Why Abu Dhabi Is The Holiday Chris Hemsworth And His Family Keep Coming Back To
From Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Watan to Yas Island thrills and “the feeling of being at home”, it is the trip where everyone gets their version of a good break – wrapped in the warm, generous hospitality the emirate is known for
A successful vacation would be one which ends with the thought, “I am definitely returning, there’s so much to do here,” and Australian actor and Mr Thor himself, Chris Hemsworth, has those sentiments about Abu Dhabi.
When Chris is not walking the red carpets or practicing stunts for his movies, he comes across as what he is actually like away from the limelight – a family man. So when he talks about a destination, his simplest take on Abu Dhabi says enough: “the kids didn’t want to leave.”
Chris and his wife, Spanish actress Elsa Pataky, were announced as Global Brand Ambassadors last year for Experience Abu Dhabi, and this year the partnership continues, with them returning to the destination they describe as “a one-stop shop for fun,” a place where families are made to feel like valued guests from the moment they arrive.
On a family itinerary, what matters is that every member is enjoying their time, and that there is plenty to engage in, whether it is culture, adventure, dining, or exploring the city. If you are in the mood for history and art, Louvre Abu Dhabi gives you a full afternoon of delving into it. Meanwhile, Zayed National Museum tells the story of the UAE, and Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi will thrill the kids with dinosaurs galore. Beyond the landmarks, there are moments that stay with you – being welcomed into a majlis, stories shared over cups of gahwa and dates, and warm interactions that turn strangers into friends.
For those moments when you’re in the mood for something more high-energy, the options are just as effortless. Yas Island keeps the “what are we doing now” question easy to answer, with Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros.™ World Abu Dhabi, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi all within a few minutes away.
Elsa describes a visit to the city perfectly: “Whether it is for us as a couple or a family, every day here is a new adventure, there is something for each one of us to enjoy and discover,” she says. “My kids have fallen in love with Abu Dhabi, as it gives them a playground for all the things they want to do.”
She is clear about what that looks like. “Whether it’s theme parks with exciting roller coasters, dune bashing and horse riding in the desert, or catching the best wave, Abu Dhabi has it all and is now our must-visit yearly holiday spot.”
Chris, meanwhile, keeps returning to the feeling he has once the day ends. He describes being able to “unwind and relax, with the feeling of being at home.” In Abu Dhabi, that feeling tends to come from simple gestures: doors opened, smiles shared and the sense that you are always welcome back.
Want to explore the emirate through the eyes of Chris and Elsa? Watch the brand film here and visit visitabudhabi.ae for more information.