Today's Edition
TALAH TURK AND MUDHI ALOBTHANI (ABU DHABI)
Over the years, Abu Dhabi has become one of the region's most appealing places to start and raise a family. That reputation has not developed by chance - it is the result of long-term planning that places family life at the centre of policy, infrastructure and community development.
With a ministry dedicated to family affairs and 2026 declared the Year of Family, the capital continues to show why many parents see it as an ideal place to call home.
"When this city becomes your home, it's hard to imagine life anywhere else," said Aya Sakoury, a mother who lives in Abu Dhabi with her family. "This place gave me safety, opportunity, and a life I'm proud of. That is what home means to me."
Parents particularly value how accessible and family-oriented life feels. Across Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE, public spaces are designed with families in mind. Parks, walking areas, children's activities and cultural attractions are integrated into everyday life, allowing parents and children to spend quality time outdoors comfortably and safely.
Aya said these details shape everyday parenting more than people realise. "My son loves being outdoors, and wherever we go, there are parks, open spaces and activities designed with children in mind," she explained. "That consistency matters."
Spending quality time as a family in Abu Dhabi rarely feels dull or routine, thanks to the city's wide range of activities and destinations. Whether families are looking for an outdoor adventure, an awe-inspiring performance or an enjoyable meal together, the capital offers something for every age group and interest.
For families who prefer beachside outings, there are several options across the city. Some, such as Hudayriyyat, are free to access, while others, including Corniche Beach and Mamsha Beach, offer extra amenities and services for an entry fee.
For full-day excursions within the city, Yas Island offers a range of world-class theme parks, including Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and Ferrari World Yas Island. Families can also catch a show at Etihad Arena, which regularly brings performers from around the world to the capital.
Starting children young on an active lifestyle has also become more natural, thanks to the network of fitness and cycling tracks laid out across the emirate.
For Reem Island residents, the newly opened Reem Bridge offers a picturesque route connecting the island with Saadiyat, with dedicated pedestrian and cycling paths. Hudayriyat Island Loops stand out as one of the city's best purpose-built spaces for outdoor activity, with wide, car-free paths along the water that are ideal for cycling, walking and family fitness.
Safety First
One of the main reasons parents view Abu Dhabi as an exceptional choice is its unparalleled sense of safety and security. Ranked the world's safest city in 2026 for the 10th consecutive year, the UAE capital gives families lasting peace of mind while significantly enhancing their overall quality of life.
Such sense of security impacts the entire experience of parenting, according to Aya. "The way I move through this city with my son feels easy," she said. "I'm not constantly on guard. That kind of peace changes how you raise a child."
For Bushra Naji Al Sanafi, the UAE offered something even deeper than stability. It provided hope. "The UAE gave us a rare feeling of safety and optimism," she says. "It became a place where we could dream of a better future for our children."
Raising Citizens of the World
Al Sanafi also believes that living in such a diverse and respectful society has shaped her children's character. In the UAE, the cultures of the world are not only learned from books. They are experienced through everyday life: in the people one meets, in conversations across different languages, in world-class cultural spaces, and in curated experiences that bring global heritage, art,and faith traditions in close contact.
The Abrahamic Family House, for example, embodies the values of coexistence that children learn in school. It brings together three houses of worship - the Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque, St. Francis Church, and the Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue - in one shared space.
Other places that similarly enrich this cultural education include the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Manarat Al Saadiyat, and the Cultural Foundation.
Al Sanafi said that here, her children "learned tolerance, openness, good morals, and respect in the way they deal with people," adding, "and they developed bigger dreams for their future."
