A Recognition of Excellence: W Abu Dhabi Yas Island Crowned Region’s Premier Family Destination

There is something particularly gratifying about an accolade that comes from those who know a place best. The readers of Condé Nast Traveller, a publication renowned for its discerning eye and refined tastes, have spoken. W Abu Dhabi Yas Island has been named the No. 1 Favourite Family Hotel across the Middle East and North Africa at the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards.

The recognition arrives as a testament to something increasingly rare in hospitality: a property that genuinely understands how to orchestrate an experience for families without sacrificing sophistication. The hotel, positioned on Yas Island, has clearly struck that delicate balance between delivering genuine comfort and creating moments of genuine delight for guests of all ages.

A Vote from Travellers

What distinguishes the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards is their foundation in authentic experience rather than industry consensus alone. These honours emerge from the votes of thousands of travellers who have stayed at, visited and genuinely assessed properties across the region. In choosing W Abu Dhabi Yas Island as their preferred family destination, readers have endorsed not merely the tangible elements of a hotel—its rooms, its facilities, its location—but the intangible quality of how a place makes a family feel.

The hotel’s team will no doubt take particular pride in knowing that this distinction reflects their collective efforts. The people who work within a hotel’s spaces, who attend to details and create moments of genuine warmth, ultimately shape the memories families carry home.

A Moment of Celebration

Such recognition within a competitive landscape speaks to thoughtful curation across every aspect of the guest experience. From the moment a family arrives through their departure, consistency in service and a genuine understanding of what makes a holiday restorative rather than merely pleasant, matter enormously.

For Abu Dhabi’s hospitality sector, this award represents the calibre of experience the emirate has cultivated. The recognition also underscores how the city continues to refine its position as a destination that welcomes visitors seeking both rest and engagement, families seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Imagery courtesy of W Abu Dhabi, Yas Island.