Kids and Family in Abu Dhabi

Whereas Dubai has the reputation of being a tourist magnet, teeming with single young visitors who love shopping and clubbing, Abu Dhabi is where those youngsters are likely to move to when they finally settle down. 

Child-friendly activities in Abu Dhabi

Friday brunch is the most popular pastime among expat families, and a number of five-star hotels serve up sumptuous fare while providing on-site entertainment for the little ones.

Evening picnics are a great way to enjoy the outdoors without the sunburn, and offer a good opportunity to meet the locals who favour these areas during dusk.

In the summer, the extreme heat limits entertainment options to indoor play areas in shopping malls, St Andrews Playgroup and television. Yas Waterworld is another great option to beat the heat and offers something for the whole family with water slides, static surfing waves, shops and restaurants.

Most expats go home for the months of July and August.

Parent networks in Abu Dhabi

The main lifeline for parents in the emirate is Abu Dhabi Mums, a parent's network that offers information on playgroups, membership discounts and opportunities to partake in pool swim meets, join in horseback riding and to borrow toys and books from library collections. They also organise social events for parents to enjoy a night out.

Other playgroups are held at St Andrews Church on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. For a small fee, children can enjoy the toys, and snack and drink while parents mingle.

Expat parents should keep in mind that most of these groups are run by volunteers, so chipping in with bits of one's own time and money is greatly appreciated.

Challenges for parents in Abu Dhabi

Playgrounds are a regular point of frustration and seem unlikely to have been designed by parents; there are often no toddler swings, and rarely shade or benches for parents to rest on.

Some parts of the city, especially on the outskirts, resemble building sites more than communities; and steering a stroller or pram over cracked, uneven and steep pavements can make any mother's blood boil. Furthermore, driving is hazardous and the Islamic call to prayer can be inconvenient for parents with young children who are easily woken at night or during naps.

Expat parents may also find it especially strange that random passers-by are interested in photographing their kids. There is no need to be concerned by the request, but how one responds is a personal choice.