Dubai to Abu Dhabi Day Trip: Grand Mosque, Palace & Etihad Towers

Dubai , United Arab Emirates

Dubai to Abu Dhabi Day Trip: Grand Mosque, Palace & Etihad Towers

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(313 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

With this tour, experience the glorious past, exuberant present and remarkable future of Abu Dhabi. Drive in and out of this well-planned capital city and witness the celebrated landmarks.

Highlights:

• Discover the grandeur of Islamic architecture by visiting the Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
• Drive along the alluring Corniche and soak the charm of Abu Dhabi cityscape.
• Spectate the celebrated landmarks of Abu Dhabi.
• Explore the sprawling exteriors and grand interiors of Qasr Al Watan.
• Experience the breathtaking splendor of the Etihad Tower.
• Louvre Museum photo stop

Available options

Small Group Tour in Italian

Select this option for a tour with a professional Italian-speaking guide in a small group (maximum 17 people).

<br/>Pickup included

Small Group Tour in German

Select this option for a tour with a professional German-speaking guide in a small group (maximum 17 people).

<br/>Pickup included

Small Group Tour in English

Select this option for a tour with a professional English-speaking guide in a small group (maximum 17 people).

<br/>Pickup included

Small Group Tour in Spanish

Select this option for a tour with a professional Spanish-speaking guide in a small group (maximum 17 people).

<br/>Pickup included

Small Group Tour in French

Pickup included

What's included

Qasr Al Watan Visit

Etihad Tower Visit

Sheikh Zayed Mosque Entry Tickets

Cold mineral water

Pick up and drop off to your hotel/ selected location in Dubai

Professional licensed tour guide of your selected language

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Clean and air-conditioned modern vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

After the prompt pickup from your hotel or selected location in Dubai, move along the Gulf Coast to Abu Dhabi. Get seated in the air-conditioned vehicle comfortably and listen to the tour guide as he narrates fascinating stories about the city during the 90 minutes journey (approx). Drop into the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and admire its breathtaking architecture. Walk into the grand interiors of the mosque which features 82 domes, a humongous mosaic-courtyard, extravagant chandeliers, and wall art.

Stop 2

Stop by for a quick photostop at the Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi

Stop 3

Thereafter a stop will be made at Marina Mall. You can take a break for lunch at the mall’s food court or restaurants (at your own expense).

Stop 4

Then move on to the last attraction of the tour- the majestic Qasr Al Watan Palace. The guide will brief you about the history and significance of the Palace before you enter. Marvel at the sprawling garden of the Palace before entering its exquisite interiors. The enchanting building, located in the premises of Presidential palace, displays artifacts, manuscripts, and other historical documents. Thereafter you will be dropped back to your hotel or selected location in Dubai.

Stop 5

e Etihad towers, a striking architectural landmark on the Abu Dhabi Corniche, offer dining, stay, and entertaining options in one location. The breathtaking panoramic views of the city, including the view of Emirates Palace, and the Arabian Gulf from the observation deck enchants anyone who comes there.

Stop 6 Pass by

After the mosque visit, drive along the scenic Abu Dhabi Corniche. From this spot catch a splendid panorama of Abu Dhabi’s skyline which includes celebrated edifices. Relish the beauty of the Arabian Gulf and the scintillating water of the harbor and click pictures with this backdrop.

What's not included

Entry inside Emirates Palace (only pass over)

Lunch (at your own expense)

Guided tour inside the Qasr Al Watan Palace

Any extra services or expenses not mentioned above

Tipping (not mandatory)

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

16 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

297 reviews

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286

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Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The tour guiding by professional tour guide Bilingual Languages.

The pickup time will be from 8:00 AM to 8:45 AM. Please be ready at the hotel lobby by 8:00 AM. On Fridays, you will be picked up from 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM

Mosques Dress Code. Mosques have very strict dress codes, when visiting; Women must wear long loose clothing, insure their arms and legs are fully covered. Women are also required to their heads at all times. However,company will provide long-local Abaya with scarf(long black dress-attire) if needed which must be retured back. Men must not show above their knees and cover their shoulders. Failure to do so will result in refused entry. Company does not provide any kind of clothes to men.

Entry to the Qasr Al Watan may be prohibited during presidential events but will be replaced with Louvre Museum

We recommend you to avoid booking this tour on a Friday if you have to catch a return flight on the same day. The drop off timing can fluctuate, depending on the traffic.

Guided tours are not available inside the Palace. Your guide will narrate the significance and history of the palace before you enter its premises.

Kindly share your WhatsApp number for easy communication during the pickup

Mosque Hours: Sat to Thu: 9:00 am - 10:00 pm (Last entry 9:30 pm)

Fri: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (Last entry 11:30 am) & from 3:00 pm - 10:00 pm (Last entry 9:30 pm)

Tattoos must be covered for the mosque visit

The itinerary is for reference only, and the order may change.

Important notes

The pickup time will be from 8:00 AM to 8:45 AM. Please be ready at the hotel lobby by 8:00 AM. On Fridays, you will be picked up from 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM
Kindly share your WhatsApp number for easy communication during the pickup

About Dubai

Dubai is a city of superlatives, known for its futuristic architecture, luxury shopping, and vibrant culture. It offers a unique blend of traditional Arabic heritage and modern innovation, making it a captivating destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Burj Khalifa

The tallest building in the world, offering breathtaking views from its observation decks.

Architecture 1-2 hours AED 149-500 (USD 40-140)

Dubai Mall

One of the largest shopping malls in the world, featuring a vast array of retail stores, dining options, and entertainment venues.

Shopping Half day to full day Free entry, activities vary in cost

Palm Jumeirah

A man-made island shaped like a palm tree, featuring luxury resorts, residential areas, and the iconic Atlantis The Palm resort.

Architecture Half day to full day Varies by activity

Old Dubai (Al Fahidi)

The historic district of Dubai, showcasing traditional Emirati architecture, museums, and cultural experiences.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore, museum entry AED 3 (USD 0.80)

Dubai Creek

A historic waterway that divides Dubai into two main sections, offering traditional abra rides and access to souks.

Cultural 2-3 hours AED 1 (USD 0.30) for abra ride

Dubai Marina

A modern waterfront district featuring luxury yachts, high-rise buildings, and a vibrant dining and nightlife scene.

Waterfront Half day to full day Free to explore, activities vary in cost

Must-Try Local Dishes

Al Harees

A traditional Emirati dish made from wheat and meat, slow-cooked to a porridge-like consistency.

Main Course Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians.

Machboos

A spiced rice dish cooked with meat, typically chicken or lamb, and flavored with saffron and cardamom.

Main Course Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians.

Luqaimat

Sweet dumplings made from a batter of flour, yeast, and cardamom, deep-fried and drizzled with date syrup.

Dessert Vegetarian, contains gluten.

Kahwa

A traditional Arabic coffee flavored with cardamom and served with dates.

Drink Contains caffeine, can be prepared with or without sugar.

Popular Activities

Dune bashing Skydiving Hot air ballooning Skiing at Ski Dubai Beach lounging Spa treatments Yacht cruises Shopping

Best Time to Visit

November to March

This is the best time to visit Dubai, with pleasant weather ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city hosts numerous events and festivals during this period.

20-30°C 68-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Arabic
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED)

Time Zone

GMT+4

Electricity

220-240VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Dubai is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, travelers should still exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps
• Be cautious when using ATMs
• Avoid sharing personal information with strangers

Getting there

By air

Dubai International Airport • 5 km from city center
Al Maktoum International Airport • 50 km from city center

By bus

Al Ghubaiba Bus Station, Gold Souk Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Modern, efficient, and air-conditioned. Uses a contactless payment system (Nol Card).

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Careem

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Dubai Jumeirah Deira Dubai Marina

Day trips

Abu Dhabi

140 km from Dubai • Full day

The capital of the UAE, offering a mix of modern architecture and traditional heritage sites.

Hatta

115 km from Dubai • Half day to full day

A picturesque mountain area with a dam, heritage village, and outdoor activities.

Musandam Peninsula

200 km from Dubai • Overnight

A stunning coastal area known as the 'Norway of Arabia' for its fjords and clear waters.

Festivals

Dubai Shopping Festival • January-February Dubai World Cup • March Dubai Food Festival • February-March

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
Use the Nol Card for easy and discounted access to public transport.
Bargain when shopping in souks, but do so politely and respectfully.
Try traditional Emirati dishes at local restaurants for an authentic culinary experience.
Book tickets for popular attractions, such as the Burj Khalifa, in advance to avoid long queues.