For year-round sun Dubai and Abu Dhabi are a top choice for a hassle-free family holiday. Beautiful beaches, excellent service and outstanding hotels make the UAE a wonderful destination. Here are are top picks for a stay with kids.
Words by Lucy Halfhead
Published: 5th February 2026 | Last updated: 5th February 2026

We’ve spent hours reading the hundreds of reviews you’ve shared with us, to produce a visited & verified shortlist of the best family friendly hotels in the UAE. We hope you find this really useful, and if you do, that you consider booking via our complimentary Tiny Travel Agency service or the affiliate links in the article (meaning we make a small commission, and can keep providing you with this kind of content!)
From desert palaces and island hideaways to splash-filled beach resorts and glittering city escapes, the UAE is basically one giant playground for families. Across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, you’ll find hotels where kids’ clubs feel like mini kingdoms, beaches roll out for miles, and service is so smooth it makes travelling with little ones feel almost too easy. Days drift happily between lazy pool dips, paddleboarding sessions, camel rides through ochre dunes and visits to underwater worlds filled with sharks, rays and technicolour fish. Evenings bring breezy alfresco dinners under warm Gulf skies, long walks on lantern-lit paths and that lovely holiday feeling where nobody’s checking the time. Whether you’re craving high-octane thrills, serene island living or full Arabian-style adventure, the UAE has it all for families of all ages and stages
Best hotels for babies and toddlers in the UAE: Rixos The Palm Dubai
Best hotels for kids in the UAE: Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas
Best hotels for teens in the UAE: Atlantis The Palm, Dubai
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The kind of place where you settle in within minutes, Jumeirah Al Naseem feels breezy and modern, with soft neutral tones, swaying palms and plenty of little corners to relax in. Kids often make a beeline for the lagoon-style pools and the turtle rehabilitation sanctuary, which is genuinely fascinating even for adults. The big win for families, though, is having Wild Wadi Waterpark right next door – a massive bonus when you’ve got energetic kids and Dubai sunshine. Rooms are spacious with lovely balconies and the restaurants make mealtimes incredibly easy, whether you’re craving sushi, pizza or something fresh off the grill. It’s luxurious but never stiff and everything feels set up to make family holidays feel effortless
If you want a holiday where you barely need to think or plan, Rixos The Palm is spot on. The all-inclusive setup takes all the pressure off, meaning you can wander into brilliant restaurants, join activities on a whim or let the kids lose themselves in the superb Rixy Kids Club. There’s always something happening, whether it’s pool games, beach sports, cooking sessions or evening performances. The resort’s private beach is calm and perfect for little swimmers, and the pools are huge and lively. Parents love the spa, fitness classes and varied dining options, while kids love, well… everything. It’s colourful, energetic and super welcoming – the kind of place where family memories pile up quickly because no one’s stressing about logistics
JA Palm Tree Court is a Dubai favourite for families who want space, greenery and a slightly slower pace. It’s set inside a vast resort with gardens, lakes and resident peacocks – yes, peacocks! – that wander around like they own the place. The suites open right onto the lawns or the beach, so there’s this easy indoor/outdoor rhythm to the day that tiny travellers love. Activities are endless: horse riding, golf, a marina, water sports and a really thoughtful kids’ club. But the vibe stays beautifully chilled, so it’s perfect for families who want fun without the frenzy. Parents tend to gravitate toward the serene spa or long waterside lunches and evenings feel especially magical with soft lighting, warm breezes and the sound of the sea just steps away
It’s all about barefoot luxury at Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort – think white-sand beaches, turquoise water and a natural, soothing atmosphere that makes you breathe a little deeper. Rooms are light and airy, many with ocean views that feel like they belong on the front of a postcard. Splash areas and daily activities suit the younger members of your tribe, while grown-ups relish the spa, the relaxed beach bars and the gentle quiet that Saadiyat is known for. There’s a strong eco-focus here too, which makes the experience feel more thoughtful and relaxed. Dolphins sometimes appear offshore, which is a huge thrill for all ages! If you want a holiday that blends luxury with nature and calm, this place nails it – it’s indulgent but never overwhelming
Atlantis isn’t just a hotel – it’s practically a destination in its own right. Families come for the wow factor, and the resort delivers it in spades. Aquaventure Waterpark is enormous, packed with record-breaking slides and lazy rivers, while The Lost Chambers Aquarium immerses tots in a world of sharks, rays and glowing sea creatures. Rooms are colourful and comfortable, many with sweeping ocean views. Every day feels like an adventure: marine encounters, kids’ clubs, sandy beaches, ice-cream stops and an almost ridiculous number of restaurants to choose from. Evenings bring shows, music, lights and the kind of buzz that makes everything feel a bit magical – you’re guaranteed to make memories by the bucketful
Set beside the shimmering Grand Canal with views of the iconic Sheikh Zayed Mosque, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi feels both grand and inviting at the same time. The architecture hints at Venetian palazzos, but the vibe is very relaxed and family friendly. The huge pool – one of the city’s largest – becomes the centre of daily life, with shaded kids’ areas perfect for newbie swimmers. The Ritz Kids programme is packed with thoughtful activities, from crafts to outdoor adventures. On top of all that, the gardens offer plenty of space to roam and dining options range from casual pizza nights to elegant Middle Eastern feasts. You’re close to Abu Dhabi’s cultural highlights, but the resort itself is peaceful enough that you may not want to leave at all
Four Seasons Dubai blends sandy-toed beach days with top-tier style and somehow still manages to feel incredibly welcoming to families. Rooms are big and bright, with beautiful bathrooms and balconies that catch the evening light perfectly. The kids’ club is cheerful and well-run, offering daily activities that keep little ones happily occupied while parents sneak off to the spa or a classy lunch by the water. The private beach is calm and pristine, great for swimming or simply lounging under a parasol. Dining is excellent across the board, with something for every mood. The whole resort has that signature Four Seasons polish, but with a warmth that makes families feel completely at home
A shimmering fortress tucked deep into the rolling dunes of the Empty Quarter, Qasr Al Sarab is one of those rare places that feels almost unreal when you arrive – and it’s also a paradise for adventurous families. Days can be spent camel trekking, sandboarding down giant dunes, exploring the desert with a guide or simply splashing in the pool with cinematic views. You’ll find desert-themed activities at the kids’ club and a lovely spa to help you discover the feeling of truly getting away from it all. Rooms and villas are decorated in warm earthy tones with terraces perfect for sunset watching. At night the stars are dazzling!
Emirates Palace is luxury on a grand, theatrical scale and families adore it. The domes, the gardens, the shimmering details, the private beach… everything is big, beautiful and memorable. Kids are spoiled for choice with giant pools, shaded splash zones, adventure courses and daily activities that keep them busy and excited. Meanwhile, adults sink into spa treatments, long beachfront walks or dinners at the resort’s incredible restaurants. Despite its grandeur, the atmosphere is welcoming and surprisingly relaxed. Service is exceptional, and it’s the little touches, like towel animals or surprise treats, that make tiny travellers feel genuinely special. It’s a place where everyday moments feel elevated, and family holidays take on a bit of royal sparkle
Want a brilliant option for families who want all-inclusive luxury without compromising on elegance? Check out Rixos Premium Saadiyat. The resort sits on one of the UAE’s loveliest beaches, with calm blue water and soft sand perfect for little feet. The kids’ club is lively, with mini slides, creative workshops and daily entertainment. Meanwhile, adults get gourmet dining, a gorgeous spa and plenty of quiet corners to relax in. The wave pool and main pool keep the whole family entertained, and the all-inclusive concept means meals are easy, flexible and stress-free. It’s polished, friendly and wonderfully convenient – a true crowd-pleaser for families of all ages
If you prefer understated luxury over anything flashy, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi will be your happy place. The resort is spread out along a beautiful stretch of Saadiyat Beach, with spacious rooms and villas designed in calming neutrals. There are lovely pools and a kids’ club that focuses on thoughtful, creative play rather than just noise and chaos. Parents can kick back and relax in the chic lounges, the excellent spa and the wonderfully peaceful feel of the resort. The beach is one of the best in the region – wide, soft and natural – and perfect for long family walks at sunrise or sunset
Saadiyat Rotana offers a fun, sun-drenched mix of beach vibes and modern style. The resort has loads of space, from the sweeping gardens to the huge pool area complete with a lazy river and splash playground. Rooms and villas are bright and inviting, with lots of breakout spot to accommodate different members of your crew. The kids’ club has a cinema, water slides and daily activities that keep children excited and engaged. Meanwhile, adults can choose from several excellent restaurants, unwind at the spa or enjoy a quiet drink by the beach
Voco brings a fresh, youthful energy to The Palm, perfect for visitors who want beach access without the fuss of a giant mega-resort. The vibe is light, modern and friendly, with bright rooms, generous family layouts and a rooftop pool that becomes a favourite hangout spot at sunset. The beach is calm and great for little swimmers, and the resort’s restaurants are casual enough that mealtimes never feel like a production. The location is pretty great – close to the sights but still relaxing – and the easy pool-to-beach rhythm of the day is a hit with all ages
Located in Bluewaters Island, one of Dubai’s most walkable, family friendly neighbourhoods, the Delano is where to go for a touch of Miami cool. The hotel is stylish but very approachable, with restful rooms, a lovely beach and pools that feel chic without being off-limits to kids. You’ll enjoy being able to stroll straight into Bluewaters’ cafés, ice-cream shops and waterfront restaurants, and the proximity to Ain Dubai adds a fun bonus. Days drift between beach time, exploring the island and relaxing by the pool, while evenings are warm, breezy and full of atmosphere. It’s a perfect pick for families who want a mix of city energy and seaside calm, all wrapped up in a polished, modern package
Themes: Hotel Hotlists
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