10 family-friendly brunches to try in the UAE

Friday Family Brunch at Mövenpick Ibn Battuta Gate
As popular as it is sprawling, this family brunch is set across the hotel’s Al Bahou restaurant in the main lobby, with stations dotted throughout bearing dishes from every corner of the globe. Try signature dishes from the hotel’s restaurants while the kids get up to their very literal eyeballs in face painting and interactive games, jump around on the bouncy castle and watch movies in their own dedicated entertainment area. There’s even

a whole room of cheese… And another one for desserts.
Dhs295 (soft drinks), Dhs395 (house beverages), Dhs630 (bubbly), Dhs150 (kids six-12), free for kids aged five and under. Fri 12.30pm-4pm. Jebel Ali (04 444 5613).

The Cartoon Brunch at Mövenpick Jumeirah Lakes Towers
Already feel like your life is one long, uninterrupted airing of Cartoon Network? May as well go all in, then. Every Friday, all-day dining restaurant Nosh hosts The Cartoon Brunch, with staff dressed up as familiar characters, while a buffet features dishes unclude Homer’s burger and hot dog station, kung fun sashimi and sushi rolls, mutant ninja pizzas, Fred’s favourite roasts and more. A dedicated kids’ area features a further buffet, plus face painting, films, colouring and more.
Dhs179 (soft drinks), Dhs289 (house beverages), Dhs89.50 (kids six-12), free for kids aged five and under. Fri 12.30pm-4pm. Cluster A, JLT (04 438 0000).

The City Brunch at Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City
A beautiful series of open kitchens occupy the centre of this space, laden with fresh seafood and salads, plus dishes from across Asia and the Middle East. A huge range of desserts includes ice creams and a chocolate fountain – and that’s not all there is to keep the kids from running riot. A large play area features activities including face painting, movies and a PlayStation, plus cooking classes to introduce a few early kitchen skills. Who knows? With any luck your five-year-old will be bringing you breakfast in bed on Saturday morning. And you may well need it.
Dhs300 (soft drinks), Dhs425 (house beverages), Dhs625 (bubbly), Dhs150 (kids six-12), free for kids aged five and under. Fri 1pm-4.30pm. Al Habtoor City (04 435 5577).

The Great Summer Brunch at Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah
Sound a bit too swanky to take the sprogs? Not so. In fact, the hotel’s kids’ club is right next door to Mezzerie restaurant (in which this is held) and youngsters get free access to it, where they can do face painting, and plenty of running around while shrieking at the top of their lungs. In the restaurant, there’s also a screen showing kids’ movies. Throughout summer, you’ll be able to let them loose, while you sample your way through some excellent fresh seafood, for a special reduced price. Not too shabby at all.
Dhs187.50 (soft drinks), Dhs247.50 (house beverages), Dhs93.75 (kids aged six to 11), free for kids aged five and under. Fri 1pm-4pm. Until August30, 2019. Palm Jumeirah (04 818 2222).

Bubbalicious at The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa
This massive family-friendly brunch at Fairways is part of a UAE institution. It might not come cheap, but it’s worth pushing the boat out for this massive feast that has seemingly unending food stations with everything from Asian stir-fries to pizza and mezze on offer. Even the fussiest of eaters can’t fail to find something to pique their appetite, and there are also dishes for vegans and gluten-free diners. The dessert selection is worth a visit, with an eye-catchingly vibrant selection of cakes and sweets, which will delight little brunchers, too. There’s entertainment in the form of live music as well as kids’ entertainment such as face painting and a petting zoo.
Dhs336 (soft drinks), Dhs430 (house beverages), Dhs624 (bubbly), Dhs172 (kids aged six-12), free (kids under five). Fri 12.30pm-4pm. The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi Golf Club (02 616 9999).

Café Palmier at Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi
Based around the four elements of fire, water, earth and air, this buffet-style brunch also incorporates the indoor area at @District by Amalfi and the whEAT kid’s play zone, meaning there are loads of activities for little ones. There’s a bouncy castle, kids buffet and jugglers to keep them occupied, too. Food wise there’s loads to choose from including seafood, pizzas and desserts. There’s even a special ice cream and milkshake parlour.
Dhs275 (soft drinks), Dhs375 (house beverages), Dhs425 (sparkling), Dhs495 (bubbly), Dhs125 (kids aged six-12), free kids (under six). Fri 1pm-4pm. Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Street (800 101 101).

CuiScene at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
This international offering spans the hotel’s dining outlets including Frankie’s Italian Restaurant & Bar, Sports Café and Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill, so there’s loads of choice for all the family. There are tables packed with pastries, custard, cakes, shakes, date pudding, rolled ice cream and more (if you have little ones, they’ll have a field day in here). There’s also a special kids area with a buffet and games, as well as access to the swimming pool for kids after brunch.
Dhs249 (soft drinks), Dhs448 (house beverages), half price (kids up to age 12). Fri noon-4pm. Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Khor Al Maqta (02 654 3333).

Rosewood Abu Dhabi
This brunch has recently had a revamp, to make it even more family-friendly. Held every Friday between 1pm and 5pm, children can now enjoy a whole range of fun activities through the Rose Buds kids’ club, and the buffet includes a dedicated kids’ section. Special attention has been paid to the kids’ menu with a created colourful dessert corner featuring Haribo, live stations for fresh crêpes, waffles and pancakes, mini ice-cream cups, pastries. There’s also a range of fun activities for the kids. Meanwhile the adult buffet includes Asian dishes, a fritto corner, a raw bar, a live tuna carving station, an oyster and sushi bar, a ceviche and soup station, fresh pasta, grilled and smoked meats, a rotisserie, Chinese and Indian section.
Dhs205 (soft drinks), Dhs285 (house beverages), Dhs102 (kids aged six-12), free (kids under six). Fri noon-5pm. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 813 5550).

Sofra BLD at Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri
A brunch with top dishes from all around the world and plenty to do for kids? The WonderBrunch at Sofra BLD is all about families. With a dedicated team keeping little ones busy through games, arts and crafts, and more, young ones will have tonnes to tell mum and dad about. There’s even a special buffet just for them. So, while parents enjoy the live music and great view, the kids’ corner will be brimming with fun and giggles.
Dhs279 (soft drinks), Dhs349 (house beverages), Dhs459 (bubbly), Dhs139.50 (kids aged six-12), free (kids under six). Fri 1pm-4pm. Bain Al Jessrain (02 509 8888).