Abu Dhabi Day Trip: Grand Mosque, Heritage Village & Ferrari World

Summary

From Dubai to Abu Dhabi’s soul—mosques, markets, thrill rides and quiet moments

You’ll travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi with a local guide, visiting the Grand Mosque’s marble halls, exploring Heritage Village’s old crafts, tasting fresh dates at the market, and ending with wild rides at Ferrari World. Expect small surprises—a quiet moment in the mosque or laughter over lunch—that stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest—I mostly signed up for this Abu Dhabi day trip from Dubai because I wanted to see that huge white mosque everyone posts about. But the drive itself surprised me. Our guide, Ahmed, kept pointing out things along the highway: Jebel Ali Port (apparently the biggest man-made port in the world), trucks loaded with who-knows-what, and then suddenly you’re just… in Abu Dhabi. The city feels different—less rush than Dubai somehow. Maybe it was just me still waking up.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is even more massive in person. I fumbled a bit with the abaya they gave me (they provide one for women), but honestly, walking barefoot on those cool marble floors felt calming. The air smelled faintly of incense and something floral—jasmine maybe? Ahmed told us stories about how it took over a decade to build. There’s this echo when people whisper inside; it made me want to talk softer too. I caught myself staring at the way sunlight hit all that white stone.

After that we stopped at Heritage Village—kind of touristy but still interesting if you like seeing old boats and crafts. I tried saying thank you in Arabic to a guy weaving baskets (pretty sure I butchered it). Then there was a quick drive along the Corniche with these perfect turquoise waves and people jogging or just hanging out. Lunch was at Marina Mall—nothing fancy but good enough to refuel before we hit the date market (so many types! And yes, you can sample them). By then my energy dipped but Yas Island woke me up again—Ferrari World is loud and bright and honestly not my usual thing but… I ended up screaming on one of those rollercoasters anyway. Still think about that view from Etihad Towers though; wish I’d taken more photos.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Abu Dhabi city tour and Ferrari World

• Travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
• Pass Jebel Ali Port
• Visit the eighth largest mosque
• Explore Heritage Village
• Drive along Corniche beach
• Take photos of skyline and Breakwater Island
• Visit Emirates Palace
• Drive through Presidential Palace
• Lunch at Marian Mall
• Visit Dates Market and Carpet Market
• Drive through Yas Island
• Enjoy unlimited rides at Ferrari World

Top questions

How long is the drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?

It takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes by road from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.

Is entry to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque included?

Yes, your visit to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is included in this tour.

Are women provided with appropriate attire for the mosque?

Yes, black abayas are provided for women so everyone can enter respectfully.

Is lunch included during this Abu Dhabi day trip?

You’ll stop for lunch at Marina Mall; lunch cost is not specified as included.

What markets do we visit on this tour?

You’ll visit both a dates market and a carpet market during your day in Abu Dhabi.

Do we get unlimited access to Ferrari World rides?

Yes, unlimited access to all rides in Ferrari World is part of your tour experience.

Are hotel pickups available from Dubai?

Yes, hotel pickup from Dubai is included for your convenience.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels and families are welcome.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Dubai, bottled water throughout the journey, guided visits inside Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (with abayas provided for women), stops at Heritage Village and Emirates Palace area, photo opportunities along Corniche Beach and Breakwater Island, time at Marina Mall for lunch, plus visits to both dates and carpet markets before finishing with unlimited ride access at Ferrari World on Yas Island.