Abu Dhabi Day Trip from Dubai: Corniche, Grand Mosque & Towers

What does the Corniche reveal that the Grand Mosque doesn't?

You get hotel pickup in Dubai, a 90-minute drive to Abu Dhabi, entry to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, photo stops at Ferrari World and the Louvre, views from the Etihad Towers observation deck, and a visit to the Founders' Memorial. The guide handles the route and the history. You just show up dressed modestly and ready to look around. Return to your Dubai hotel in the evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi30m
2. Louvre Abu Dhabi30m

Abu Dhabi sightseeing from Dubai

• Pickup from Dubai hotel
• Drive 90 minutes to Abu Dhabi
• Photo stop at Ferrari World
• Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
• Photo stop at Louvre Museum
• Drive along Abu Dhabi Corniche
• Photo stop at Emirates Palace and Etihad Towers
• Visit Founders’ Memorial

The experience

You're staying in Dubai, but Abu Dhabi is only 90 minutes away, and the difference between the two cities hits you the moment the car leaves the highway. Where Dubai is all glass and speed, Abu Dhabi moves slower, grander, more deliberate. The tour picks you up from your hotel and heads south, and by the time you reach Ferrari World, you're already in a different rhythm. The photo stop there is quick (the world's fastest rollercoaster in the frame behind you), but it's the kind of moment that makes the drive feel worth it before you've even started.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is where the day opens up. You'll need to dress modestly (covered shoulders, knees, and a headscarf for women), but once you're inside, the scale of it stops you. The marble domes, the hand-knotted carpet that took years to complete, the Swarovski chandeliers catching light: it's architecture that doesn't whisper. Your guide walks you through the halls and explains the design, the prayer spaces, the way the whole building was built to honor Sheikh Zayed's vision. It's not rushed, and it shouldn't be. This is the centerpiece of the day.

After the mosque, the corniche drive is where you catch your breath. The road curves along the water, and you pass the Louvre Abu Dhabi (a photo stop, not an entry, but the building itself is worth the camera work), then the Emirates Palace and the Etihad Towers, which you might recognize from Fast & Furious 7. The observation deck gives you the panoramic view of the whole city, the way it spreads out between desert and sea. Then there's the Founders' Memorial, a quieter stop where you learn about Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and what he built here. By late afternoon, the car heads back to Dubai, and you've seen the monuments without the exhaustion of figuring out transport, timing, or where to go next.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Dubai, a professional licensed tour guide, entry tickets to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, photo stops at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Louvre Abu Dhabi, access to the Etihad Towers observation deck, a visit to the Founders' Memorial, and mineral water throughout the tour.

Options for this experience

3 options

Shared tour in a small groupGuide in English · 08:45, 09:30 and 11:00Full-day sightseeing tour of Abu Dhabi from Dubai lasting 9 hours. It includes a visit to the Grand Mosque and the Founders Memorial, with photo stops at Ferrari World and the Louvre Museum. Pickup is included.

Small Group TourGuide in English · 08:45, 09:30 and 11:00Grand Mosque and Royal Palace: Tour covering a visit to the Grand Mosque and Founders Memorial, with photo stops at the Corniche, Ferrari World, and the Louvre Museum. Pickup is included.

Small group tour that includes lunchGuide in English · 08:45, 09:30 and 11:00Lunch is included: visit to the Grand Mosque entry ticket, the Corniche, and the Founders Memorial, with photo stops at Ferrari World and the Louvre Museum. Pickup is included.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:45, 09:30 and 11:00

Book up to3h before

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

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and German

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 14 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availableInfants must sit on laps

Operated by OceanAir Travels

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Abu Dhabi's main landmarks in one day without arranging your own transport or buying separate tickets: the fixed pickup time and included guide mean you don't have to plan the logistics yourself.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and German.

Can children come?

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

How long is the drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?

About 90 minutes each way. The tour includes both the drive and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Do I need to cover up at the mosque?

Yes. Women must cover their head, arms, and legs with loose, long clothing. Men must cover shoulders and knees. No clothing is provided, so wear appropriate clothes or bring a scarf.

What's included in the tour?

Hotel pickup and drop-off from Dubai, professional guide, entry to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, photo stops at Ferrari World and Louvre Abu Dhabi, observation deck access at Etihad Towers, visit to Founders' Memorial, and mineral water.

Can I bring luggage or a pet?

No. Large bags and pets are not allowed on the tour.

Is there time to go inside the Louvre?

No, it's a photo stop outside the building only. Entry is not included.

What if I have a tattoo?

Tattoos must be covered during the mosque visit.

Is this tour suitable for families with infants?

Yes. Infants can sit on an adult's lap, and specialized infant seats are available.

Can the order of stops change?

Yes, the itinerary is for reference only and the order of attractions may vary depending on the day.