Abu Dhabi day trip from Dubai: Grand Mosque, palace & towers
Four landmarks, one guide, one full day, no planning required.
A full-day guided tour from Dubai to Abu Dhabi covers the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan Palace, the Etihad Towers observation deck, and a drive along the Corniche, with hotel pickup and drop-off included. The tour runs 9 to 10 hours depending on traffic. Your guide speaks English, Spanish, French or Italian depending on the option you choose. Qasr Al Watan may close without notice during presidential events, and guided tours inside the palace are not permitted. Your guide provides context before you enter. Dress code applies: women need long, loose clothing covering arms, legs and head (a clean abaya and scarf are provided for the mosque). Men must cover shoulders and knees.
Options for this experience
6 optionsSee 3 more options
Step-by-step itinerary
Abu Dhabi landmarks and city tour
- Travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
- Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Photo stop at Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Lunch break at mosque restaurants
- Drive along Abu Dhabi Corniche
- Explore Qasr Al Watan Palace
- Visit Etihad Towers observation deck
- Return to Dubai hotel
- Louvre Abu Dhabi 15m
- Abu Dhabi Corniche passing by
- Qasr Al Watan Entry included 1h 30m
What’s included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from Dubai.
- entry to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque with clean abaya and scarf provided for women.
- entry to Qasr Al Watan Palace.
- access to the Etihad Towers observation deck on the 74th floor.
- photo stop at the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
- scenic Corniche drive.
- live professional guide in your chosen language.
- unlimited water throughout the day.
Times
- Every day except Tuesday and Friday 08:45 11:30 12:00
- Tuesday 08:30 08:45 09:00 10:00 11:00 11:30 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00
- Friday 09:30
Before you book
Operated by OceanAir Travels
Prices and times updated today
Need assistance?Message us on WhatsApp or by emailTraveler reviews
The experience
The day starts with hotel pickup from anywhere in Dubai, then heads south along the coast toward Abu Dhabi. Your guide shares stories about the UAE's capital as you travel, setting context for what comes next. The first major stop is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the largest in the UAE and the third largest in the world. Entry is included, and if you need one, a clean abaya and scarf are provided for the visit. After the mosque, there's a lunch break at your own expense: restaurants and a food court operate inside the mosque grounds, so you eat without leaving the site.
The route then takes you past the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island for a photo stop, letting you see the museum's architecture from outside without entry. A scenic drive along the Abu Dhabi Corniche follows, where you see the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf and the city skyline. Next is Qasr Al Watan, the working presidential palace and cultural landmark. Guided tours inside are not permitted, but your guide narrates the palace's history and significance before you explore the grand halls, UAE traditions displays, and architecture on your own. The palace may close suddenly during presidential events with no advance notice.
The final stop is the Etihad Towers, where you ride to the 74th-floor observation deck for 360-degree views of Abu Dhabi, the Emirates Palace, and the Arabian Gulf. After a full day of sightseeing, your driver takes you back to your Dubai hotel. Unlimited water is provided throughout the tour. The itinerary order may shift depending on the day and traffic conditions.
Is this one for you?Choose the small group tour if you're joining other travelers. Pick the private option if you're traveling with your own group and want your guide's attention focused only on you.
Compare the 12 alternatives
Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
In English, with 11 departure times. In Spanish, French and Italian, with 8 departure times.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.
What do I need to wear to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
Women must wear long, loose-fitting clothing that covers arms, legs, and head. A clean abaya and scarf are provided if you don't have them. Men must cover shoulders and knees. No clothing is provided for men. Tattoos must be covered during the mosque visit.
Is lunch included in the tour?
Lunch is at your own expense. The tour includes a break at the mosque, where restaurants and a food court are available, so you can eat on-site without leaving the grounds.
Can I go inside Qasr Al Watan Palace with the guide?
Guided tours inside Qasr Al Watan are not permitted. Your guide narrates the palace's history and significance before you enter, then you explore the halls and exhibits at your own pace. The palace may close without notice during presidential events.
What's included in the Etihad Towers stop?
Entry to the observation deck on the 74th floor is included. You get 360-degree views of Abu Dhabi, the Emirates Palace, and the Arabian Gulf from the top.
How long is the tour, and what time does it start?
The tour runs 9 to 10 hours depending on traffic. Hotel pickup is arranged for your specific location in Dubai. Contact the operator via WhatsApp to confirm your pickup time.
Abu Dhabi day trip from Dubai: Grand Mosque, palace & towers
9h–10h · EN · ES · FR · IT · at your hotel
from AED 331 per person
≈ US$ 88 in your currency
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.