{
  "id": 6724871,
  "title": "My Abu Dhabi: A European expat mum on why the emirate is one of the most family-friendly places she's lived",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/my-abu-dhabi-a-european-expat-mum-on-why-the-emirate-is-one-of-the",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-11T07:33:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/uae/abu-dhabi/my-abu-dhabi-a-european-expat-mum-on-why-the-emirate-is-one-of-the-most-family-friendly-places-shes-lived-1.500670724"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "German-Portuguese expat Yasmine Haak-Islow moved to Abu Dhabi with her family two years ago and quickly discovered the city's family-friendly atmosphere. Abu Dhabi consistently ranks among the safest cities in the world and scores high on quality of life. Yasmine, who works as an assistant teacher at the German International School, shares her favourite spots on Instagram.\n\nOne of her favourite spots is Hudayriyat Island, with its beautiful turquoise water and activities such as walking along the beach and visiting the Heritage Trail. She also loves Al Raha Beach for its calm atmosphere and Umm Al Emarat Park, Masdar Park, and Rabdan Park for their parks and recreational activities. The mangroves are another part of Abu Dhabi she enjoys exploring, particularly through kayaking or boat tours.\n\nYasmine recommends Al Qana as a great place for a full family day out, with an aquarium, indoor activities, restaurants, and cafés. Yas Island is also a popular destination, offering multiple attractions such as Warner Bros. World, Ferrari World, and a waterpark. The Abu Dhabi Children's Library at Qasr Al Hosn and Saadiyat Cultural District are other family-friendly areas she enjoys exploring.\n\nWhen visiting Abu Dhabi, Yasmine suggests not missing the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which provides a calm and peaceful experience. She also enjoys local dining options, such as Cheese Shawarma for its staff's friendly interaction with children and Huqqabaz for its Turkish cuisine. Shopping around the Mussafah area and visiting the Mina Fish Market and Fruit and Vegetable Market are also among her favourite pastimes.",
  "summary": "Dubai: When German-Portuguese expat Yasmine Haak-Islow moved to Abu Dhabi two years ago with her husband and three kids, she wasn't sure the city would feel like home. Today, she has a running list of favourite parks, beaches and family spots she can't stop recommending. She's not alone. Abu Dhabi consistently ranks among the safest cities in the world and scores high on quality of life and the…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}