One thing you will find very thin on the ground in Abu Dhabi is an all-inclusive resort; it’s just not an accommodation model that has been openly adopted in the UAE.
In fact, at last check, we could only find 4 all-inclusive deals in Abu Dhabi emirate to choose from – and even then these packages aren’t available to book all the time, with one exception.
So this is one of our shorter hotel round-ups, but plenty of alternatives to think about if you are planning a family trip to Abu Dhabi in the UAE.
Firstly, what is an all-inclusive resort?
All-inclusive in the hospitality industry means all meals, drinks (soft and alcoholic) and possibly activities are included in the price you pay for your room. So no extra bills to pay for breakfast, lunch and dinner – and quite often house beverages are included throughout the day.
Ultra all-inclusive usually means top-shelf alcohol, snacks throughout the day and extra activities and entertainment is also included without additional charge. ALWAYS read the fine print of what you are getting so there are no nasty surprises when you check out.
We have linked to some of our favourite online booking tools, but also the resort themselves as the all-inclusive deal isn’t always available unless you go direct or via a travel agency.
Abu Dhabi’s only ultra all-inclusive
Rixos Saadiyat Island
Rixos is the undisputed King of the all-inclusive holiday deal in the UAE. The setting on Saadiyat Island is nothing short of superb with soft white sands and clear views to the Arabian Gulf.
The crowds are well set out over the dozen or so bars and restaurants to choose from on-site. The resort also boasts tennis courts, a gym, Anjana Spa and wellness club and an extensive program of sports and activities to keep you busy too. Live performances and DJ’s supplement the entertainment offering.
Kids can access the Rixy Kids Club – supervised for 4 to 12-year-olds (babysitting can be additionally requested). One of the highlights of the resort is the mini aqua park and wave pool, making it one of Abu Dhabi’s best for families.
The resorts has over 370 rooms and villas making it one of Abu Dhabi’s largest.
What does it cost? The resort runs entirely on an ultra all-inclusive basis. So it may look pricier on the surface than other Abu Dhabi hotel offerings, but delivers a lot of value for families. Deluxe King rooms start from $450USD per night, where as a villa will set you back about $3000USD per night.
See pricing here on Booking.Com | Compare deals on HotelsCombined
Rixos also have mega-resorts with the all-inclusive package on the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai and Rixos Bab al Bah on Marjan Island in Ras al Khaimah.
You can find more Saadiyat Island Resort options here
Other all-inclusive optional packages at Abu Dhabi hotels & resorts
Tilal Liwa Hotel
Based in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi Emirate on the edge of the Liwa desert (just beyond the town of Madinat Zayed) you will find the oasis of Tilal Liwa Hotel, a 4-star offering that offers some inclusive drink and meal packages.
We’ll be honest though, it’s a far cry from its luxury 5-star counterpart deeper in the desert, Qasr al Sarab. it does try hard to deliver though for its price bracket and location (OK, it’s a lot cheaper).
It is family-friendy and you can get some great package deals, especially if you travel off-peak and during the week. Do bear in mind on weekends the super special resident deals can attract a rowdy crowd of party-goers, normally good-natured but may not suit everyone. The hotel is small but intimate and includes just the one pool, plus kids room, two restaurants, a bar and desert sports (at additional charge).
The one exciting time of year when the Liwa desert comes to life and it would be a great accommodation option is if you were attending the Al Dhafra Festival. If camel beauty pageants, falconry and Saluki racing sound like your thing, you will have a ball in the Western Region every December – book early though as this is the only fixed accommodation on the festival site.
What does it cost? Families with UAE residency can avail a family special starting from $108USD including breakfast, dinner and dune buggies. Couples all-inclusive drink, eat & stay packages start from $150USD per couple. Standard room rate is around $95USD (plus taxes)
Current Hotel Packages | See prices on Booking.Com | Compare deals on HotelsCombined
You can see all our luxury desert resort favourites in the UAE here.
Anantara Eastern Mangroves
In what looks to be a limited-time Summer 2019 offer, Anantara has an all-inclusive family package to impress.
Set on the banks of the beautiful Eastern Mangroves (on the main freeway from Dubai to Abu Dhabi) you will find this beautiful luxurious 5-star hotel with views to impress. Spacious rooms, a beautiful pool, buffet and Thai dining options and a rooftop lounge are on offer.
What does it cost: The summer special runs only until September 2019. It includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and all house beverages at Ingredients and on the Pool Deck, plus one night’s accommodation for $217USD. Read the fine print though kids need to be under 5 and service times are restricted. None the less, nice to see some package options emerging.
Anantara Direct Offers | See pricing here on Booking.Com | Compare deals on HotelsCombined
Beach Rotana Hotel All Inclusive
Back closer to the city, we have spotted the occasionally all-inclusive deal going at Beach Rotana Hotel. Note this is NOT their standard package but rather one of their special deals which can be found here.
A 5-star hotel in the heart of the city you are incredibly close to the action. The views from the “beach” are improving but have been somewhat shrouded by construction work for several years. You are not on the Gulf itself here but an artificial beach overlooking Al Maryah Island.
The resort offering itself though is great. There’s a great variety of facilities to choose from, including several pools, kids playgrounds and 11 dining options on-site, as well as being connected to Abu Dhabi Mall for further dining retail and family entertainment options.
What does it cost? A standard room for 2 can be secured for as little as $100USD per night, and a “Weekend Escape” two-night stay including breakfast and Friday brunch $245USD. For families (2 adults, 2 children), a theme park package including 2-nights, breakfast and an Abu Dhabi theme park ticket start at $185USD.
See pricing here on Booking.Com | Compare deals on HotelsCombined
You can see all our UAE Family Beach Resort favourites here
Do you know of any other all-inclusive deals in Abu Dhabi? We will keep updating this page as we become aware of new offers.
TAKE ME BACK TO THE UAE WITH KIDS HOME PAGE
Want advice on the best places to stay in the UAE & Middle East with your kids? Pop over to our Family Travel in the Middle East community group on Facebook and share ideas and reviews with like-minded parents.
