Abu Dhabi is the perfect choice for the fun-packed family holiday of your dreams.

The future home of the Middle East’s first Disney attraction, this wonderland of action and amusement is already bursting with a plethora of theme parks and waterparks. Nothing less than out-of-this-world entertainment can be expected during holidays in Abu Dhabi, with year-round sunshine meaning you can visit whenever you please. You’ll find pristine beaches, museums and nature spots all promising magical moments to share with your nearest and dearest. Indoor attractions are air conditioned to ensure you can enjoy your experience comfortably, and with the 7-hour flight to the UAE’s capital shorter in comparison than travelling to some other theme park destinations, getting there is also a breeze. Additionally, you can take advantage of discounted entry to many top attractions by purchasing an Abu Dhabi Pass. This provides access to more than 70 experiences with savings of up to 50%. If all of this has whet your appetite for a getaway beyond all expectation, read on to discover our top 10 things to do on a family holiday in Abu Dhabi.

1. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Your fun-filled family holiday wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the electrifying Ferrari World. It’s clear to see why this is regarded as Abu Dhabi’s best theme park, with more than 40 record-breaking attractions, including the fastest roller coaster in the world. A ride on Formula Rossa will see you reach mega speeds of 240km/h, while the Tyre Change Experience will test your ability and reflexes as an F1 pit crew member. Children of all ages will love this hub of entertainment as there’s a variety of rides to suit everyone, with something fun for even the littlest of visitors, like Formula Rossa Junior and Speedway Race. Ferrari World is conveniently located on Yas Island, close to many other of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic attractions.

2. Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi

We understand that Abu Dhabi can experience quite warm weather conditions, so if you’re looking for somewhere fun that’s indoors and air conditioned, we’d recommend you have Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi on your itinerary. Here, you’ll find 29 exciting rides and live entertainment. There’s also plenty of shops for you to pick up some souvenirs from your favourite Warner Bros. films, as well as restaurants that offer delicious fare to suit every palate. Keep an eye out on your family day for characters like Superman, Wonder Woman, Bugs Bunny, Scooby Doo and Fred Flintstone, who are more than happy to pose for photos. Some of Abu Dhabi’s most luxurious hotels are located near this incredible theme park, including The WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton.

3. Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi

Untold aquatic fun awaits for the whole family at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi. Covering an area the size of 15 football pitches, there’s 40 rides and slides to choose from to induce your adrenaline and truly test your bravery. These include Dawwamma, a six-person tornado slide, Jebel Drop, where you fall from 10 storeys-high, and the Bandit Bomber high-speed roller coaster. There’s also a lazy river, swimming pools and splash zones for those seeking a more chilled-out experience. Keep your energy up and refuel in the on-site dining venues that offer pizza, pasta, salads, sandwiches and ice cream. You can even rent a private Al Waha cabana for your family, where the VIP butler service will keep you thoroughly looked after with an exclusive menu filled with delicious dishes and complimentary towels.

4. Seaworld Abu Dhabi

Experience an underwater wonderland at Seaworld Abu Dhabi, where some of the planet’s most extraordinary marine species reside. Children will have the time of their life spotting the colourful shoals of exotic fish as well as the turtles and sea snakes. Feel the excitement of seeing penguins, otters, walruses, sea lions and arctic foxes, or have a go at hand feeding the Dugongs. At Seaworld Abu Dhabi, fun is blended with education as you can understand the vital conservation work alongside interesting facts about the marine species and their environments. You can also expect a similar exciting day out at The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi, where you’ll find more than 46,000 animals and can hop on a glass-bottomed dhow tour to see the sharks and freshwater rays.

5. Yas Kartzone

Yas Kartzone is the best place for a family-friendly day out with an edge. The 1km-long go-karting track offers endless fun at epic speeds, with Cadet Karts (for ages eight to 12) and Senior Karts (for ages 13 and older) waiting to test your driving skills. There are even smaller karts for children aged five to seven, so no one is left out! Yas Kartzone is situated in the home of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Yas Marina Circuit, allowing you to enjoy a taste of the big race experience. Who knows, your family karting battles may inspire you to discover the thrill of watching live Formula One at the track for yourself.

6. Yas Mall

The ultimate entertainment zone in Abu Dhabi has got to be Yas Mall. Connected to Ferrari World, you could combine a day of roller coaster-riding with everything on offer in this impressive family-friendly haven. KidZania is an interactive mini-city replica of Abu Dhabi with games and activities for children aged four to 16, while Leo & Loona has a range of attractions perfect for little ones up to the age of 12. These include a princess room, glow-in-the-dark slide, soft play and creative workshops. CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi boasts an indoor flight chamber and monster rock climbing wall that measures 141 feet-tall, as well as four other walls of varying difficulty. Bring the whole family to experience the thrill of flying, with visitors as young as three able to participate. There’s also a 20-screen cinema, array of shops and multiple dining options.

7. Jebel Hafit Desert Park

Escape to the Jebel Hafit Desert Park for a unique Bedouin experience of camping, star gazing, barbecuing, horse riding, camel riding and hiking through the rolling dunes – all things your family will love! This hive of Emirati culture is nestled at the base of the tallest peak in Abu Dhabi, the Jebel Hafit mountain, in the oasis city of Al Ain, the UAE’s first-ever UNESCO World Heritage Site. History buffs will also enjoy a trip to the Jebel Hafit Desert Park as it houses many significant sites of Middle Eastern heritage, such as 8,000 year-old remnants from the Neolithic period and the 5,000 year-old Jebel Hafit Beehive Tombs. Just make sure you remember the essentials of water, sun cream, hats and breathable clothing.

8. Mangrove National Park

There’s no better place to enjoy nature with your family than the Mangrove National Park. Older children will love taking in the awe-inspiring beauty while kayaking in the water channels, strolling through the verdant foliage and enjoying a picnic in paradise. Here, you can admire a variety of landscapes, such as salt marshes and mudflats, as well as trees that grow to a whopping height of 15 feet-tall. There’s plenty of endemic flora and fauna to keep an eye out for too. Crabs, turtles, fish, herons and flamingos all live alongside larger species like foxes, dugongs and dolphins. If you want to pack your Abu Dhabi itinerary with more exploits in nature, another option is a visit to Jubail Mangrove Park. You’ll discover a host of other wildlife and even more areas to explore with the whole family.

9. The Arabian Wildlife Park, Sir Bani Yas Island

Get your fix of wild animals on a family trip to The Arabian Wildlife Park, located on Sir Bani Yas Island, one of eight desert islands in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi. There’s more than 17,000 free-roaming species to catch a glimpse of, like the endemic Arabian oryx, gazelles, giraffes, hyenas and cheetahs. Admire these majestic creatures on a 4X4 nature safari tour, where expert guides will take you to the best sites for spotting them. More family fun can be found at one of Abu Dhabi's exceptional zoos. Offering the chance for the youngest of children to enjoy close encounters and hand-feeding experiences with exotic and endangered animals, Emirates Park Zoo and Al Ain Zoo are sublime places for fun and interactive education.

10. Louvre Abu Dhabi

Embark on a cultural excursion to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, situated in the heart of the culture district on Saadiyat Island. Take the whole family to gaze at a myriad of permanent and loaned masterpieces collated from across the globe. After spending hours in this pleasantly air-conditioned museum, you can even participate in a kayaking trip around the exterior of the building to take in the full majesty of its architecture. A special sight is the Dome, which seems to weightlessly float above the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The sun shines through the cutout stars that compose the Dome, creating distinct and enchanting shadows below which are a treat for the eyes and a magical experience for children that they surely won’t ever forget.