Although a few surprisingly fun retro resorts remain, the UAE mostly takes all-inclusive to an ultra-luxe level. The notion of all-you-can-eat buffets in silver trays, chaotic dinner queues and generic drinks are switched for gourmet dining restaurants in chic settings, sparkling sundowners and outstanding service. Loosen your belt and prepare to live like royalty – minus the royal budget. These are the best all-inclusive resorts in Abu Dhabi.
Five-star flair comes with bottomless fine dining and drinks at this Turkish-inspired beachfront resort on Al Saadiyat Island. Get ready for beachfront luxury and to be surrounded by Ottoman elegance, marble, gold tones, and grand arches, plus a shimmering infinity pool. Then, take your pick from multiple restaurants offering everything from Japanese teppanyaki to fine Italian at L’Olivo. Families love the aqua park and kids’ club, while couples can sneak away to the private beach or adults-only pool. Keep an eye out for the ‘wild’ peacocks strutting around like they own the place.
2. Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Stay here for over-the-top fabulousness, and we mean over the top – it serves a gold cappuccino. This palace-turned-hotel is all about golden domes, chandeliers and Arabian grandeur. It doesn’t have an all-inclusive option in the traditional sense, but instead offers accommodation with a variety of meal plans. The resort's fine dining includes eight esteemed restaurants, such as Hakkasan headed up by Lee Kok Hua, and Michelin-starred Talea by Antonio Guida. Hotel pools are sprawling, with lazy rivers, jacuzzis and swim-up service. The private beach is dreamy, and the service is almost telepathic. Opulence is turned up to eleven, but somehow the Mandarin Oriental still manages to be warm and welcoming.
3. Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana
Offering something different from the other all inclusive packages, this place is alcohol-free and ideal for families looking for a wellness-focused escape without the hedonistic late-night atmosphere of some of the other UAE all-inclusives. International buffets and Levant-inspired a la carte menus are created with high-quality produce. It not only has the largest pool in Abu Dhabi, splash pools and playgrounds, it has a private beach where jet skis are allowed. Families love the beachfront falconry show, where they can learn about this cherished UAE tradition. It’s a quieter, more wholesome vibe – perfect if you want luxury without the late-night noise.
4. InterContinental Abu Dhabi
One of the capital’s classic luxury hotels, the InterContinental offers a value-packed all-inclusive experience that includes meals, drinks, pools, a private beach and wellness access for the whole family. Set on the marina, the resort has city views plus beach access. Choose from seven restaurants, including Byblos Sur Mer serving fresh, chef-selected international ingredients and seafood at Fishmarket. The beach club has pools, tennis courts, and water sports and the wellness centre offers Thai, Balinese and hot stone massages (usually an additional fee). Seek out the Belgian Café serving up mussels and good beer. The best spot for sunbathing is the floating pontoon.
5. Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche
For classic beach holiday vibes, the Radisson Blu delivers a wallet-friendly all-inclusive right on the Corniche. The decor is business-class chic with Arabian touches and there are three pools (including an adults-only option for those looking for peace), a lazy river and beach access. Restaurants range from Hemingway’s pub grub to an Italian, Asian, and buffet restaurant. In the evenings, there’s live music and themed nights, or head for the terrace to enjoy stunning views of the city and ocean.
6. Al Raha Beach Hotel
For old-school charm, this big under-the-radar, five-star resort opened 20 years ago, but has skipped modernisation in the past two decades. But what it lacks in chic decor it makes up for in value and facilities. It has almost 300 rooms and sits on its own almost 1 km-long stretch of beach. It has multiple pools, including a shaded kids’ area, plus a rooftop pool and spa for a more chilled atmosphere. There’s no glitz and glam, but there are eight restaurants, with all inclusive dining options including seafood buffets and themed nights, plus a proper Irish bar with regular live music. Handy for bad packers, there’s a shopping mall right next door.
7. Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort
Barefoot and sustainable beachfront luxury is the order of the day at this superb Saadiyat Island resort and the full-board package means meals at top-tier restaurants like White, a sustainable multi-cuisine restaurant, Tean, a levantine grill and Mare Mare, which serves oceanfront Italian dishes. There are three swimming pools to laze around in – including an adults-only infinity pool. Plus the brand’s excellent Talise Spa, with treatments inspired by the sea. Dolphins and sea turtles can often be spotted off shore, the resort provides a sanctuary for the island’s protected Hawksbill turtle.
8. Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort
A little ways out of the city centre, near Sir Bani Yas Island, this beachside resort offers seclusion, serenity, and killer sunsets. The look and feel is charmingly vintage (we don’t mean in a trendy way), but rooms are spacious with balconies, and the all-inclusive package means three daily meals and drinks with no need to reach for your wallet. Two pools, water sports, and a wellness spa keeps activities topped up, and there’s archery and desert excursions that create unique family memories. The five restaurants serve a mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, and the beach bar serves drinks with unbeatable views. Opt for the ‘dune dinner’ for dining in the desert under the stars.
