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Do you want to book an Abu Dhabi day trip from Dubai? You can see the most beautiful places in one single day trip. Abu Dhabi has plenty of places to offer, from the beautiful Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the Ferrari world. The journey from Dubai takes up to 1.5 to 2 hours of duration, but it may change depending on your starting point and traffic. Desert Journey Tourism offers 2 Abu Dhabi city tour packages, one is half day and one is full day city tour. In this guide we will explain the full details about the Abu Dhabi day trip from Dubai including the prices, packages, inclusions and time duration.
Is One Day Enough to Explore Abu Dhabi?
Yes, one day is enough if you choose the package and timing carefully. Mainly there are half day and full day Abu Dhabi trip which lasts for 6 hours and 10 hours accordingly. It also includes the transit time. Driver will pickup you up from your place at 7 Am in the morning and you can spend the time by exploring different places of Abu Dhabi. It mainly includes the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace area, Heritage Village and you can add the places in itinerary according to your own pace.
How Far Is Abu Dhabi from Dubai?
Exact distance depends on your pickup location but distance from central Dubai by road is approximately 140 kilometers. It usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the Abu Dhabi by car if there is not much traffic on road. The sheikh Zayed Road (E11) connects the bot cities, and mostly tourists use this way.
One-Day Abu Dhabi Itinerary from Dubai: Complete Route
In one day, Abu Dhabi day trip there are some sightseeing areas which you will explore. Visitors can see the main highlights according to their choice, tour company has just concerned about the duration of tour. So, it’s recommended to adjust your time in this way so you can visit the all-main landmarks.
Below are the complete itinerary details you can check.
7:00 –8:00 – Pickup and Departure from Dubai
Driver will pick you up from your desired pickup point in the early morning at 7 am. Make sure you have had breakfast and pack your essentials before leaving.
The drive to Abu Dhabi takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. You can relax during the journey and enjoy views of the UAE’s highways and changing landscapes.
Keep your phone, camera, water, and identification easily accessible. An early departure gives you more time to explore the city.
9:00 –11:00 – Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The first stop that you don’t want to miss is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. One of the most popular Abu Dhabi landmarks and is visited by visitors from all over the world. Its characteristic features are its white marble façade, imposing domes, ornate Islamic design, and exquisite decorative elements. Dedicated visitors can admire the differences, stately chandeliers, and the well-known prayer hall within. Please plan for a one-hour to one-and-a-half-hour visit, along with photo opportunities and entry procedures. Clothing should be appropriate and follow guidelines for visitors to the mosque. The mosque has various features to visit, such as:
- The impressive white marble courtyard.
- Beautiful domes and minarets.
- Full floral illumination; Islamic artwork.
- Main prayer hall and chandeliers therein.
- Decorative columns and architectural details.
11:30 –12:30 – Explore Abu Dhabi Corniche
Once at the mosque, go towards the Corniche in Abu Dhabi. This is a stunning waterfront neighbourhood, overlooking the Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s contemporary skyscrapers. The promenade provides ample leisurely walking space, views of the sea, and plenty of photo opportunities of the nearby structures. Additionally, there are areas for landscaping, bike trails, and public beaches on the Corniche. A quick sightseeing trip will work for the waterfront, or shoot a few pictures if you’re in a rush.
12:30 –13:30 – Visit the Emirates Palace Area
Then head towards the renowned Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental district. The scale of its design, the gold touches, the garden that surrounds it and the monumental entrance, are its qualities that mark it with luxury. The exterior of the palace and other buildings are open for visitors to enjoy and photograph. Etihad Towers nearby offer a glimpse of the beautiful city views as well. Remember that it is not as if you were going outside for snapshots when it’s time to check in to the hotel. Some areas may require guest arrangements or have hotel closing restrictions.
13:30 –14:30 – Explore Heritage Village
Abu Dhabi’s history and culture are showcased in Heritage Village, so be sure to visit. This cultural attraction is a view into the way life was lived in the UAE before the development of modern cities. Traditional housing, old-fashioned displays, handicrafts, and examples of local handicrafts and daily life can be seen. This is just a few of the fun items to check out:
- Typical traditional houses and buildings in Emirati style.
- Tools and household items found to be out of date.
- Traditional handicraft and local products.
- Displays that reflect the earlier lifestyle in the United Arab Emirates.
- The pictures show the scenic view of the waterfronts in Abu Dhabi.
It’s a great spot to learn about the country’s culture as well as take a break from the hustle and bustle of modern cities.
15:00 –16:30 – Explore Yas Island
Finish your sightseeing trip on Yas Island. It is a favorite place of entertainment with theme parks, shopping, hotels, and leisure activities. The most recognizable landmark is ‘Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’. Known for its exciting rides and the design inspired by Ferrari. You can:
- Feel free to take photos around Ferrari World.
- Take a shopping break at Yas Mall for refreshments.
- Take a look around the nearby entertainment area.
- Headsets are great for enjoying views around Yas Marina.
If you are keen to ride at Ferrari World or any other theme park, book a day of rides on another day. In this brief journey to see something you wouldn’t often see outside of a theme park, a few hours will not be sufficient.
17:00 –18:00 – Return Journey to Dubai
Once you have seen the sights, you can begin your trip back to Dubai. The average driving time is about 1.5 to 2 hrs by car, depending on where you drop off and/or traffic. After a full day of exploring Abu Dhabi, one can have a relaxing trip in this mode of transport. Most visitors will return to Dubai in the evening depending on the departure schedule/hours and on road conditions. If you’re looking for something more interesting, you can check out our these packages Khorfakkan tour from Dubai and Hatta tour from Dubai.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Dress Code: What Should You Wear?
There are certain rules for visitors to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque as it is a place of Muslim worship. It is recommended that visitors wear appropriate attire and respect the rules governing access to the mosque.
Dress Code for Women
The modesty of women should be in loose attire with arms and legs covered. Hair must be completely covered in a headscarf. These are a few points to consider:
- Please wear long pants, skirts or dresses.
- Wear clothes that cover shoulders and arms.
- Bring a headscarf with you to cover your hair.
- Don’t wear on display clothes that are transparent, tight or revealing.
Dress Code for Men
Modesty of clothes for men is also expected during visits to the mosque.
- Wear long trousers.
- Select shirts that will fall down just below the shoulders.
- Avoid sleeveless shirts.
- Remember, do not wear clips or clothes that show too much skin.
Important Mosque Visiting Rules
Here are a few quick tips before visiting:
- Take off shoes as necessary in prayer spaces.
- Keep your voice low; don’t talk back.
- Obey photographer directions and “restricted area” signs.
- Avoid disturbing people who are praying.
- Please refer to the visiting hours of officials through staff before visiting.
You can also check the official visitor information on the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre website before departure.
What Is Included in an Abu Dhabi Day Trip from Dubai?
The inclusions vary from tour operator to tour and package chosen. There are organized city tours which include transportation services to visit the popular landmarks, or there are some packages which provide additional services. The typical tour could consist of:
- Cost of transportation by car from selected places in Dubai to and from the hotel.
- Air-conditioned vehicle: Please note that the vehicle is air-conditioned.
- During the trip and sightseeing, as appropriate, according to the package (Professional driver or guide).
- Visit: Grand Mosque. It’s time to explore Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
- Corniche sightseeing: A halt with a sea-front panoramic view.
- Emirates Palace photo stop: A chance to catch a picture of the renowned landmark.
- Culture Safari with Heritage Village: Get to know the traditional Emirati culture.
- Yas Island sightseeing is a quick look at the area of entertainment.
If you want to explore these attractions with organized transportation, check our Abu Dhabi city tour from Dubai and compare the available tour details.
Best Time to Plan a Day Trip to Abu Dhabi
Although Abu Dhabi can be visited all year round, every season has an impact on the weather and therefore your experience of sightseeing. October through April: weather is usually cooler outdoors, making it a more pleasant time to visit for sightseeing. Other outdoor destinations such as the Corniche and Heritage Village enjoy less extreme summer temperatures. Summer (May to September) can be very hot. If travelling during this time, wear light-colored clothing, bring water with you, and walk less during the peak hours.
Useful Tips Before Travelling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
A bit of get-up and go can make the day trip easier and more comfortable. Here are some useful tips to remember before heading out of Dubai:
- Travel early: Better to leave Dubai in the morning; this will give enough time for sightseeing.
- The dress code of the Mosque: Please bring appropriate clothes for visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
- Bring identification: Appropriate identification and booking information should be with you at all times.
- Wear comfortable footwear: There are some attractions to walk to, so opt for comfortable clothing.
- Take water to drink: Drink water during the warmer months.
- Confirm the times of Openings: Make sure attractions are open for visiting before travelling.
- Make a photo-stop schedule: Set your time limits for each of the photo stops.
- Give yourself extra time: The traffic between Dubai and Abu Dhabi may have an impact on your travel plan.
- For more day trip ideas from Dubai, you can check out our guides to Khorfakkan and Hatta – other locations in the UAE.
FAQs
How long is the drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi?
Under normal traffic conditions, the drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi typically takes between 1.5 and 2 hours. Actual journey time will depend on what time you pick up, where to and from, and driving conditions.
What is the dress code for Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
Modest clothing providing at least shoulder and leg coverage is recommended. Men should wear long trousers and shirts that cover their shoulders, whilst women will wear a headscarf. Don’t wear clear or tight-fitting clothes.
What is included in an Abu Dhabi day trip from Dubai?
Package tours will take care of taking you from Dubai and sightseeing at the major sites. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Corniche, Emirates Palace, Yas Island, and Heritage Village are among the stops you might make in the package. Extra cost may apply for food and admission to the theme park.
Is one day enough to see Abu Dhabi?
Yes, one day is enough for the main highlights if you take the full-day tour and start early. You will see the Grand Mosque, the Corniche, Heritage Village and Yas Island in one trip. Theme parks and museums in real depth need a separate day.
What time does an Abu Dhabi tour from Dubai start and return?
The most common time for day tours is from 7:00 AM in the morning until late evening usually between 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Time will vary depending on the tour operator and tour plan.
