Arrive Abu Dhabi; take a taxi or pre-booked transfer to Marriott Downtown Abu Dhabi and drop luggage (early check-in subject to availability). This establishes your Downtown base close to Corniche and central attractions.
Straightforward vegetarian Indian options close to Downtown — Govinda's offers purely vegetarian, while Saravanaa Bhavan is reliable for South Indian thalis and dosas; great for groups and child-friendly meals.
Walk the Corniche promenade, relax at the park or beach, and enjoy skyline views; a gentle first afternoon activity and good for the child to run around. Public beaches and parks are generally open daily (park hours ~06:00–23:00).
Both restaurants have extensive vegetarian menus (Indian sweets, thalis, North/South specialties). They are good for larger groups and offer quick service for children.
Iconic, must-see mosque with stunning architecture and free entry; visitors should follow dress code (modest clothing, women may need to wear an abaya provided on-site). Check opening hours — typically 9:00–22:00; Friday mornings may have restricted access for tourists.
A working palace with grand halls and exhibitions on UAE governance and craftsmanship; highly photogenic and informative. Open roughly 10:00–18:00; entry fee applies.
World-class museum on Saadiyat Island with rotating exhibitions and a spectacular dome; excellent for families and cultural insight. Open 10:00–18:30 (usually closed Tuesdays — today is Thursday so open). Book tickets in advance to skip lines.
Either dine in at Govinda’s for a pure-veg multi-course meal or request a vegetarian option at the Marriott’s restaurant (they usually provide good veg menus).
High-adrenaline rides (including the world’s fastest roller coaster), interactive exhibits and Ferrari-themed attractions — great for adults and older kids. Park hours generally start at 11:00 (check exact opening time), so arrive early for queue advantage.
Yas Mall food court and restaurants offer a wide variety of vegetarian choices (Indian, Middle Eastern, international) and are convenient for the group.
Warner Bros. World is themed indoor park with family rides and shows; Yas Waterworld is a waterpark with slides and rides (seasonal). Both open ~11:00–20:00; pick one for the afternoon and enjoy until evening. Consider a 2-park combo ticket if you want both on separate days.
Yas Island restaurants include veg-friendly options; many eateries can accommodate group dietary preferences. Return to hotel afterward (approx. 25–35 min drive).
If you prefer a relaxed morning before the safari, book a guided mangrove kayak tour or a short eco-cruise; these run in the morning (roughly 07:00–11:00). Book in advance; suitable for families with older children.
Pickup from hotel for a late-afternoon desert safari. Options: Classic 4x4 dune bashing + BBQ and entertainment (approx. 3:30pm–9:30pm), or Luxury/Heritage options with private vehicle, falconry demo and gourmet dinner. Confirm child policy and seatbelt requirements when booking. Operators include reputable local companies and tours arranged via hotel concierge.
Unique educational visit to learn about falcon care and see the hospital facilities; tours usually run mornings (approx. 09:00–13:00) and must be pre-booked. Great cultural experience and family-friendly.
Experience the local Hindu community sites; many temples in Abu Dhabi welcome visitors during puja times. Typical visiting hours are morning ~06:00–12:00 and evening ~17:00–20:00 — confirm timings with temples as they can vary and some are closed midday.
Panoramic views over Abu Dhabi from the Observation Deck at 300 in Etihad Towers; opens typically 10:00–00:00 (confirm current hours) and is excellent for sunset photos.
Board an evening dhow cruise for a relaxing dinner and city skyline views. Most operators have vegetarian menu options and child-friendly seating; cruises generally depart ~19:00 and last ~1.5–2 hours.