Abu Dhabi tour from Dubai: Sheikh Zayed Mosque & Qasr Al Watan

One day, five landmarks: the mosque, the palace, the corniche and the museum without building the itinerary yourself.

An 8-hour guided sightseeing tour from Dubai to Abu Dhabi's major landmarks, including entry to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Qasr Al Watan palace, with hotel pickup and a professional guide speaking English, Spanish, Italian, French or German. The tour visits five stops: the mosque, Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi Corniche, Louvre Museum (photo stop) and Emirates Palace, with a lunch break at Marina Mall at your own cost. Mosque dress code is strict: women must cover arms, legs and hair. The company provides an abaya and scarf if needed. The itinerary order may change, and on Fridays the pickup is later (10:30–11:15 AM instead of 8:00–8:45 AM).

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Etihad Towers1h 30m · entry included
2. Louvre Abu Dhabi10m
3. Abu Dhabi Cornichepass by
4. Marina Mall1h
5. Qasr Al Watan1h 30m · entry included
6. Emirates Palacepass by

Abu Dhabi sightseeing from Dubai

• Pickup from Dubai hotel
• Drive to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
• Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
• Photo stop at Louvre Museum
• Drive along Abu Dhabi Corniche
• Photo stop at Abu Dhabi Corniche
• Lunch break at Marina Mall
• Visit Qasr Al Watan Palace
• Photo stop at Emirates Palace
• Return to Dubai hotel

The experience

The tour picks you up from your Dubai hotel between 8:00 and 8:45 AM (or 10:30–11:15 AM on Fridays) in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional guide. The drive to Abu Dhabi runs along the Gulf coast, and your guide talks through the region's history as you travel. The first stop is Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the country's largest mosque and a symbol of contemporary Islamic architecture. You'll walk through the interior to see the largest handmade carpet in the world and the largest chandelier: both official world records. The mosque's design blends Islamic art with modern elements across white marble and intricate tilework. Entry is included, but the dress code is enforced: women must cover arms, legs and hair (the company provides a long black abaya and scarf if you don't have them). Men must cover shoulders and knees. Tattoos must be covered.

After the mosque, the route takes you to Sadiyat Island for a photo stop at Louvre Abu Dhabi, the largest museum in the Gulf region. You won't enter. This is a chance to photograph the building's distinctive architecture from outside. Next is Abu Dhabi Corniche, a waterfront promenade with clean beaches and a sweeping curve of harbor that's a popular photo spot. You'll have a lunch break at Marina Mall, where you can eat at the restaurants or food court at your own expense. Then comes Qasr Al Watan, the presidential palace, where a shuttle bus takes you from the main gate to the entrance. Your guide will narrate the palace's history and architectural features outside. Guided tours inside are not allowed, but the exhibits cover Emirati governance, culture and the evolution of Arabian design. The final stop is Emirates Palace for photos: a celebrated landmark and a visual anchor for the day. Drop-off is back at your Dubai hotel.

The full tour runs 9 to 10 hours depending on traffic. Friday pickups are later because the mosque closes midday (9 AM–12 PM, then 3–10 PM), so the timing shifts. The itinerary order may change on the day. If Qasr Al Watan is closed for a presidential event, the Louvre Museum visit replaces it. A professional guide in your chosen language is included throughout, and all entry tickets to the mosque and palace are covered. You'll need to bring your WhatsApp number for pickup communication.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Dubai.
• professional licensed tour guide in your chosen language.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• entry to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
• entry to Qasr Al Watan palace.
• photo stops at Louvre Abu Dhabi and Emirates Palace.
• a visit to Abu Dhabi Corniche.

Options for this experience

5 options

German-speaking guide, small group08:45 and 09:30

Spanish-speaking guide, lasting ten hours08:45 and 09:00A professional Spanish-speaking guide leads a small group of up to seventeen people on a long ten-hour day, with pickup included.

Italian-speaking guide, small group08:45 and 09:00

See 2 more options

French-speaking guide, pickup included08:45 and 09:00Pickup is included with this French option.

English-speaking guide, small group08:45, 09:30 and 12:00

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, 09:00, 09:30 and 12:00

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years): free

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by privatedubaitours.com

Is this one for you?Choose the language option that matches your guide (English, Spanish, Italian, French or German), so you understand the mosque's history and the palace's cultural significance without translation delays. The fixed itinerary and included pickups mean you don't coordinate transport or entry times yourself. The day holds together regardless of traffic or crowds.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

In German, at 08:45 and 09:30. In Spanish, French and Italian, at 08:45 and 09:00. In English, at 08:45, 09:30 and 12:00.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (1 to 2 years): free.

What's the dress code for Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?

Women must cover arms, legs and hair: long loose clothing and a headscarf are required. If you don't have them, the company provides a long black abaya and scarf to wear during the visit and return afterward. Men must cover shoulders and knees. Tattoos must be covered for entry.

Does the tour include lunch?

Lunch is not included. You'll have a break at Marina Mall where you can eat at the restaurants or food court at your own expense.

Will I go inside Qasr Al Watan palace?

Yes, you'll visit Qasr Al Watan and see the exhibits about Emirati governance and culture. A shuttle bus takes you from the main gate to the entrance. Guided tours inside the palace are not allowed, but your guide will explain the palace's history and architecture before you enter.

What time is pickup, and does it change on Fridays?

Standard pickups are 8:00–8:45 AM from your Dubai hotel. On Fridays, pickup is later at 10:30–11:15 AM because the mosque has different hours that day. Be ready in your hotel lobby by the earliest time.

What happens if I have a return flight on Friday?

It's not recommended to book this tour on a Friday if you have a return flight that day, because drop-off time depends on traffic and cannot be guaranteed.