Mother and Baby writer Hannah visited Abu Dhabi in December 2024 during the Christmas holidays with her two sons, George(6) and Frank (4) and her mother, Traci. They stayed in the Fairmount Bab Al Bahr hotel for five days.
If you're looking for a family-friendly hotel in Abu Dhabi, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr should be at the top of your list. The hotel is situated on the stunning shores of Abu Dhabi, with breathtaking views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. We visited this hotel in December 2025 and were blown away by its beauty.
The hotel offers a perfect retreat for families seeking a balance between relaxation and adventure. With its spacious rooms, picturesque views, a private beach, and welcoming atmosphere, this resort is ideal for families who want to unwind and enjoy some precious family time, but is still close enough to enjoy all of the fun family activities that Abu Dhabi offers.
For families with young children, the hotel’s outdoor pool, kids' park, and private beach provide plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun. The pristine beach is especially great for little ones to splash around, while parents can unwind and enjoy the views. While the resort doesn’t have a dedicated children’s club or organised activities, it’s an excellent option for families who prefer a quieter stay where they can spend quality time together. It’s worth mentioning, however, that parents looking for more structured entertainment for their children might want to explore other options like The WB Abu Dhabi Curio Collection by Hilton, which offers more in the way of kids’ programs.
In this review, we will discuss everything you need to know about Fairmont Bab Al Bahr through our independent review of visiting Abu Dhabi.
Location of Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr is perfectly positioned for families to venture out and discover nearby attractions. Within a short drive, you'll find a variety of parks, museums, and cultural landmarks to explore, providing the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr sits on the beachfront at the entrance to Abu Dhabi Island. One of the hotel’s most remarkable features is its breathtaking views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Whether you’re riding the glass elevators, relaxing on the beach, or staying in a sea-view room, you’ll be treated to stunning sights of the mosque from morning until night.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a five-minute drive away and an unforgettable place to explore with children. Yas Island is about 20 minutes away and home to thrilling parks like Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld, Ferrari World, and Yas Mall for shopping and dining. Animal-loving families can head to Emirates Park Zoo, which is located in Al Bahyah. The zoo is approximately 29 km away, making it a convenient 25-minute drive.
For quieter days, cultural gems like the Abu Dhabi Children's Library and the Louvre Museum are also within easy reach. So, whether your family is looking for adventure, nature, or a bit of local history, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr is perfectly placed to explore the best of Abu Dhabi.
Style and design of Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr has a sleek, modern feel with plenty of wow-factor, especially when you step into the lobby at Christmas like we did. It has soaring ceilings and shimmering interiors and was decorated from top to bottom, including the most enormous Christmas tree we have ever seen. The hotel’s design is fresh and modern, with clean lines and a calming neutral colour palette that feels elegant but still relaxed enough for families. The constant floor-to-ceiling windows let in lots of natural light and make the most of the incredible waterfront views.
The vibe here is a stylish mix of luxury and laid-back comfort. While it definitely feels high-end, it’s not overly formal – families with children are warmly welcomed. You’ll spot thoughtful design touches throughout, like Arabian-inspired patterns in the decor, but always with a modern twist.
Rooms at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
Our stay in the Fairmont Gold Creek View King room was fantastic and suited our family's needs. One of the things we loved most was that our room interlinked with the rest of our party next door, making it really easy for the children to pop back and forth without any hassle. The views over the creek were absolutely stunning, waking up to them every morning was such a treat.
The room itself had a modern, airy, open-plan design that felt very fresh and relaxing. The floor-to-ceiling shower was spectacular, with incredible water pressure, and the enormous bath was big enough that the children could almost swim in it. It made bathtime so much more fun for them (and relaxing for us). There was also a coffee machine, which was a lovely touch, although we have to admit we couldn’t figure out how to use it and eventually gave up.
We were greeted with sweet treats on arrival, which was a really thoughtful welcome after a long journey. The room sleeps four, and the bed is enormous. As a parent who often co-sleeps with children, it was brilliant to have so much space. That said, it might not suit every family setup as there is only one bed in the room. One night, my son had an accident, and the housekeeping team dealt with it swiftly and kindly, changing the bedding with no fuss at all, which we really appreciated.
The room was immaculately clean and had lots of space for hanging clothes and storing luggage, although, in reality, we mostly lived out of our suitcases. We also liked that different parts of the large room could be lit separately; this meant the children could find their way to the bathroom at night without us having to keep all the lights blazing.
Services and facilities at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
There’s a large, beautiful outdoor pool and smaller adjoining children's pools with shaded areas perfect for little ones. A private sandy beach overlooks the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque with luxurious sun beds, which are true to name and sized like a double bed. For active guests, there are water activities available and a well-equipped fitness centre on-site with modern machines and free weights.
We didn't have time for this during our stay this time, mainly because we were so busy exploring Abu Dhabi and making the most of the hotel’s pool and beach. However, having the options felt like a lovely extra.
Whilst we had so much to keep ourselves busy that we didn't miss having children's entertainment, it is worth highlighting that this is one thing that the hotel lacks. Whilst there is a small park for children to enjoy, there isn't much for them to do in the evenings. However, this isn't something that affected us too much as we were ready to crash by the time we returned from jam-packed, fun-filled days of an evening.
The hotel also has several stylish restaurants, including an out-of-this-world Marco Pierre White steakhouse, and lounges offering everything from casual bites to fine dining. There's plenty of choice, whether you're craving international dishes, Middle Eastern flavours, or a relaxed coffee by the beach.
Food and drink at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
The food and drink at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr were a real highlight of the stay. Despite not usually being a huge fan of fish, the fresh fish dishes completely won us over. The quality and flavour were truly exceptional. Dining at the hotel was a relaxed yet refined experience, with chefs preparing meats to order while maintaining an easygoing buffet style.
Abu Dhabi has a rich culinary history, from its roots as a small fishing village to the vibrant, modern city it is today. The exquisite fresh fish offered at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr reflects the spirit of tradition blended with contemporary luxury.
Even the picky eaters in the family were well looked after. Our kids loved the fresh fruit and pancakes, which the chefs prepared with great care. Slightly embarrassingly, the kitchen happily made off-menu favourites like chicken nuggets and chips when the waiter kindly suggested it. This made mealtimes smooth and enjoyable for both adults and children.
The desserts were our highlight. They're hard to describe in words, but we'll try. They were delicious, beautifully made, and still firmly on our minds long after the holiday ended. The options cater to every sweet tooth, from traditional treats to delicate pastries.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr has several other places to eat, from elegant fine dining to a coffee cafe. The relaxed buffet set-up is best suited for families with indecisive little ones. The option to dine outside on warm evenings, with stunning views and a welcoming atmosphere, made the experience even more memorable.
Final thoughts about Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr offers a perfect balance of luxury and family-friendly comfort. It’s a place where parents can truly unwind, while little ones are made to feel just as important. With delicious food, first-class service, and plenty of space for children to enjoy themselves, it takes the stress out of travelling as a family. From fresh pancakes at breakfast to sunset dinners outdoors, every detail is designed to make family memories that last long after the holiday ends.
About the author
Hannah Carroll is our Senior Digital Writer. In her capacity, she curates top-notch listicles, crafts insightful how-to guides, and delivers expert product reviews. As a mother of three, Hannah draws upon her comprehensive understanding of all facets of family life to bring true insight into all the products that make running a home easier.