Abu Dhabi Day Tour from Dubai: Grand Mosque & Ferrari World

Summary

Abu Dhabi city tour from Dubai with mosque visit and photo stops

You’ll wander through Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque with a local guide, taste fresh dates at a bustling market, snap skyline photos along the Corniche, and pause for a picture at Ferrari World. Expect small surprises — like learning how fishing nets are woven or sharing a laugh over lunch — that make this day trip from Dubai feel personal.

What’s the experience like?

“If you look up, you’ll see the marble almost glows in this light,” our guide Khalid said as we stepped barefoot into the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. I tried to take it all in — the coolness underfoot, the faint scent of oud drifting by, the quiet shuffle of other visitors. I’d seen photos before but being there felt different. It’s hard to explain — maybe it was the way everyone seemed to slow down and whisper, or maybe it was just me trying not to trip over my borrowed abaya.

The drive from Dubai took about two hours with a quick glimpse of Jebel Ali Port out the window (Khalid joked that if you blinked, you’d miss it — he wasn’t wrong). Abu Dhabi itself felt calmer than Dubai somehow. We stopped at Heritage Village where an old man showed us how they used to weave fishing nets; his hands moved so fast I could barely follow. The Corniche was windy that day, gulls wheeling above us while we tried to get a photo with the skyline — my hair went everywhere and I gave up after three tries. Lunch at Marina Mall was nothing fancy but honestly after walking around in the sun, anything cold tasted great.

I didn’t expect to enjoy the dates market as much as I did — there were so many kinds and one vendor insisted I try something called “khudri.” Sticky-sweet and almost nutty. Li laughed when I tried to say thank you in Arabic; probably butchered it but nobody seemed to mind. We drove past Emirates Palace (couldn’t go inside unless you’re staying there) and then wound through Yas Island for a quick stop outside Ferrari World. The red roof is impossible to miss — even if you’re not into cars, it’s kind of wild seeing something that huge just sitting there.

By the time we headed back toward Dubai, my phone was full of photos but what stuck with me most was that feeling inside the mosque — soft light on white stone, everyone moving quietly together. Not sure I’ll ever forget that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Abu Dhabi city sightseeing tour

• Travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
• Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
• Explore Heritage Village
• Drive along Abu Dhabi Corniche
• Visit Emirates Palace
• Drive through Presidential Palace
• Lunch at Marina Mall
• Shop at Dates Market and Carpet Market
• Drive through Yas Island
• Photo stop at Ferrari World

Top questions

How long is the Abu Dhabi day tour from Dubai?

The tour lasts approximately one full day including travel time; driving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi takes about 1 hour 45 minutes each way.

Is lunch included on this Abu Dhabi city tour?

Lunch is included with a stop at Marina Mall during the tour.

What attractions are visited during this Abu Dhabi city tour?

You’ll visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Heritage Village, Emirates Palace (outside), Corniche, Dates Market, Yas Island for Ferrari World photo stop, and more.

Is hotel pickup provided for this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup is included in your booking for convenience.

Are entry fees included in the price?

All taxes, fees and handling charges are covered in your booking.

What should I wear for visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?

A smart casual dress code is required; full clothing covering arms and legs is recommended for both men and women.

Can children join this Abu Dhabi sightseeing tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult throughout the tour.

Is proof of COVID-19 vaccination needed for this tour?

Yes, travelers need proof of COVID-19 vaccination and a PCR test taken within 14 days before travel.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Dubai with a local driver-guide who handles all entry fees and taxes along the way. You’ll have bottled water throughout the journey plus time for lunch at Marina Mall before returning in the evening after stops at key sights like Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Ferrari World.