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Last November, we took a day trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, and it was the perfect addition to our Dubai stay. If you have five days in Dubai or more, spending a day in Abu Dhabi is a great choice.
It is a popular destination for day tours from Dubai. Steal my hour-by-hour itinerary to plan your own trip and spend one day in Abu Dhabi.
With my itinerary, you will start your day at the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and explore incredible architectural marvels like the Emirates Palace and the most impressive Qasr Al Watan Palace.
In the afternoon, visit into art at the Louvre Abu Dhabi and relax with a sunset at Corniche Beach.
I also added some fun extras like a drone show, a nighttime visit to the mosque, and a quick stop at Yas Island if you have free time.
With this one day Abu Dhabi itinerary, you can cover all the main sites and more. Let’s get started with your perfect day in Abu Dhabi and all the details you need to know about planning the trip.
One day in Abu Dhabi – Itinerary at a glance
| 7:30 AM | Drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi |
| 9:00 AM | Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque |
| 11:30AM | Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace |
| 12:30PM | Lunch at Emirates Palace |
| 3:00 PM | Louvre Abu Dhabi |
| 6:00 PM | Sunset at Corniche Beach |
| 7:30 PM | Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque at night (Optional) |
Why Abu Dhabi is worth visiting?
Abu Dhabi is a fantastic day trip from Dubai, and offers a refreshing contrast to Dubai’s fast-paced vibe. As the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is a combination of modern attractions and cultural heritage.
If you fly Etihad Airways, they also offer stop over in Abu Dhabi. It is the best way to check off another city before heading to your final destination.
The city center and most of the beachfront resorts are less than 30 minutes away from Abu Dhabi International Airport and perfect for an overnight stay.
I didn’t know what to expect from Abu Dhabi other than seeing photos of Sheikh Zayed Mosque on social media but I was pleasantly surprised by Abu Dhabi.
There are several things to do and see like the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Qasr Al Watan Palace, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Etihad Towers and enjoy beautiful beaches like Corniche Beach. Overall, I had an unforgettable experience in Abu Dhabi.
There are plenty of outdoor activities, beach clubs and entertainment options on Yas Island and Saadiyat Island.
Abu Dhabi is also home to the world-famous Yas Marina Circuit, where Formula One Grand Prix takes place. It is a unique experience that you will not find in many cities.
Whether you’re into history, art, or outdoor fun, Abu Dhabi has something different to offer for all types of interests and a perfect addition to your Dubai itinerary. It soon became one of my favorite places and I am already planning a trip to Abu Dhabi soon!
Day Trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai
Travel Time from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
Traveling from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is pretty easy and straightforward.
The distance between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is approximately 140 kilometers (87 miles).
It takes about 1.5 hrs by car to reach Abu Dhabi from Dubai. It might take a bit longer during peak hours, so plan accordingly.
Transportation Options from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
To travel to Abu Dhabi from Dubai, there are several transportation options to choose from.
Private car or chauffeur
This is the most flexible option if you prefer to explore at your own pace and make any number of stops along the way.
Since I traveled with my 3 year old, I chose a private chauffeur service that picked us up and dropped us off directly at our hotel.
This gave us flexibility to leave early or stay as late as we wanted without the rush of a group tour. I highly recommend a private tour with chauffeur if you have prefer peace of mind and travel at your own pace.
This is the private taxi service we chose and they were very reliable. It was a smooth experience. Initially, I did not have Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace on my list but the chauffuer suggested it and I’m so glad he did.
Group tours from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
Organized tours are best if you prefer a done-for-you experience. Group tours provide a hassle-free experience with transportation, guided visits, and often include entry tickets to major sites.
Group tours are the most popular option for a day trip to Abu Dhabi. If this is your first time, group tours are a great deal and give you the best experience without all the planning.
Public transportation and buses
Bus services like the E100 and E101 operated by Emirates Express are a good choice if you prefer a less expensive solution. These buses are usually the cheapest option and come with air-conditioned coaches and Wi-Fi.
Buses are, however, a bit of a hassle as you have to rely on either taxi or Uber to go from one attraction to another in Abu Dhabi.
In the end, it might cost you more than the price of a group tour.
One day in Abu Dhabi
Now let’s dive into the detailed itinerary and how to plan your day trip to Abu Dhabi.
I provided a packed full day itinerary below. You can pick and choose whatever you like to see and leave the rest.
7:30 AM – Travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi
Start your day early by leaving Dubai around 7:30 AM. When I traveled with our 3-year-old, we used chauffeur service as that was the best option.
They picked us up directly from our hotel and dropped off in the end. It was convenient and comfortable.
If you choose a group tour, they will most likely pick you up around 8:00 – 9:00 AM.
9:00 AM – Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque & Wahat Al Karama
The first stop on your day trip to Abu Dhabi should be the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Arrive by 9:00 AM to beat the crowds and enjoy the mosque’s incredible beauty. It is one of the world’s largest mosques and most instagrammable places in Abu Dhabi.
Obviously, this mosque is on top of the list as best things to do in Abu Dhabi. Take a guided tour to learn about its impressive architecture. This is a great tour if you’d like to learn more about the mosque.
If you love photography like me, can must take a photography tour. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an incredibly aesthetic mosque and best place to take photos.
Also don’t miss the Wahat Al Karama, a memorial dedicated to UAE heroes, located nearby. Wahat Al Karma also has best views of the mosque and perfect for photos.
Travel Tips:
- The mosque has a strict dress code. Dress modestly as per the mosque’s guidelines. A head scarf is a must for women. Even though I was fully covered, they made me buy a pair of leggings to cover my ankles.
- Entrance to the mosque is free but need timed tickets (with a 15min window) to enter the mosque. You can book online and change/get as many passes as you want (if they are available) at different times. Get your access pass here. I personally got multiple access passes as we hit traffic and got delayed.
- If you like to get amazing photos, make sure you buy an Abaya. I bought it online but they also sell in the stores inside.
- Visiting hours may be restricted if you are planning to visit during the holy month of Ramadan and festival season. Check the timings beforehand.
- Be sure to bring plenty of water and stay hydrated, especially when traveling with kids. It can get really hot so I suggest going early or at night.
- Winter months are perfect to visit the mosque.
- Make sure you allocate plenty of time for photos.
11:30 AM – Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace
Before heading for lunch, check out the Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace.
Opened to the public in 2019, this grand palace showcases the UAE’s rich heritage and governance. Wander through the stunning halls, intricate mosaics, and expansive gardens.
I must say that this is one of the most stunning places I have been to! The Great Hall especially is spectacular. It is absolutely gorgeous and cannot be missed!
Buy tickets online. If you’d like to learn more about the history and architecture of the building, you can take guided audio tours.
They also offer private and guided tours but by this time, my daughter was pretty tired so we skipped the tour and just explored the architecture for some time.
Modest clothing, head scarf and abaya are recommended.
Note that this is a place of governance but I main areas are very open and you can explore comfortably. Give enough time to visit all the incredible details inside the palace. It must be part of your one day itinerary to Abu Dhabi.
12:30 PM – Lunch at Emirates Palace
Next up is my favorite place in Abu Dhabi – the grand Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental.
Emirates Palace is a 5-star hotel with rooms starting from $700 USD. If I stay in Abu Dhabi overnight, I will probably stay at this luxury hotel. It is so beautiful with gold details everywhere and impeccable service.
Emirates Palace is a great place to stop for lunch. You can choose from multiple restaurants and cuisines ranging from Japenese, Chinese Italian, Middle Eastern and Indian.
We dined at Vendome and then headed to Episodes for their famous gold leaf Cappuccino. The Cappuccino is adorned with 24 Karat Gold on top and costs $30 USD. If you are wondering what it takes like, well it tasted like a regular cappuccino. haha
The lunch at Vendome was delicious as well. I got the seared fish and it was so good!
3:00 PM – Louvre Abu Dhabi
Next up is Louvre Abu Dhabi. Did you know that the city of Abu Dhabi paid $400 Million to use the name Louvre?? I thought it is insane but it makes sense when you have all the oil money and don’t know what to do!
Aside from the permanent and temporary exhibitions, the Louvre museum itself is a stunning artwork in itself. You must see the incredible architecture to believe it.
Don’t miss the famous Rain of Light dome and the extensive galleries showcasing ancient to modern art.
Allocate at least two hours to explore the exhibits, and consider renting an audio guide for a more in-depth experience.
6:00 PM – Sunset at Corniche Beach
Wrap up your afternoon with a relaxing sunset at Corniche Beach. Abu Dhabi’s beaches are some of the best! If you love beaches, visiting Corniche beach is one of the top things to do.
It is so pristine with breathtaking views of the Etihad Towers and sunset over the Arabian Gulf. Corniche beach is a perfect place to relax and chill.
7:30 PM – Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque at night (Optional)
If you have more energy and want to extend your day, visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque again at night.
The mosque looks spectacular when illuminated at night and is worth checking out again. The best time to visit is also at night and late evening as it won’t be as hot and sunny.
My daughter and I had a pretty tiring day so we chose not to visit and head back to Dubai but plan to visit next time.
Other fun things to do in Abu Dhabi
If you have extra time in Abu Dhabi or staying for more than a day, there are plenty of additional activities and attractions to explore. Here are some popular attractions:
- Visit the Observation Deck at 300 Conrad at Etihad Towers. Located on the 74th floor of tower, the Observation Deck at 300 is the highest point in the city and offers stunning 360 degree views of Abu Dhabi’s skyline and the Arabian Gulf.
- Visit Yas Marina Circuit – home to the annual Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and another famous tourist attraction. Take a guided tour of the track or try driving a race car. Check the event calendar to see if there are any special events or races during your visit.
- Check out Yas Island for entertainment and outdoor activities. It is Abu Dhabi’s premier entertainment destination, packed with attractions, theme parks and shopping malls. Enjoy water sports at Yas Waterworld, or catch a live show at Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi.
- For a relaxing day by the sea, head to Saadiyat Beach Club. Enjoy pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters and beachfront restaurants.
- For something unique and fun, experience the thrill of Ferrari at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the first Ferrari-branded amusement park in the world.
- Discover the traditional side of Abu Dhabi at the Heritage Village. This reconstructed village offers a glimpse into the emirate’s past with traditional houses, workshops and a small museum.
- Take a desert safari and enjoy activities like dune bashing, camel riding, and sandboarding.
- Like Dubai, Abu Dhabi is a great place to take an aerial tour in a helicopter. It is a unique fun atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
A day trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai is a fantastic way to explore the best of the capital of the United Arab Emirates. This itinerary covers all the main sights, starting from with a free entry to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the incredible Qasr Al Watan Palace and the wonderful Louvre Abu Dhabi in a single day. It is perfect for a short visit from Dubai.
Stop for lunch at the beautiful Emirates Palace and end the day with a relaxing sunset at Corniche Beach.
The easiest way to get to Abu Dhabi is to take a private tour from Dubai. For a less expensive option, group tours are an alternative. With a private tour though, you’ll have the flexibility to choose your stops and create your own itinerary.
Whether you’re interested in history, art or just want to soak up the sun on a beautiful beach, Abu Dhabi has something for everyone. It is one of the best places to visit in the Middle East.
Pack your essentials, follow our guide, and enjoy an unforgettable day exploring Abu Dhabi’s vibrant and diverse attractions.
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