For families deciding where to travel with children, two UAE cities have just earned a strong endorsement.

Dubai has been ranked the world's second most family-friendly city, while Abu Dhabi sits in fifth place, according to the World's Most Child-Friendly Cities 2026 ranking published by Radical Storage, a luggage storage company.

The top of the table

The study compared 50 major cities across 14 indicators, aiming to measure how well each destination looks after families and offers a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment for children. Tokyo took first place with 6.8 points out of 10. Dubai came second with 6.5, ahead of Kuala Lumpur with 6.4 and Osaka with 6.3. Abu Dhabi scored 6.1, the same as Seoul, which gave the two cities joint fifth place.

Dubai finished ahead of several international favourites, including Hong Kong and Singapore, a notable result for a city that has competed hard for the family market in recent years.

Safety is the standout strength

The most striking result is on safety. Dubai and Abu Dhabi tied for first place globally in the Cities' Safety Index, each scoring 88.7. The index uses Numbeo data and looks at crime-related factors such as theft, vandalism and assault. Kyoto came third with 85.8, Taipei fourth with 83.5 and Munich scored 78.4.

For parents, a feeling of security often matters more than any single attraction. It affects whether you let children walk through a mall, take a late-evening stroll along the waterfront or use public transport.

Attractions that suit children

On attractions and activities suitable for children, Abu Dhabi ranked second in the world. About 29.6 per cent of the attractions in the study were classed as child-friendly, equal to 34 destinations. That placed it above Kuala Lumpur at 28.7 per cent, and behind only Orlando, which led the category at 38.5 per cent.

Dubai ranked eighth, with 20.2 per cent of attractions classed as suitable for children, or 86 activities and attractions. The lower percentage partly reflects the sheer size and variety of the city's offering: a large number of venues is counted, and not all of them are aimed at younger visitors.

Affordable stays and family-friendly hotels

Cost is the other big question for families. Dubai ranked third among the cities with the cheapest hotel rooms in the study, at an average of €53 (about $59.10) a night. Only Bangkok, at €35, and Kuala Lumpur, at €47, were cheaper. Shanghai was fourth at €71.

Dubai also performed well on choice. It recorded 642 accommodation venues classed as suitable for families, third in the world behind Tokyo with 1,290 and Kuala Lumpur with 1,145.

How the ranking works

Radical Storage used Booking.com data for hotel prices, guest ratings and the number of family-friendly stays. It also drew on Numbeo's Safety Index and healthcare access indicators, together with traveller reviews to estimate the share of attractions suited to children. Each city received a score from one to 10 in each category relative to the others, and the final index gives all 14 indicators equal weight. Data was collected in September 2026, and hotel prices were converted into euros.

As with any commercial ranking, the results reflect the study's chosen indicators and a snapshot in time, so they are best read as a useful guide rather than a final verdict.

Why it matters

Tourism is a pillar of both emirates' economies, and families are a particularly valuable and loyal group of visitors. A high ranking for safety, attractions and value can influence travel decisions at a time when many people are weighing winter holiday plans.

For residents, the result is also a reminder of something many already know. The UAE's cities have invested heavily in public spaces, parks, theme attractions and family-oriented hospitality. With Diwali celebrations running across the country this week and a busy calendar of events through November and December, there is no shortage of family-friendly plans on offer.