Abu Dhabi can't decide whether to book anyone been?

[Kvec1507]

So we finally think we've found to perfect place for a big holiday with the kids.
Yas island in Abu Dhabi.
We will be stretching ourselves with money so want to know if anyone has any tips to keep costs down and things to do.
I'm trying to look at booking all inclusive so I don't have to think about finding places to eat and cost. Do you think this is a good idea? If we didn't what are restaurants like is it cheap enough to eat out?
We're looking at the Hilton, do you know if you have to dress up for dinner? We're used to going all inclusive where you go to eat in shorts and tshirts!
Any advice greatly appreciated

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MNHQ update: If you’re short on time, here’s a summary of the best hotels Mumsnetters are recommending on this thread:

😎W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island

😎Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi

For more inspo, check out our guide to the best family hotels in Abu Dhabi, featuring more recommendations from Mumsnetters.

What month are you thinking of going? I would stay away in July/August

Looking to go 30/5-6/6

I'm just curious - what is the appeal? I'm looking at Google images of it, and it just seems like a bland resort that could be anywhere? Is there something in particular for kids that I'm not seeing? I'm assuming it's £££.

You’ll be right by yas mall, water world, Warner bros , Ferrari world . Sea world
opening soon. Mall will have food court for cheaper food options , but fast food. Check whether you get free entry to the theme parks with each hotel night stay ? Warner bros has its official hotel which has that offer. Don’t know much about Hilton. Also check out lapita resort , it’s a 40-50 minute drive from yas in Dubai, has img world, motion gate, Lego land and the resort is meant to be quite lovely and scenic.

Why? Out of all the places in the world why on earth would anyone choose to holiday in soulless, fake Abu Dhabi????

Also add a desert safari tour to the itinerary and Qasr Al watan for beautiful architecture (see if the light show is available after sunset )

The posts from @Butterflies999 give some clue as to why some people might choose it for a fun packed family holiday. It's not for everyone but clearly it's not a completely left field idea for a holiday.

It's very hot in summer. I don't know particulars of Abu Dhabi but I have a friend in Oman and she leaves from mid may until beginning of September each year because the heat is unbearable

This is rude. The OP wants to go there and has asked for advice. This is the Holidays board, not AIBU.

It will be horrendous hot then so you’re really only going to be wanting to do indoor air conditioned activities. It’s quieter at that time of year as many leave to escape the heat.

Have just had two nights in Abu Dhabi, was at Ferrari world this morning. We stayed at the W on Yas..... beautiful hotel especially if your interested in F1 . We walked through the Hilton to get to Yas Marina - busy busy hotel but great pool area and very close to all the restaurants and bars of the Marina. Ferrari world was great and mainly indoors - it's enormous, so would be fine for May/June as AC. Warner B is also indoors. And the New Sea life centre is due to open in May . I don't think I would stay for longer than 3 days - it is very barren and lackluster . We are now in Dubai and the buzz and excitement is amazing compared to AD

I’ve been watching these vlogs- they’ve done a whole series about it all, this is the first one-

If you like that one look at their channel, they’ve done about 4 for their whole trip.

@bert3400
Did you ride Formula Rossa???

It's the influencer's favourite at the moment as the Abu Dhabi tourist board is handing out free flights and hotel stays like toffees.

They're desperate to get more UK visitors

Grew up in ME, I'd rather Oman than AD and wouldn't go to Dubai. Oman is perhaps less family orientated though. Yes people leave for the summer but not until early / mid July. Your dates will be fine heat wise.

@MrsPatrickDempsey

Yes I did, omg it was something else and kept my eye shut most of the time .

We went to Abu Dhabi a few years ago. We stayed at the emirates palace hotel and didn't really leave it. We tried Ferrari world but decided not to bother as DS was too young for all the rides and DH too tall for them.

We went to the Grand Mosque which is well worth a visit. They did free tours on a Friday which were really good. It's a beautiful place. They have a area before you enter where they give you an abaya if you need one.

Abu Dhabi is not soulless, but it is expensive. Hilton is at Yas Bay (not Yas Marina). There are a few other hotels a 10 minute walk away (2 mims taxi)with cheapish restaurants too. It is about 30 mins outside the city. Yas mall is 5 mins away by taxi and has cheaper food options too. Not just fast food, loads of quirky places, even an M&S and a waitose cafe.

The heat is not so unbearable that everyone leaves for the summer. People live there all year around, obviously. But in the summer months you spend your time indoors and the fun parks are mostly indoors to facilitate that.

Make sure you get free entry to the parks with your hotel deal. If not buy your tix online for deals.

Hilton is not a dress for dinner type place. T shirts and shorts fine.

They are not 'desperate for UK tourists' my close friend is a senior manager at a 5 start hotel in Abu Dhabi. Occupancy is very high, from all over the world.

Thanks for the replies. I will definitely look at those vlog videos!

@bert3400
Fabulous! Hoping to go next January. It's top of my list!

@MrsPatrickDempsey

Mission Ferrari was my favourite...superb ride

Stacey Solomon is there at the moment if you look at her Instagram it'll give you some ideas

We have booked a week in October half term. We have done Dubai previously in October. Great weather, only 6 hour flight. Great hotels with pools and beach etc…can’t go wrong.

Abu Dhabi is an incredible destination, and it's no wonder you're considering a visit! The city offers a fascinating blend of modernity and tradition, with attractions like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the vibrant Corniche. If you're still unsure about booking, the Abu Dhabi City Tour is a fantastic way to experience the best of what this captivating city has to offer. Highly recommended for a memorable trip!