Abu Dhabi Airport with kids: family travel guide

Abu Dhabi Airport's new Midfield Terminal is surprisingly family-friendly. Here's what you need to know when arriving with children.

The airport experience

The Midfield Terminal is spacious, modern, and well air-conditioned. You'll find:

• Family restrooms with changing facilities throughout
• Free luggage trolleys in baggage claim
• Stroller collection at the oversized baggage belt
• Pharmacy and convenience stores in arrivals for baby essentials
• Prayer rooms and family lounges (some airlines offer them)

The terminal is large — the walk from gate to exit can take 15-20 minutes. If you have a connecting flight, the airport has a dedicated family area with play zones.

Getting to your hotel with kids

The child seat problem

UAE law requires child restraints for children under 4 in the front seat and recommends them for all children. In practice:

• Regular taxis: No child seats. Not possible to request one.
• Uber/Careem: No child seats in standard rides. Uber has no car seat option in Abu Dhabi.
• Pre-booked transfer: Child seats available on request (infant, toddler, booster)
• Car rental: Child seats available for an extra fee (book in advance)

If your child needs a car seat, a pre-booked transfer is realistically your only option unless you bring your own.

Best transport by family size

Couple + 1 child + luggage: Taxi works if child is older (no seat needed). Transfer with car seat for infants/toddlers.

Family of 4-5 + luggage: Minivan transfer is ideal (€40-55 to downtown). Two taxis will cost about the same but without car seats.

Large family/group: Minivan or minibus transfer. One vehicle, one price, everyone together.

Going to Yas Island with kids?

If you're heading to Yas Island (Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros World), you're in luck — it's only 10 km from the airport:

• Taxi: 35-50 AED (€8-12), about 10 minutes
• Transfer: €18-25

Many Yas Island hotels offer free airport shuttles. Check with your hotel before booking separate transport.

Going to Saadiyat Island with kids?

Saadiyat Island (Louvre Abu Dhabi, beaches) is about 25 km away:

• Taxi: 60-80 AED (€15-20)
• Transfer: €22-30

Practical tips for families

• Heat warning: If arriving during summer (May-September), the heat when you step outside will hit hard — 40-50°C. Have your transport ready, don't stand outside looking for a taxi with kids.
• Water: Buy water inside the terminal before heading out. Dehydration is real, especially with excited kids.
• Hotel shuttles: Many Abu Dhabi hotels offer complimentary airport transfers. Always ask when booking your room.
• Car rental: If you're staying more than a few days and want to explore, renting a car is very practical in Abu Dhabi. Roads are excellent, parking is easy, and petrol is cheap.
• Strollers at the airport: Gate-checked strollers are returned at the oversized baggage belt. Give it 10-15 minutes after regular bags appear.