Experience Abu Dhabi Reveals What Kids Want on Vacation

A new global survey commissioned by Experience Abu Dhabi delivers family travelers a kids’ travel wish list! The destination brand of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi polled more than 7,000 children ages 5 to 12 and their parents from across nine countries to find out what younger travelers want in family vacations.

“As both a parent and a marketer, I know firsthand how important it is to really listen to kids, to understand what lights them up, what sparks their imagination, and what makes a holiday unforgettable,” said H.E. Nouf Mohamed Al-Bushlaibi, executive director of Strategic Marketing & Communications, DCT Abu Dhabi. “We commissioned this research to hear what truly matters to children when they look at holidays, and what they told us was inspiring: they want connection, adventure, and the freedom to play out the stories they love. Abu Dhabi brings all of that to life as a place where kids can dream big, try new things, and feel right at home doing it with their loved ones.”

Screenshot

Among the findings: Kids genuinely crave real connection, with 90 percent of children worldwide wanting holiday activities that help make new friends. Another 89 percent want a holiday that lets them experience their favorite video game or movie in real life.

© Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi

A few other takeaways from the survey:

• In the United Arab Emirates, 98 percent of kids said big, exciting adventures are a must
• More than three in four kids surveyed in India want to visit a museum on holiday
• In the United Kingdom, 94 percent prioritize activities they can talk about with friends
• German children showed a strong interest in cultural food experiences, with 84 percent wanting to visit a food market
• 89 percent of kids from China want time to relax, play and hang out
• Italian kids stood out for their curiosity, with 95 percent wanting to try activities they’ve never done before
• French kids gravitated toward water activities, with 97 percent wanting to spend a day at a waterpark or enjoying water sports
• Children in Saudi Arabia showed a love for variety with 82 percent wanting to try lots of different cool activities on holiday
• In the United States, 85 percent of children are keen to take part in make-believe activities, like being a race car driver or zookeeper for the day

Abu Dhabi is perfect for family travelers, with attractions ranging from Yas Marina Circuit, Emirates Park Zoo and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi to teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and soon-to-open Zayed National Museum. The destination also asked kids to curate their dream tip to the emirate; the Kids Recommended itinerary is a seven-day guide to culture, adventure, creative play, nature and more.

Learn more.