Being a mum in Abu Dhabi isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s equal parts tactical planning, heat endurance training and snack-dispensing diplomacy. But what if, instead of just surviving, we make it a little more fun? Welcome to the blog that gets it—parenting here is chaos wrapped in SPF 50, but it doesn’t have to be lonely or boring.

Packing Like You’re Prepping for the Apocalypse (Or a Morning Out)

Let’s talk about the mum bag—part handbag, part survival kit, part black hole where your keys go to die. Packing for an outing here requires strategy, stamina and the uncanny ability to predict every possible disaster.

Here’s what you’ll need – thank me later:

• Snacks: Not just any snacks—their favourites. And backups when they suddenly hate the favourites. And if you need some snack inspo – have you spotted Koala Picks?
• Water bottles: Plural. Enough to hydrate a football team. This is Abu Dhabi, where the sun doesn’t just shine—it interrogates.
• Extra nappies and clothes: Because accidents aren’t just possible—they’re inevitable. And if you’re on the lookout for a new brand of nappy, Ecoma are offering Eklektik Mamas 15% off with EKMA15. Check out our community page for all the perks.
• A “keep-them-quiet” toy: Something entertaining but not annoying (think colouring pads over harmonicas).
• Mini first-aid kit: AKA the “Stop Crying Kit”—plasters for boo-boos, wipes for sticky hands and sanitiser, bottles of it.

Mum Hack: Keep a pre-packed bag by the door. It’s your grab-and-go ticket to organised spontaneity—or at least the illusion of it.

Finding Your Happy (Kid-Friendly) Place

Picture this: the kids are happy, and you’re sipping a coffee that hasn’t gone cold yet. Sounds like a unicorn sighting, right? Not if you’ve got our free downloadable list of Abu Dhabi’s best family spots.

Here’s a taste of what’s inside:

• Nature Escapes: The Jubail Mangroves Boardwalk is perfect for when you want to swap screaming slides for serene strolls.
• Cafés That Love Mums: Mazaraa Farm Café serves up coffee, snacks and vibes that don’t scream, “kid-chaos imminent.”
• Playgrounds With Shade: Because shade is Abu Dhabi’s love language.
• Cultural Gems: Louvre Children’s Museum or Qasr Al Watan for when you want to fool the kids into learning something.
• Eklektik Mama Events: Yes, shameless plug, but these are made for you. Think BYOBaby Mama Breakfasts or MaMA Fit classes, where working out feels less like a chore and more like a win, especially when qualified sitters are on hand to watch the babes.

You can grab the list here and impress your friends with your encyclopaedic knowledge of kid-friendly spots.

The 5 Mums of Abu Dhabi (You Know Them All)

Abu Dhabi mums are a breed of their own. If you’ve been here for five minutes, you’ve already met at least one of these:

1. The Tactical Snack Mum
   She’s got a Mary Poppins-level stash of crackers, raisins, and maybe a secret chocolate bar for herself. You want her on your team in a crisis.
2. The Insta Mum
   You’ll find her at the park with perfectly coordinated outfits for her kids (and probably a tripod). Her posts make you wonder how she does it all.
3. The Zen Whisperer
   When her kid melts down, she breathes deeply, talks softly and radiates peace. You can’t help but admire her calm in the chaos (and maybe ask for tips!)
4. The Info Dumper
   She’s new to town and asking all the questions. Where do you buy fresh veg? Is the Mangrove park worth it? What’s a nanny share? You love her enthusiasm—and you have her WhatsApp saved because she’s a goldmine for new discoveries.
5. The (Reluctant) Chaos Mum
   It’s you. It’s me. It’s all of us when the wheels come off, and we’re holding it together with humour and wet wipes.

Which one are you? Answer honestly—we’ve all been The Snack Mum in a moment of desperation.

No Mum Is an Island (Especially Here in Abu Dhabi)

Let’s be real: mum life is a team sport, and Abu Dhabi makes that beautifully clear. Whether you’re new or a seasoned veteran, finding your people makes all the difference. That’s where our Facebook and WhatsApp communities come in. Think of it as the virtual café where we laugh, cry, and share tips about which playground doesn’t have the really aggressive slide.

Got a life hack, a must-visit spot or a pro-tip for surviving the soft play? Join the chat and spill your secrets. Because the best mum hack is knowing exactly where to go when the snacks run out and the mood gets dangerous.

You’ve got this, mama. We’re right here with you.