Best Family Friendly Hotels in United Arab Emirates

Beauty and luxury come together here at the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort. When you aren’t lounging in your perfectly decorated and absolutely luxurious room, you’ll love the lovely desert views and a few hours resting by the pool with a cocktail in hand. In addition to the breathtaking panorama of the hotel and its desert setting, there are also restaurants with breathtaking views next to the pool and on the roof. Enjoy the poolside bar where you can have a meal or snacks with your drinks while you take in the wonder that is the desert surrounding Abu Dhabi.

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert’s sister property, is a secluded, beachside affair. It also offers pool villas, but 32 rather than over a hundred and is just 15 minutes away via a free shuttle. The Bedouin influence remains, but with a coastal vibe (whites and blues reign over the decor), that’s particularly evident in the four-pavilion, sea-view spa. As this is a smaller resort, there’s just one restaurant, Shore House, but the hotel offers their version of breakfast in bed – a Balinese-style floating breakfast in pool. And private candlelit dinners on the beach can be arranged.

Taking the form of an Arabian palace, the landmark Waldorf Astoria in RAK rises dramatically from the shoreline. The opulent multi-domed hotel brings classic Waldorf facilities and service to the Middle east. On entry, guests are greeted by a 1920s era lobby with a grand piano, vintage furnishings and an elaborate marble-effect fountain. The hotel sits beside an 18-hole golf course and has a lagoon-style pool bordering a section of private beach, tennis courts, an upscale spa, nine restaurants (one of which is reserved for adults), a kids’ club, a playground, regular live DJ sets and 346 rooms.

Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach features 237 guest rooms and suites, taking classical Arabian design as inspiration. Set along a pristine private stretch of coastline, the resort captures the essence of Dubai luxury with sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf on one side and the Burj Khalifa skyline on the other.

Interiors are elegant, adorned with hand-crafted details, marble bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows opening to private balconies. Guests can enjoy a diverse culinary scene across Mercury Rooftop, Sea Fu, Suq, and Shai Salon, along with an array of lively bars and lounges.

The resort’s tranquil The Pearl Spa & Wellness features 10 treatment rooms, a Moroccan hammam, and two expansive indoor and outdoor pools. With lush gardens, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and easy access to both the beach and city, this resort is an oasis of refined leisure and cosmopolitan flair.

A true palace, this hotel will never let you down with its lavish design and luxurious hospitality. Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, the hotel is near the pristine waters of the sea and also boasts a decadent pool and spa for your rest and relaxation. The rooms and suites are beautifully furnished and have state of the art sound systems, private balconies, and lovely views of the city. Delectable food can be found at any of the hotel’s bars or restaurants, whether you desire a full meal or just a couple of cocktails.

Palm Jumeirah Island is the address for this plush and lavish 5-star Raffles The Palm. Designed to offer guests profound wellbeing and palatial pleasure. The ornate style of the spacious rooms and suites resonates throughout the rest of the hotel. Hotel guests can enjoy a choice of three upmarket restaurants, each excelling in its speciality cuisine; from contemporary Japanese, alfresco dining through to traditional Afternoon Tea – there is something top suite all tastes and occasions.  The outdoor or indoor pools are a great place to reenergise whilst the private beach area is perfect for those who love the sun. Guests can also make use of the extensive spa facilities, yoga studio and fully equipped gym. Raffles the Palm is perfect for those who enjoy style and variety.

Exuding French elegance and inspired by Polynesia, this hotel is found on the East Crescent of The Palm. Choose between a bedroom, a suite, an apartment or a villa, some with balconies. All accommodations feature onyx, stone and dark wood furnishings, with a colour palette evocative of the South Pacific’s landscapes, the brand’s signature MyBeds, Illy coffee machines, pillow menus and French bath products. This Sofitel has six outdoor swimming pools, a private beach with netted swim areas and its own seaside Laguna Bar, as well as nine more venues in which you can wine and dine.

If you really want to escape the rat race, come to the ancient dunes of the Al Wadi Desert. An uber-luxury take on Bedouin living, the accommodation includes tent-style buildings and mud-brick villas (all of which have their own infinity pools). The settlement is on Al Wadi Nature Reserve, so expect to spy plenty of gazelles and antelope. And there’s an abundance of unusual excursions organised by The Ritz-Carlton – both for kids and adults. Farmhouse restaurant served produce from its own smokehouse and garden, plus there’s Kaheela for small plates and the Samar or Lobby Lounges for drinks and lighter bites. The spa has a hydrotherapy circuit, a rainforest experience and 10 regal pavilions.

Stay beside one of Dubai’s most recognisable landmarks — the Palm Jumeirah — close to malls and the downtown area. All bedrooms have full height windows and balconies to maximise the views, and the outdoor pool is found beside the resort’s private beach; the latter offering a range of watersports. Guests can make use of a fitness centre and the Saray Spa, while younger travellers are well-catered for at the kids club. Also onsite are 10 restaurants providing everything from Korean to Italian, Japanese and Mexican cuisine. Book an Executive Level suite for access to the M Club Lounge.

The Ritz Carlton Dubai is located along the famous JBR Walk and 5-minutes away from the Dubai Marina. The Ritz Carlton offers 294 amazingly luxurious rooms and suites with sea views and private balconies. It offers first-class spa facilities to all of its guests and six outdoor swimming pools for relaxation and good times. You can enjoy themed meals in the hotel’s 9 restaurants, ranging from Asian to Mediterranean dining but also healthy cuisine provided by the Palm Grill on the beach.

Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah is only a 3-minute walk away from the beach and is located on the amazing Palm Jumeirah. The 244 luxurious suites, villas, and penthouses guarantee 5-star accommodation overlooking the lagoon or Arabian Gulf. Guests can enjoy fine dining at any of the four restaurants and bars. The Brunello Restaurant serves exquisite Mediterranean dishes while the K-West Bar is the perfect place to enjoy your evening cocktails. For a bit of shopping, you can browse through the shops inside the resort or visit the nearby Mall of the Emirates.

Amidst the beautiful 1km-long private beach and historic waterway of the Khor Al Maqta lies your next oasis in the heart of the United Arab Emirates, the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri. In their 213 rooms and suites, as well as 6 private villas and 160 serviced apartments, you can find rest and relaxation with modern facilities and burst of Arab architectural design – arched doorways and oversized marble mosaic bathrooms. When you’re not admiring the stunning views of the Khor Al Maqta creek or the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, you can enjoy culinary delights at the 4 restaurants and bars, including the renowned Shang Palace or soak up the sun on the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri’s private beach and infinity pool.