If a staycation were designed by your inner daydreamer, it would look a lot like Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi. Turkish hospitality, a marina view, a private beach and an entertainment schedule so full you may need a spreadsheet – all without leaving the city or flashing a passport.
We first wrote about Rixos Marina when it was offering UAE residents 30% off, and it remains one of the liveliest city resorts for families and friend groups. Here is the deal running right now, what a stay actually feels like and how to plan it well.
The current offer: Kids Go Free
Until 31 October 2026, Rixos Marina is running Kids Go Free: up to two children under eight stay free on a half board basis, with a minimum two-night stay. For parents of small children, that turns a pricey weekend into a very reasonable one.
The 30% UAE resident discount we covered in 2025 (minimum two nights, Emirates ID at check-in) ended on 30 September 2025. Resident rates do come back regularly, so it is worth asking for one when you call.
Wellness, workouts and watermelon mocktails
Each day at Rixos can start with the Exclusive Sports Club’s line-up: yoga, TRX, boxing, aqua jumping and even Kangoo Power, taught by instructors who welcome every energy level (including “I just came for the smoothies” energy). Sunset paddling and Pilates round things off for the slower crowd.
Kids, teens and the Aqua Tower
Younger guests (ages 4 to 12) head to Rixy Kids Club for games, crafts and general glitter. Teens get the Recreation Room, with arcade games, PS5s and a DJ booth, so nobody is sulking by the pool. The newer Aqua Tower adds slides at weekends, which is usually where you will find the kids when it is time for lunch.
Food and after-dark entertainment
There are eight restaurants on site, and Hashi, the Japanese spot, is the one reviewers keep coming back to. Evenings are loud in the best way: live music and DJ sets through the week and a karaoke night at Anti:Dote Bar on Mondays, where shower-singing talents finally get an audience. Check the weekly schedule at check-in, as the line-up rotates.
WOW Abu Dhabi Expert Tip: Kids club hours are split across the day, so book your spa slot or quiet lunch around the session times rather than the other way round. Ask for the timetable at check-in and plan day one before you unpack.
Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi: the details
- Where: Marina City Ring Road, Al Marina, Abu Dhabi
- Book: rixos.com (search Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi)
- Phone: +971 2 498 0000
- Best for: Families with young kids and friends who want a lively, entertainment-heavy resort in the city
- Budget: Upper mid-range to luxury (half board or all-inclusive)
Vibe check: The marina setting and Hashi win plenty of fans, just plan around the split kids club hours and slower service at peak times, or you will find yourself negotiating with a six-year-old at lunchtime like a hostage negotiator in swim shorts.
Rather have island beaches than a marina? Our Saadiyat Island guide ranks the beaches and beach clubs out there, while the InterContinental Abu Dhabi all-inclusive staycation is the calmer city-beach option.
Until 31 October 2026, up to two children under eight stay free on a half board basis with a minimum two-night stay under the Kids Go Free offer.
No. The 30% resident offer ended on 30 September 2025. Resident rates return from time to time, so ask the reservations team on +971 2 498 0000.
Yes. Teens get the Recreation Room with arcade games, PS5s and a DJ booth, plus the Aqua Tower slides at weekends, while under-12s use Rixy Kids Club.
Offer details checked September 2026. Packages and inclusions change often, so confirm with the hotel before you book.
More staycations: InterContinental Abu Dhabi all-inclusive | Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island staycation | Yas Plaza’s Ultimate Yas Staycation
