Is Abu Dhabi suitable for families?You’d be surprised how many kids there are in the UAE capital

Abu Dhabi might not be the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to family travel, but maybe it should be. Not only is the city the capital of the United Arab Emirates, but it’s also packed with kid-friendly activities (which adults will love too).

Here’s what you need to know.

where to live

Late last year, the world’s first Warner Bros hotel opened in Abu Dhabi on Yas Island.

WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton It has 257 rooms and is operated by Hilton under the Curio Collection brand. Guests will be able to start a unique hospitality experience through the lens of their favorite Warner Bros. stories and characters (room service can be provided by Looney Tunes characters such as Bugs Bunny).

The opening of the new hotel helps to further strengthen Yas Island’s position as a global entertainment, leisure and business destination and supports Abu Dhabi’s ambition to attract more local and international tourists.

The new property is located in Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi Theme Park, one of the largest indoor theme parks in the world, with six immersive parks including DC’s Metropolis and Gotham City, Cartoon Junction, Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch and Warner Bros. Plaza, plus nearly 30 rides for families of interactive attractions and live entertainment. In this 37-acre park, kids can meet Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Scooby-Doo and Fred Flynnstone.

What should I do

Other nearby attractions Including Ferrari World, the world’s first Ferrari-branded theme park. It’s open year-round and features more than 20 rides and attractions, as well as shopping and dining. One of the highlights is Formula Rossa, the fastest roller coaster in the world. It sprints from 0 to 240 km/h in 4.9 seconds while soaring to a height of over 170 feet. The park also features family areas, state-of-the-art simulators, electric karts, live shows and plenty of racing memorabilia.

Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi Water Park is another family favorite. It has more than 40 rides and attractions. One of the most popular waterslides is Dawwamma, a 780-foot-long six-person tornado waterslide powered by hydromagnetics. There are also 9-foot waves at Bubble’s Barrel, which has one of the largest surfboards and surfboards in the world. The Bandit Bomber has onboard water and laser effects, and the rider shoots water jets at the target, dropping water bombs and triggering special effects. The water park also features a variety of on-site restaurants as well as an open-air market and pearl diving exhibit.

An itinerary to spend a day or two on Sir Baniyas Island is usually a family itinerary. It is one of the eight islands that make up the desert islands of Al Dafra. Sir Baniyas Island offers a variety of water sports including sailing, snorkeling, diving and kayaking. For more leisurely fun, there are also sunset cruises. At Arabian Safari, families can go on a guided 4×4 safaris and see a variety of animals including Arabian oryx, gazelle, giraffe, hyena and cheetah. With over 17,000 free-roaming animals, the reserve is an ideal way to teach kids about nature. For lovers of equestrian activities, Sir Bani Yas Stables allows children and adults to ride in nature.

Al Ain Zoo is another popular place for families. It is home to more than 4,000 animals and has a variety of exhibits including penguin feedings, bird shows, reptile encounters, horseback riding, camel or pony rides around gorgeous green spaces, raptor shows and more.

The Al Ain Safari is a one-hour journey through 536 acres of land at the foot of Jebel Hafit. There is a chance to see many animals including lions, rhinos, zebras, giraffes, ostriches and wildebeest. Families can also make dinner reservations under the stars on the edge of Lions territory.