Tour Type: Private Exclusively for Your Group Duration: Full Day (9–10 hrs) / Half Day (4–5 hrs) Pickup: Dubai Hotels All Areas Language: English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu Price: Contact on WhatsApp Available: Daily Cancellation: Free up to 24 Hours Before
Abu Dhabi is 90 minutes from Dubai and one of the most undervisited capitals in the world by people who are already in the same country. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque alone is worth the drive. Add Qasr Al Watan, Emirates Palace, and the Corniche and you have a full day that rivals almost anything else you will do in the UAE.
Gold Sand Tours runs private Abu Dhabi city tours daily from Dubai your own vehicle, your own guide, your own schedule. Full day or half day depending on how much time you have. Entry to the Grand Mosque and Qasr Al Watan is included on the full day package.
Bring your passport or Emirates ID. It is required for some attractions in Abu Dhabi.
Book on WhatsAppTour Options
Full Day Abu Dhabi City Tour
The complete Abu Dhabi experience. Everything on the list below covered in one day with enough time at each stop to actually explore rather than just photograph and move on.
| Duration | 9 to 10 hours |
|---|---|
| Pickup | Morning, 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM from your Dubai hotel |
| Drop-off | Evening, approximately 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Entry included | Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque + Qasr Al Watan |
Half Day Abu Dhabi City Tour
For visitors who want to see the Grand Mosque and the main landmarks without committing a full day. Covers the top four stops in 4 to 5 hours.
| Duration | 4 to 5 hours |
|---|---|
| Pickup | Morning or afternoon flexible |
| Entry included | Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque |
What You Will See
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The most visited landmark in Abu Dhabi and the centrepiece of every tour. Built over 12 years, completed in 2007, and named after the founding father of the UAE Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who is buried in the grounds. One of the largest mosques in the world with 82 domes, over 1,000 columns, 24-carat gold-plated chandeliers inlaid with Swarovski crystals, and the world's largest hand-knotted carpet covering the main prayer hall floor.
Entry is included in all packages. Dress code is strictly enforced your guide will brief you before you enter.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Dress Code & Visitor Rules
Women must wear an abaya and cover their hair. Abayas are available at the entrance.
Men must wear full-length trousers and covered shoulders.
Shoes are removed before entering the main prayer hall.
Photography is allowed throughout. Our guide will show you the best spots.
Non-Muslims are welcome. The Mosque is open to all backgrounds and religions.
Closed to tourists on Friday mornings during prayer time we schedule your visit accordingly.
Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace
Abu Dhabi's Presidential Palace open to the public. Not a replica or a heritage site a working palace where the Federal Supreme Council and UAE Cabinet still convene. The Great Hall is one of the most architecturally impressive interiors in the UAE a 40-metre dome covered in hand-carved arabesque panels and mosaic archways. The House of Knowledge inside holds over 50,000 manuscripts and a collection of gifts presented to UAE leaders by heads of state from around the world.
Entry included on the full day tour. (Full day only)
Emirates Palace Hotel
A stop outside one of the most recognisable buildings in Abu Dhabi. The scale of the palace facade, the immaculate landscaping, and the 1.3-kilometre private beach behind it make this one of the most photographed exteriors in the UAE. Photo stop included.
Abu Dhabi Corniche
A scenic 8-kilometre waterfront road along the Arabian Gulf manicured parks, cycling paths, and unobstructed views across the water to the Abu Dhabi skyline. The Corniche is where the city's scale becomes fully apparent. Drive and photo stop.
Heritage Village (Full Day only)
A reconstructed traditional Emirati settlement on the Corniche waterfront a glimpse into life in the UAE before oil. Fishing, pearl diving, and falconry are represented through displays and demonstrations. Good for families and first-time UAE visitors who want cultural context alongside the architectural landmarks.
Yas Island Drive-By (Full Day only)
On the return journey, the route passes Yas Island home to Ferrari World, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World, and SeaWorld. Photo stop outside Ferrari World included.
Tour Itinerary
Full Day
Dubai Pickup (7:30–8:30 AM) → Drive to Abu Dhabi (90 min) → Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (60–90 min) → Emirates Palace (photo stop) → Abu Dhabi Corniche (drive + photos) → Heritage Village (30 min) → Lunch break (own cost) → Qasr Al Watan (60–90 min) → Yas Island Drive-By (photo stop) → Return to Dubai → Hotel Drop-off (6:00–7:00 PM)
Half Day
Dubai Pickup (flexible AM or PM) → Drive to Abu Dhabi (90 min) → Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (60–90 min) → Emirates Palace (photo stop) → Abu Dhabi Corniche (drive + photos) → Return to Dubai → Hotel Drop-off
What's Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle exclusively for your group
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (Dubai hotels all areas)
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque entry (both options)
- Qasr Al Watan entry (full day only)
- Bottled water throughout
What's Not Included
- Meals and personal drinks
- Louvre Abu Dhabi entry (available as add-on ask on WhatsApp)
- Tips (optional)
Add-On Louvre Abu Dhabi
The Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island is approximately 15 minutes from the Grand Mosque. It can be added to either the full day or half day tour at an additional ticket cost. One of the most architecturally extraordinary museums in the world under Jean Nouvel's iconic perforated dome. Ask us at booking if you want to include it.
Ask About Louvre Add-On on WhatsApp
Important Passport Required
UAE law requires a valid passport or Emirates ID to enter Qasr Al Watan and certain other Abu Dhabi attractions. Bring your original passport or Emirates ID on the day of the tour photocopies are not accepted. Your guide will remind you the night before.
Best Time for the Abu Dhabi City Tour
October to April Ideal. Temperatures are comfortable for the outdoor sections; the Corniche walk, the Mosque grounds, and the Heritage Village are all outdoor experiences that are far more enjoyable in cooler weather.
May to September The Mosque and Qasr Al Watan are air-conditioned inside. The outdoor sections of the tour are challenging in extreme summer heat. Morning departures (7:30 AM) are the best option in summer.
Friday mornings Avoid for the Mosque. The Mosque is closed to tourists during Friday prayers. We schedule around this automatically.
Good to Know Before You Book
Bring your passport or Emirates ID. Required for Qasr Al Watan entry.
Grand Mosque dress code is strictly enforced. Abayas available free at the entrance for women.
Qasr Al Watan may occasionally close for official state events we will reschedule or refund immediately if this happens.
Tours run 7 days a week including public holidays.
Group sizes from 1 to 6 persons in a standard SUV. Larger groups arranged with additional vehicles.
Abu Dhabi tour can be combined with the Louvre Abu Dhabi confirm at booking.
Combine with the Dubai Half Day City Tour on a separate day for the most complete UAE city experience.
Book Your Abu Dhabi City Tour from Dubai
Private. Your schedule. No hidden costs.
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