October 18, 2025 TnH Global

Abu Dhabi: connecting with Indian families through culture, comfort, and celebration

BY PREM KUMAR

India is among Abu Dhabi’s most dynamic and promising source markets, consistently recording double-digit growth. Building on this momentum, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is implementing a sharply localised and family-centric approach to deepen engagement across the Indian market. In an exclusive interview with Travel & Hospitality (TH), Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations, DCT Abu Dhabi, explains how Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a destination where culture, comfort, and celebration converge, offering Indian families a sense of familiarity wrapped in world-class hospitality.

Q. What is Abu Dhabi’s strategy for attracting the Indian family market?

India remains one of Abu Dhabi’s largest and dynamic source markets, with sustained double-digit growth in both visitor numbers and spends. In 2024, we welcomed over 360,000 Indian hotel guests, a 43 per cent increase over the previous year, and we project more than 400,000 in 2025. This growth is being driven by a few clear trends that shape our India strategy.

Firstly, ‘live tourism’ is booming. Indian travellers are coming for our world-class events calendar, from four sold-out Coldplay concerts at Zayed Sports City Stadium earlier this year to the Asia Cup 2025 hosted at Zayed Cricket Stadium, NBA Abu Dhabi Games, Formula 1, UFC, and international cultural festivals. These multi-generational experiences bring families together.

Secondly, there is a marked shift towards immersive cultural experiences and multi-generational travel. Indian families, often travelling in groups spanning grandparents, parents, and children, seek destinations that are easy to navigate, safe, and welcoming, with something for every age group. Abu Dhabi’s blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge attractions fits this perfectly.

Our approach in India is highly localised and granular. We are deepening our presence beyond the major metros into high-growth cities such as Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, and Pune, targeting emerging outbound segments through roadshows, joint marketing programmes, and tactical offers.
We work with over 20 Indian trade partners, including leading OTAs like EaseMyTrip, MakeMyTrip, TBO, and Thomas Cook India, to run flash sales, last-minute deals, and festival-specific packages aligned with India’s 20–35 day booking window.

Connectivity is another cornerstone: Etihad Airways continues to expand direct flights from more Indian cities to Abu Dhabi, making the journey seamless. While our global strategy focuses on Abu Dhabi’s year-round appeal, safety, and cultural depth, our India strategy is more festival-driven, more entertainment-led, and more family-focused.

Q. How is Abu Dhabi positioning itself as a destination that caters to multi-generational Indian families?

Abu Dhabi has consciously built a future-ready tourism ecosystem that adapts to diverse markets, embraces cultural nuances, and delivers lasting value across generations. For Indian families, this means creating an environment where grandparents, parents, and children can each find experiences that speak to them, all within a safe, accessible, and welcoming setting.

Indian families are increasingly using collaborative planning tools, such as WhatsApp family groups, to organise their trips. We have embraced this insight in our marketing, ensuring our Experience Abu Dhabi campaigns are designed for easy sharing within these groups, and that our content is bilingual in Hindi and English to appeal to all generations.

Safety is a critical factor for multi-generational travel, and Abu Dhabi’s consistent ranking as the world’s safest city in the Numbeo Safety Index for nine consecutive years offers strong reassurance for Indian families, particularly for solo female travellers and elderly visitors.

We understand that multi-generational families have varied needs. Our accommodation partners offer connected rooms, flexible check-in and check-out times, and family-friendly amenities. Attractions like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Qasr Al Watan offer wheelchair access, shaded walkways, and guided tours at a relaxed pace. Theme parks such as Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World have dedicated areas for younger children, while Saadiyat Cultural District offers serene spaces for reflection and learning.

Our collaboration with brand ambassador Ranveer Singh has been instrumental in boosting awareness for Abu Dhabi among Indian audiences. In essence, Abu Dhabi positions itself for Indian multi-generational families by combining world-class attractions with cultural authenticity, ensuring accessibility and comfort for all ages, and by speaking in ways that reflect real Indian family dynamics and planning habits.

Q. What is the average duration of stay for an Indian family in Abu Dhabi, and what are the most common places they visit? Are you seeing any shifts in travel patterns?

On average, Indian overnight visitors stay around four nights in the city, with many choosing hotel or serviced apartment accommodation. Our research shows that 76 per cent of Indian overnight visitors stayed in hotels or hotel apartments, with the remainder staying with friends or family. Top attractions for Indian travellers include the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Qasr Al Watan. Families also enjoy the Abu Dhabi Corniche, SeaWorld Yas Island, and the Heritage Village. For younger visitors, Yas Island’s theme parks are a major draw, while cultural landmarks appeal to older generations. We are seeing a rise in first-time visitors as 73 per cent of Indian travellers in 2024 visited Abu Dhabi for the first time, along with growing interest in exploring beyond the city, with visits to the Al Ain region tripling compared to previous years.

Q. Can you share details on any special packages for Yas Island, the Louvre Abu Dhabi or Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque designed for families with children?

Yas Island offers a range of family-focused packages that combine entry to multiple theme parks, including Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, and Yas Waterworld, often with discounted rates for children.
At Louvre Abu Dhabi, families can join interactive workshops and child-friendly tours introducing young visitors to art and culture. The museum also offers family trails and activity booklets that encourage children to explore the galleries at their own pace.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque provides guided tours accessible to all ages, with family-friendly facilities such as shaded areas, seating, and easy access for strollers and wheelchairs. Additionally, the official Abu Dhabi Pass, valid for 14 days, helps travellers save up to 50 per cent across 70+ top attractions and activities, with additional discounts on visa services, SIM cards, and transportation.

Q. Beyond the major theme parks on Yas Island, what other unique, family-friendly attractions would you recommend that might not be on a typical tourist’s radar?

For families seeking experiences beyond Yas Island, Abu Dhabi offers a wealth of unique options. The Al Ain region, known as a ‘living oasis’, is home to UNESCO World Heritage sites, lush oases, and Al Ain Zoo, which features educational programmes and wildlife encounters ideal for children.

Jubail Mangrove Park is another hidden gem, where families can stroll along boardwalks through protected mangroves and learn about the local ecosystem. Children can spot crabs, fish, and birds, while adults enjoy the tranquillity of nature. For a blend of culture and leisure, the Qasr Al Hosn Palace and the Cultural Foundation in the city centre offer interactive exhibitions, workshops, and performances for all ages.

With the opening of the BAPS Hindu Mandir, interest in spiritual and cultural travel has increased. This landmark offers a serene environment for reflection, and is a meaningful stop for experiencing leisure and culture together. Families can also have unique experience at teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi. It is an immersive, multi-sensory art space that blends technology, creativity, and interactivity, engaging visitors of all ages. These attractions, alongside Abu Dhabi’s well-known icons, ensure that families can enjoy a diverse itinerary that goes beyond the expected.

Q. How does Abu Dhabi ensure that experiences like desert safaris are both authentic and safe for families, especially those with younger kids or elderly members?

Desert safaris in Abu Dhabi are operated by licensed providers who adhere to strict safety and quality standards. Vehicles are regularly inspected, and drivers are trained in both off-road skills and guest safety. For families with younger children or elderly members, operators can tailor the experience to be less physically demanding, focusing on cultural elements such as camel rides, falconry displays, and traditional Bedouin-style camps. These camps often feature shaded seating, accessible pathways, and gentle activities like henna painting and storytelling.

Q. What are the initiatives to ensure convenience for elderly visitors at major attractions?

Major attractions, including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Qasr Al Watan, are equipped with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Many hotels offer ground-floor rooms, wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, and shuttle services to key attractions. Tour operators can arrange private transportation with easy-access vehicles, and guided tours are paced to suit elderly visitors. Cultural sites also provide seating areas and shaded rest stops to ensure comfort throughout visits.

Q. What kind of curated, leisurely activities like guided tours or cultural workshops are available for older visitors who prefer a relaxed pace?

For older visitors, Abu Dhabi offers a variety of leisurely activities combining cultural enrichment with comfort. Guided heritage tours of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Hosn, and the Heritage Village provide deep insights into Emirati history and traditions without strenuous activity.

The Big Bus Company’s open-top double-decker tours cover Abu Dhabi’s major landmarks, from the opulent Emirates Palace to culture-rich Saadiyat Island, home to Louvre Abu Dhabi and Manarat Al Saadiyat. The company also operates an Al Ain Panoramic Day Tour for Al Ain Region, covering key sites such as Al Qattara Fort, Al Hili Fort, Hili Grand Tomb, Qasr Al Muwaiji, Al Ain Palace Museum and Al Jahili Fort.

Workshops at the Cultural Foundation and Louvre Abu Dhabi invite visitors to engage with art, calligraphy, and traditional crafts in a relaxed setting. For nature lovers, a gentle boat tour through the mangroves or a sunset dhow cruise along the Corniche offers a scenic and tranquil experience.

Q. Given the importance of food in Indian culture, how does Abu Dhabi’s hospitality sector cater to diverse Indian dietary preferences?

As Indian travellers increasingly choose Abu Dhabi for both short getaways and extended family holidays, we are working closely with hospitality partners to ensure the destination reflects their expectations from both culinary and cultural perspectives, incorporating Hindi-speaking staff, Indian food options, and Diwali-themed programming.
Many hotels and restaurants offer extensive vegetarian menus, and several can prepare Jain-friendly meals upon request. Indian cuisine is widely available, from fine dining to casual eateries, with regional specialities from across India represented.

Restaurants such as Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi at Emirates Palace offer refined Indian dining experiences, while numerous vegetarian and vegan-friendly cafes cater to health-conscious travellers. At major attractions, food outlets provide vegetarian options, and hotel breakfast buffets often include Indian dishes alongside international fare. This culinary diversity ensures Indian visitors feel at home while exploring new flavours.
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