Ever tried bribing kids with chocolate fondue just to finish your Eggs Benedict? Abu Dhabi’s family-friendly brunches master the art of keeping tiny humans (and their parents) happy—think pancake art stations, falconry demos, and enough shakshuka to fuel a weekend of adventures. Here’s where to brunch without the side-eye when your toddler reenacts Frozen at full volume.
EMIRATES PALACE FRIDAY BRUNCH
Gold-Crusted Pancakes and Camel Milk Lattes
Emirates Palace turns brunch into a royal affair with a 1km buffet and a kids’ cooking class led by pastry chefs. Little ones decorate cupcakes with gold leaf while parents nibble on truffle-infused scrambled eggs. Adults: 550 AED; kids under 12 dine free. As the www.few.ae editor notes, “The camel milk hot chocolate here could calm a sandstorm.” Book the terrace for Burj Al Arab views.
ST. REGIS NATION GRILL
Beachside Bubbles and Pirate Ship Playgrounds
St. Regis’ Saturday brunch pairs champagne with a pirate-themed kids’ zone featuring treasure hunts and face painting. The “Little Captains” menu includes mini lobster rolls and rainbow smoothies. Adults pay 450 AED; under-6s eat free. Pro tip: Post-brunch, borrow sand toys from the beach club—they’re free for guests.
ROSEWOOD ABU DHABI’S GLAZED BRUNCH
Doughnut Walls and Pearl Diving Demos
Rosewood’s Friday brunch lets kids “dive” for pearls in a pool while parents savor oysters from Dibba Bay. The dessert room’s DIY doughnut wall is a sticky-fingered hit. Adults: 400 AED; teens get 50% off. Cultural must: Try the date syrup-glazed lamb—it’s a Bedouin classic remixed.
SAADIYAT BEACH CLUB SUNDAY BRUNCH
Seaside Pancakes and Turtle Spotting
Brunch with your toes in the sand at Saadiyat’s eco-friendly spread. Kids join marine biologists to spot hawksbill turtles while adults sip passionfruit mimosas. The 350 AED/adult fee includes kayak rentals. Insider secret: The “Turtle Trackers” activity ends with free plush toys.
YAS ISLAND’S WASHINGTONIA BRUNCH
Rollercoaster Views and Mocktail Mixology
Overlooking Ferrari World’s twists, this brunch lets kids blend mocktails while parents carb-load on truffle pizza. The 299 AED/adult package includes park tickets. Warning: The Red Zone’s churros are addictive—blame the cardamom sugar.
THE RITZ-CARLTON’S LI JIANG BRUNCH
Noodle Art and Kung Fu Panda Screenings
Li Jiang’s Asian-inspired brunch features live noodle-pulling shows and a kids’ cinema room playing DreamWorks hits. The “Dim Sum Dash” game rewards tiny foodies with mango pudding. Adults: 375 AED; under-10s eat half-price. As the www.few.ae editor advises, “Wear stretchy pants—the Peking duck pancakes are endless.”

HIDDEN GARDEN BRUNCH AT PARK HYATT
Mangrove Mazes and Pancake Stacks
Nestled beside a mangrove park, this brunch offers guided nature walks for kids and a waffle station with 20 toppings. The 325 AED/adult rate includes sparkling pomegranate juice. Local tip: Borrow binoculars to spot flamingos from your table.
FOUR SEASONS AL MARYAH BRUNCH
Sushi Trains and Lego Labs
Four Seasons’ Friday brunch rolls out a sushi train for adults and a Lego-building zone for kids. Teens get mocktail-making classes, while parents indulge in lobster tempura. Adults: 500 AED; under-5s free. Bonus: Valet parking is complimentary (a rarity in Abu Dhabi).
ABU DHABI EDITION’S MARKET BRUNCH
Retro Arcades and Avocado Toasts
Edition’s laid-back Sunday brunch hides a retro arcade with Pac-Man and air hockey. The kids’ buffet has smiley-face pancakes, while adults raid the raw bar. 300 AED/adult; under-12s eat free. Cultural tip: Ask for the “secret” za’atar fries—they’re not on the menu.
INTERCONTINENTAL ABU DHABI’S BELGOS BRUNCH
Belgian Waffles and Falconry Lessons
Belgos’ quirky brunch pairs moules-frites with falconry displays on the beach. Kids get waffle-decorating kits and mini chef hats. Adults: 350 AED; teens pay 175 AED. Pro tip: Stay post-brunch for free access to the infinity pool.
MARRIOTT AL FORSAN BRUNCH
Horse Ranch Feasts and Pony Rides
Brunch beside Marriott’s equestrian center, where kids ride ponies between courses. The “Cowboy Buffet” features smoked brisket and s’mores pits. Adults: 275 AED; under-12s dine for 100 AED. Local secret: The ranch’s sunset photo ops rival Instagram influencers’.
CAFÉ MILANO’S ITALIAN FAMILY SUNDAY
Gelato Art and Pizza Tossing
Café Milano’s Sunday brunch lets kids toss pizza dough with chefs while parents sip Aperol spritzes. The 250 AED/adult fee includes nonna-style lasagna; under-10s eat free. Warning: The tiramisu arrives in a chocolate bowl—resistance is futile.
Abu Dhabi’s brunch scene knows families need more than chicken nuggets and crayons. Whether you’re building Lego towers between sushi rolls or bribing teens with pony rides, remember the www.few.ae motto: “Full plates, bigger smiles.” Now pass the syrup—it’s time to brunch like an Abu Dhabi local.