Abu Dhabi day trip from Dubai: Grand Mosque, Palace & Lunch

The palace has no guided tours inside, but your guide explains its architecture and history before you walk through.

A day trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi visits three major landmarks (the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan Palace, and Etihad Towers) with a professional guide, lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant, and all entry tickets included. The tour runs 9 to 10 hours depending on traffic. Women receive an abaya and scarf at the mosque. Men must cover shoulders and below the knee. Guided tours are not permitted inside Qasr Al Watan, though your guide provides context before entry. The itinerary may change in order.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque2h · entry included
2. Etihad Towers1h · entry included
3. Qasr Al Watan1h · entry included

Abu Dhabi sightseeing and lunch

• Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
• Enjoy lunch at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant
• Go to Etihad Towers Observation Deck
• Explore Qasr Al Watan Palace
• Return to Dubai

The experience

The day starts at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, where your guide walks you through the white marble structure and explains its architecture and significance. Women are provided with an abaya and scarf at the entrance if needed. Men must ensure shoulders and knees are covered. After the mosque, you drive along the Abu Dhabi Corniche and pass the Emirates Palace before heading to lunch at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant, a Michelin-starred venue serving Emirati cuisine.

In the afternoon, you visit the Etihad Towers and go up to the observation deck to take in panoramic views of Abu Dhabi's skyline. The towers are known for hosting stunts from the Fast & Furious films. From there, the tour moves to Qasr Al Watan Palace in the Presidential Palace compound. Your guide explains the key features and historical context before you enter. Self-guided exploration lets you move through the palace at your own pace and see its architecture, artifacts, and collections that document UAE history and culture.

Transportation is by air-conditioned vehicle with a professional licensed guide who speaks your choice of English, Spanish, Italian, or French. Hotel pickup from Dubai is included. Bottled water is provided throughout the day. The return to Dubai happens after the palace visit, with timing dependent on traffic. Tattoos must be covered during the mosque visit, and infants sit on an adult's lap in the vehicle.

What’s included

• Professional licensed guide in your choice of English, Spanish, Italian or French.
• hotel pickup from Dubai and return transportation by air-conditioned vehicle.
• entry tickets to Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Etihad Towers observation deck, and Qasr Al Watan Palace.
• abaya and scarf provided for women at the mosque.
• lunch at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• all fees and taxes.

Options for this experience

4 options

English-language small group tour08:45 and 09:00Small group tour in English lasting 9 hours, pickup is included

French-language small group tour08:45Lasts 9 hours, pickup is included

Spanish-language small group tour08:45 and 09:00Small group tour in Spanish lasting 10 hours, pickup is included

Italian-language small group tour08:45 and 09:00Small group tour in Italian lasting 9 hours, pickup is included

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:45 and 09:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 17

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfants must sit on laps

Operated by OceanAir Travels

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you're traveling from Dubai and want a guided day that combines the mosque, palace, and observation deck with a sit-down lunch, rather than a self-guided itinerary or a larger coach where you'd manage your own timing between stops.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

In English, Spanish and Italian, at 08:45 and 09:00. In French, at 08:45.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What do I need to wear when I visit the Sheikh Zayed Mosque?

Women must wear long loose clothing with arms, legs, and head fully covered. An abaya and scarf are provided at the mosque entrance and must be returned after your visit. Men must cover shoulders and below the knees. Tattoos must be covered.

Can I take a guided tour inside Qasr Al Watan Palace?

Guided tours are not permitted inside the palace. Your guide explains the key architectural and historical features before you enter, and then you explore the palace on your own.

What's included in the lunch at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant?

Lunch at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant is included in the tour. It is a Michelin-starred venue serving Emirati cuisine. The meal is part of the full-day itinerary.

How long does the tour take and what time does it start?

The tour runs 9 to 10 hours depending on traffic. Hotel pickup from Dubai is included, and you should confirm your pickup time and WhatsApp number with the operator for easy communication on the day.

What happens if Qasr Al Watan Palace closes without notice?

Qasr Al Watan has the right to close the entrance without notice. If this occurs, the itinerary may change. The operator will adjust the day's stops accordingly.

Is transportation from my Dubai hotel included?

Yes, hotel pickup from Dubai is included in the tour. You travel by clean, air-conditioned modern vehicle with a professional licensed guide for the entire day.