Why Abu Dhabi Belongs on Your UAE Itinerary
While Dubai gets most of the attention, Abu Dhabi – the UAE’s capital – offers a very different vibe: calmer, more traditional and packed with cultural landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi.
A private Abu Dhabi City Tour from Dubai lets you:
- See the highlights in one comfortable day
- Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with a local driver-guide
- Avoid complicated bus connections and long taxi lines
- Set your own pace instead of following a huge group
This guide will walk you through:
- What you’ll see on a typical Abu Dhabi City Tour
- How long the trip takes
- Dress code for the Grand Mosque
- Private vs group tour options
- Practical tips and FAQs
Travel Time: How Far Is Abu Dhabi From Dubai?
The distance between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is around 140–160 km, depending on your starting point. Most private tours take:
- 1.5–2 hours each way by car, via modern highways
- Longer if you rely on public buses and local taxis
New direct bus services are improving public transport between the two emirates, but for sightseeing, a door-to-door private tour remains the most comfortable option.
Abu Dhabi City Tour Highlights: What You Can See in a Day
A well-planned Abu Dhabi City Tour from Dubai usually covers:
1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The star of the show. This mosque features white marble, crystal chandeliers and one of the world’s largest hand-knotted carpets.
Expect:
- Security checks and modest dress code
- Time inside for photos and quiet reflection
- Guided explanations about Islamic art & architecture
2. Abu Dhabi Corniche
A long, beautiful waterfront promenade with beaches and skyline views. Great for a short walk, photos and coffee break.
3. Emirates Palace & Etihad Towers (Photo Stops)
Ultra-luxury hotel and dramatic tower cluster made famous by films and Instagram shots. Your driver can take you to the best viewing points for photos.
4. Qasr Al Watan (Presidential Palace)
Many tours include a stop or optional entry at Qasr Al Watan, a palace complex that showcases UAE governance, history and craftsmanship.
5. Heritage Village & Dates Market
To understand the region’s past, you might visit Heritage Village and a traditional dates or spice market – ideal for souvenirs and local snacks.
6. Louvre Abu Dhabi or Yas Island (Optional)
Time and interest allowing, some itineraries add:
- Louvre Abu Dhabi – art & civilisation museum on Saadiyat Island
- Yas Island – home to Ferrari World, Yas Marina Circuit and major malls
Private tours are especially flexible here – you can choose more culture, more city views or a mix.
Typical Abu Dhabi Day Tour Schedule From Dubai
A standard full-day private city tour might look like this:
- 08:00–09:00 – Pickup from your Dubai hotel
- 09:00–11:00 – Drive to Abu Dhabi with photo stops on the way
- 11:00–13:00 – Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque visit
- 13:00–14:00 – Lunch break (mall food court or local restaurant)
- 14:00–16:00 – Heritage Village, Corniche, Emirates Palace, Etihad Towers
- 16:00–17:30 – Optional stop at Qasr Al Watan / Louvre / Yas Island (time-dependent)
- 17:30–19:00 – Drive back to Dubai and drop-off at your hotel
Go Sands can customise timings based on your preferences and pick-up location. gosandstours.com
What to Wear: Dress Code for Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The mosque has a strict but manageable dress code:
- Women: Long-sleeved top, full-length trousers or skirt, and a headscarf covering hair and neck. Clothes should not be tight or see-through.
- Men: Long trousers and at least a short-sleeved t-shirt. No shorts above the knee or sleeveless tops.
Many tours provide abayas (long dresses) and scarves for women if needed, but it’s always safer to come prepared.
Private vs Group Abu Dhabi City Tours
There are countless Abu Dhabi tours on platforms like Viator, TripAdvisor and GetYourGuide. Some are large shared coaches, others are semi-private.
Shared Group Tours:
- Lower price per person
- Fixed itinerary & timings
- Less flexibility for photo stops or extra time in places you love
- You travel with many other people
Private Abu Dhabi City Tour (with Go Sands):
- Door-to-door pickup from your Dubai hotel
- Private vehicle with driver-guide
- Customisable pace – linger longer at the Grand Mosque, take more photos at Corniche, etc.
- Ideal for families, couples, small friend groups and older travellers
Why Book an Abu Dhabi City Tour With Go Sands?
Compared with generic big-bus tours, Go Sands focuses on private, small-group experiences:
- Custom itineraries – culture, shopping, skyline or mixed
- Flexible timings around your schedule
- Friendly local guide who helps with dress code, entry tickets and photos
- Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles for the Dubai–Abu Dhabi drive gosandstours.com
Ready to Explore Abu Dhabi From Dubai?
If you’re already in Dubai, Abu Dhabi is only a day trip away – but planning it alone with buses and taxis can be tiring.
A private Abu Dhabi City Tour gives you:
- The country’s most beautiful mosque
- Stunning sea views at the Corniche
- Iconic palaces, towers and museums
- A comfortable return to your Dubai hotel at the end of the day
👉 Want to see Abu Dhabi in a single, stress-free day?
Book your Private Abu Dhabi City Tour from Dubai with Go Sands Tours and let us handle the driving, tickets and timings.
FAQ: Abu Dhabi City Tour From Dubai
1. How long is an Abu Dhabi day tour from Dubai?
Most tours last 8–10 hours, including travel time and sightseeing.
2. Can children join the tour?
Yes, Abu Dhabi city tours are family-friendly, and kids often enjoy the mosque, corniche and palaces.
3. Do I need to bring my passport?
Yes. It’s recommended to carry your passport or Emirates ID when travelling between emirates for security checks.
4. Is lunch included?
Some tours include lunch, others leave it flexible. With Go Sands, you can choose whether to include a set lunch stop or keep it open.
5. Can we be picked up in Abu Dhabi instead of Dubai?
Yes – if you’re staying in Abu Dhabi, Go Sands can arrange pickup and drop-off from your hotel there instead of Dubai.
