10 Best Places for Families to Live in the UAE
Summary: In this article, we highlight some of the best places for international families to live in the UAE.
If you're dreaming about moving with your family to the UAE and haven't decided where to live, here are some of the best places for international families to live in the UAE.
Dubai
Dubai is a great place for international families to reside, offering a plethora of activities and facilities that cater to all ages. For children, the city is home to numerous educational and entertaining venues such as the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, which offers interactive exhibits and feeding shows, and the Children's City, a museum specifically designed for kids aged 2 to 15, offering interactive displays on science, nature, and culture. Dubai also boasts a variety of parks and recreational areas, including the expansive Zabeel Park, which houses a technology-themed fun zone, and the Dubai Miracle Garden, a stunning outdoor recreational area with over 50 million flowers. For athletic families, the city offers numerous facilities such as the Hamdan Sports Complex, which has an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and the FitRepublik Fitness Center, a family-friendly gym with a wide range of activities. Additionally, there are several sports clubs that cater to kids, such as the Dubai Little League for baseball and softball enthusiasts, and the Elite Sports Academy, which offers training in various sports. With its diverse offerings, Dubai provides a vibrant and enriching environment for international families.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, is a great destination for international families, offering a wide array of activities and facilities suitable for all ages. For children, the city is home to the Emirates Park Zoo, which offers interactive animal encounters and educational shows. The city also houses the Children's Museum at Louvre Abu Dhabi, which provides engaging and interactive art workshops for kids. Abu Dhabi is also known for its beautiful parks and recreational areas, such as the Umm Al Emarat Park, which features a large animal barn, botanical garden, and an amphitheater. The city also boasts the Corniche, a stunning waterfront park with play areas and bike paths. For athletic families, Abu Dhabi offers numerous facilities such as the Zayed Sports City, which houses an Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis courts, and a gym. The city also has the Al Forsan International Sports Resort, a family-friendly sports hub offering activities like horse riding, shooting, and karting. Additionally, there are several sports clubs that cater to kids, such as the Abu Dhabi Thistle Football Club and the Abu Dhabi Harlequins, which offer training in football and rugby respectively. With its diverse offerings, Abu Dhabi provides a vibrant and enriching environment for international families.
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Sharjah
Sharjah is a wonderful place for international families to live, offering a multitude of activities and facilities that cater to all ages. For children, the city is home to the Sharjah Discovery Centre, which offers interactive exhibits and educational activities, and the Sharjah Aquarium, which provides an exciting insight into the diverse marine life. Sharjah also boasts a variety of parks and recreational areas, including the Al Majaz Waterfront, which houses a mini golf course, splash park, and a variety of dining options, and the Al Montazah Parks, a stunning outdoor recreational area with water parks and amusement rides. For athletic families, the city offers numerous facilities such as the Sharjah National Park, which has a large swimming pool, and the Sharjah Ladies Club, a family-friendly facility with a wide range of activities including a gym, swimming pool, and various sports courts. Additionally, there are several sports clubs that cater to kids, such as the Sharjah Wanderers Sports Club for rugby and football enthusiasts, and the Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, which offers training in various sports. With its diverse offerings, Sharjah provides a vibrant and enriching environment for international families.
Al Ain
Al Ain is a fantastic place for international families to live, offering a wide range of activities and facilities suitable for all ages. For children, the city is home to the Al Ain Zoo, which offers interactive animal encounters and educational programs. The city also houses the Al Ain National Museum, which provides engaging and interactive exhibits about the city's history and culture. Al Ain is also known for its beautiful parks and recreational areas, such as the Al Ain Oasis, which features a large date palm plantation, and the Green Mubazzarah, a stunning park with hot springs and chalets. For athletic families, Al Ain offers numerous facilities such as the Al Ain Sports Club, which houses a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a gym. The city also has the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, a family-friendly sports hub offering activities like horse riding, shooting, and golf. Additionally, there are several sports clubs that cater to kids, such as the Al Ain Football Club and the Al Ain Rugby Club, which offer training in football and rugby respectively. With its diverse offerings, Al Ain provides a vibrant and enriching environment for international families.
"Al Ain is a great city to live in and offers many things to see and do. Expats get together frequently for quiz nights, to watch sporting events, meet for coffee in the malls. Life is varied and interesting," commented an expat living in Al Ain.
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ras al khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, is an excellent place for international families to live, offering a plethora of activities and facilities that cater to all ages. For children, the city is home to the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah, which offers interactive exhibits and educational activities. The city also houses the Iceland Water Park, a family-friendly water park with a variety of thrilling rides and attractions. Ras Al Khaimah is also known for its beautiful parks and recreational areas, including the Saqr Park, which features a large green space, amusement rides, and a mini-golf course, and the Khatts Springs, a stunning outdoor recreational area with natural hot springs and therapeutic pools. For athletic families, the city offers numerous facilities such as the Al Hamra Golf Club, which houses a championship golf course, and the RAK Track, a family-friendly karting track. The city also has the Ras Al Khaimah Sports Club, a comprehensive sports hub offering activities like football, basketball, and swimming. Additionally, there are several sports clubs that cater to kids, such as the Ras Al Khaimah Football Club and the Ras Al Khaimah Rugby Club, which offer training in football and rugby respectively. With its diverse offerings, Ras Al Khaimah provides a vibrant and enriching environment for international families.
Fujairah
Fujairah, is a good place for international families to live, offering a wide array of activities and facilities suitable for all ages. For children, the city is home to the Fujairah Museum, which offers interactive exhibits and educational activities about the region's history and culture. The city also houses the Adventure Park, a family-friendly amusement park with a variety of thrilling rides and attractions. Fujairah is also known for its beautiful parks and recreational areas, including the Madhab Park, which features a large green space, a spring, and a playground, and the Ain Al Madhab Gardens, a stunning outdoor recreational area with a mineral spa and a heritage village. For athletic families, the city offers numerous facilities such as the Fujairah Tennis Club, which houses a variety of courts, and the Fujairah Martial Arts Club, a family-friendly facility offering training in various martial arts. The city also has the Fujairah Football Club and the Fujairah Rugby Club, which cater to kids and offer training in football and rugby respectively. With its diverse offerings, Fujairah provides a vibrant and enriching environment for international families.
Ajman
Ajman, is a wonderful place for international families to live, offering a variety of activities and facilities that cater to all ages. For children, the city is home to the Ajman Museum, which offers interactive exhibits and educational activities about the region's history and culture. The city also houses the Ajman Aqua Park, a family-friendly water park with a variety of thrilling rides and attractions. Ajman is also known for its beautiful parks and recreational areas, including the Al Zorah Natural Reserve, which features a large green space, a variety of bird species, and a mangrove forest, and the Al Safia Park, a stunning outdoor recreational area with a playground and a jogging track. For athletic families, the city offers numerous facilities such as the Ajman Saray, a luxury resort with a variety of pools, and the Body & Soul Health Club & Spa, a family-friendly facility offering a gym, a swimming pool, and a variety of fitness classes. The city also has the Ajman Club and the Ajman Cricket Club, which cater to kids and offer training in football and cricket respectively. With its diverse offerings, Ajman provides a vibrant and enriching environment for international families.
Umm Al Quwain
Umm Al Quwain, is a good place for international families to live, offering a wide array of activities and facilities suitable for all ages. For children, the city is home to the Umm Al Quwain Museum, which offers interactive exhibits and educational activities about the region's history and culture. The city also houses the Dreamland Aqua Park, a family-friendly water park with a variety of thrilling rides and attractions. Umm Al Quwain is also known for its beautiful parks and recreational areas, including the Umm Al Quwain National Park, which features a large green space, a variety of bird species, and a mangrove forest, and the Al Sinniyah Island, a stunning outdoor recreational area with a rich biodiversity. For athletic families, the city offers numerous facilities such as the Barracuda Beach Resort, which houses a variety of pools, and the Palma Beach Resort & Spa, a family-friendly facility offering a gym, a swimming pool, and a variety of fitness classes. The city also has the Umm Al Quwain Sports Club and the Umm Al Quwain Cricket Club, which cater to kids and offer training in football and cricket respectively. With its diverse offerings, Umm Al Quwain provides a vibrant and enriching environment for international families.
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Jebel Ali
Jebel Ali is a great place for international families to live, offering a plethora of activities and facilities that cater to all ages. For children, the area is home to the Dubai Parks and Resorts, which includes Legoland Dubai and Legoland Water Park, offering interactive exhibits and educational activities about building and construction. The area also houses the JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort, a family-friendly resort with a variety of thrilling activities and attractions. Jebel Ali is also known for its beautiful parks and recreational areas, including the Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary, which features a large green space, a variety of bird species, and a mangrove forest, and the Jebel Ali Beach, a stunning outdoor recreational area with a rich biodiversity. For athletic families, the area offers numerous facilities such as the Jebel Ali Recreation Club, which houses a variety of pools, and the FitRepublik Fitness Center, a family-friendly facility offering a gym, a swimming pool, and a variety of fitness classes. The area also has the Jebel Ali Shooting Club and the Jebel Ali Horse Riding Club, which cater to kids and offer training in shooting and horse riding respectively. With its diverse offerings, Jebel Ali provides a vibrant and enriching environment for international families.
Al Gharbia
Al Gharbia is a great place for international families to live, offering a wide array of activities and facilities suitable for all ages. For children, the region is home to the Al Dhafra Festival, which offers interactive exhibits and educational activities about the region's history and culture. The region also houses the Liwa Oasis, a family-friendly outdoor area with a variety of thrilling desert adventures and attractions. Al Gharbia is also known for its beautiful parks and recreational areas, including the Madinat Zayed Park, which features a large green space, a variety of bird species, and a playground, and the Al Mirfa Beach, a stunning outdoor recreational area with a rich biodiversity. For athletic families, the region offers numerous facilities such as the Tilal Liwa Hotel, which houses a variety of pools, and the Western Hotel Madinat Zayed, a family-friendly facility offering a gym, a swimming pool, and a variety of fitness classes. The region also has the Al Dhafra Sports Club and the Al Dhafra Camel Racing Club, which cater to kids and offer training in football and camel racing respectively. With its diverse offerings, Al Gharbia provides a vibrant and enriching environment for international families.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- UAE Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in UAE
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in UAE
- Best Places to Live in UAE
- Real Estate in UAE
- Guide to Real Estate in UAE
- Pros & Cons of Living in UAE
- Cost of Living in UAE
- Enrolling in the Public Healthcare System in the UAE
- 10 Best Places for Families to Live in the UAE
- How to Get a Driver's License in the UAE
- 15 Best Places to Live in the UAE
- Pros and Cons of Living in UAE 2024