour of the Arabian Wildlife Park. The reserve is home to some 17,000 free-roaming animals including Arabian oryx, gazelles, giraffes, hyenas and cheetahs. Before you leave, remember to make a stop at the Sir Bani Yas Stables to see their state-of-the-art riding facilities.

Mamsha Al Saadiyat is just a 20-minute drive from Abu Dhabi’s city centre and is located on the beautiful Saadiyat Island, close to the Louvre Abu Dhabi. You can easily find moments of peace on the island, from painting on the beach to plenty of wellness activities like yoga and pilates. Once you are done soul-searching, check out the wide variety of restaurants by the promenade. You will find plenty of options to tuck into spanning hipster burgers at Black Tap to seriously good coffee at Coffee Architecture to juicy steaks at The Steak Room.