More and more families find themselves traveling to the Middle East, seeking the luxury lifestyle from authentic cultural experiences and vibrant cities to incredible beach days and high-end accommodations. With a city as opulent as Abu Dhabi offering a taste of all of the above, it can be surprisingly easy to stay and play in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E., even on a budget.
Explore the capital city’s many free, or close to it, activities and attractions while avoiding going home empty handed, literally.
Fill up for a day of sightseeing and beach going at the Rosewater restaurant and buffet. Located in the Jumeirah
, this dining experience will leave you full and happy for most of the day. Kids prices can be even cheaper, but with prices ranging AED210–260, or USD $.50–1.00, you shouldn’t have to worry. Don’t forget the 10 percent service charge and 6 percent tourism fee added to your bill, totaling around $2 per person.
Abu Dhabi is an easy city to explore on a budget as you have the beach sprawled out to one side and lines of hotels to the other. Save some cash and head out hit the beach for free. The city views behind you and teal-blue waters sprawled ahead will be a memorable moment for every family member. Enjoy the modern luxury and cultural appeal of the city with marina malls scattered amid grand mosques and Arabian Gulf beaches.
© Petr Švec | Dreamstime.com
Relax on the white sandy beaches, jump in the water and spend the day getting a tan and head in to the hotel to clean up for happy hour or some light snacks for the kids. Discuss with your concierge about where to go at night depending on the age and specific needs of your family, but take advantage of the full-service accommodations this city tends to offer.
Enjoy a few drink specials and small bites before hitting the town. Drinks can be a bit pricey, so keep it light during the day before heading out at night with the older children.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / Europe
Feb 12, 2026A Parents’ Italian Romance Getaway: 3 Cities to Visit
Romance and Italy go hand-in-hand — which is a good way for lovers to stroll through its romantic towns. Few destinations can offer more to parents traveling for a Valentine’s Day getaway (or any other time of the year) without the whole family. You have plenty of choices, from skiing in the Dolomites to spas in Sicily, but these are our favorites.
Sponsored Content
TAP Air Portugal: A Milestone Year
From small airline to global success, TAP Air Portugal turns 80 and better than ever.
Destinations / North America
Feb 12, 2026New Exhibit Opens at Georgia Sea Turtle Center
Jekyll Island’s Georgia Sea Turtle Center just opened a new interactive exhibit, and family travelers to the South Georgia island will find some exciting marine and terrestrial wildlife beyond sea turtles. The new exhibit highlights the center’s expansive conservation and rehabilitation efforts for a wide range of species that share Jekyll Island with the beloved sea turtles.
Slideshow
Feb 12, 20266 Fort Worth, Texas, Destinations for Family Travel
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Fort Worth, Texas, with us.
Sponsored Content
Discover the Azores & Madeira: Portugal’s Island Paradises Await
Embrace the Portugal’s Magical Islands of the Azores and Madeira
Destinations / North America
Feb 11, 2026Santa Monica: The End of Route 66
This is a big year for America. The country turns 250 years old in 2026 and its favorite road, historic Route 66, is turning 100. That means a whole century of memories for amazing family travel road trips from Chicago to California and back.
ShareThis