Abu Dhabi: Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan & Etihad Towers Tour

Summary

White marble, palace halls and city towers on a half-day abu dhabi tour

You’ll step into Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque with a local guide, feel the cool marble beneath your feet, ride up Etihad Towers for city views, and wander Qasr Al Watan’s ornate halls at your own pace. Expect hotel pickup and all entry tickets sorted for you. It’s a day of contrasts — calm moments and big city sights — that might stick with you longer than you’d guess.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll want to look up,” our guide Khaled grinned as we shuffled into the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. And honestly? I did — the chandeliers are wild (I counted three before getting distracted by all that white marble under my feet). There’s something about the hush in there, even with other visitors around. The abaya they handed me was softer than I expected; I kept fiddling with the scarf while Khaled told us about the world’s largest carpet. He pronounced it “car-pet” with this little pause, which made me smile. I still think about how cool that floor felt through my sandals.

The drive along Abu Dhabi Corniche was quick but kind of dreamy — blue water on one side, glassy buildings on the other. We stopped at Emirates Palace for photos (yes, it’s as gold as you’ve heard), but what I remember most is a faint scent of cardamom from somewhere nearby. Maybe someone’s coffee? After that, Etihad Towers — you get this view from up top where everything looks miniature and somehow less hot than it actually is outside. My phone camera couldn’t really catch it.

Khaled had to let us loose at Qasr Al Watan since guides can’t go inside with you. He gave us this whole story about its library and how presidents visit sometimes — he seemed genuinely proud. Walking those palace halls alone felt a bit surreal; so many patterns everywhere your eyes kind of get lost for a second. There was a moment in one sunlit room where everyone just went quiet at once. Not sure why — maybe just taking it in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Abu Dhabi city tour highlights

• Hotel pickup in air-conditioned vehicle
• Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
• Stroll Abu Dhabi Corniche
• Photo stop at Emirates Palace
• Visit Etihad Towers observation deck
• Tour Qasr Al Watan Palace
• Return to hotel or selected location

Top questions

How long does the Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque & Qasr Al Watan tour take?

The tour is a half-day experience starting with hotel pickup in Abu Dhabi and includes several main attractions before returning.

Is hotel pickup included for this Abu Dhabi city tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from central Abu Dhabi hotels or selected locations.

Are entry tickets to Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Qasr Al Watan included?

Yes, entry tickets to both Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Qasr Al Watan Palace are included in the tour price.

What should women wear when visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?

Women must wear long loose clothing covering arms and legs and cover their heads; an abaya with scarf is provided if needed.

Can guides enter Qasr Al Watan Palace during the tour?

No, guides cannot enter Qasr Al Watan but will share information before you explore inside independently.

Is there an observation deck visit at Etihad Towers?

Yes, the tour includes access to Etihad Towers’ observation deck for panoramic city views.

Are infants allowed on this Abu Dhabi city tour?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap if not requiring their own seat.

What happens if Qasr Al Watan is closed during my tour?

If Qasr Al Watan is unavailable due to presidential events, it will be replaced by Louvre Museum based on availability.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Abu Dhabi in an air-conditioned vehicle, entry tickets for Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (with abaya and scarf provided for women), access to Etihad Towers’ observation deck for city views, all required fees for Qasr Al Watan Palace, cold mineral water throughout the trip, plus guidance from a licensed bilingual local guide who’ll share stories along the way before returning you back to your hotel or chosen spot.