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Abu Dhabi Day Trips From Dubai

Abu Dhabi City ToursAbu Dhabi Tour from Dubai

Abu Dhabi is just 150 km from Dubai, about a smooth 1.5-hour drive on the E11 highway. A full-day Abu Dhabi tour from Dubai is one of the easiest ways to explore the UAE’s cultural capital without the hassle of planning logistics. You’ll travel from Dubai in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and discover the city’s most iconic landmarks, from the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the futuristic Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Qasr Al Watan Palace.

Why visit Abu Dhabi on a day trip from Dubai?

Easy trip, big landmarks

  • 1.5 hrs from Dubai via the smooth E11 highway
  • See Abu Dhabi’s cultural icons in one day:
  • Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (82 domes, marble courtyards)
  • Louvre Abu Dhabi (floating dome, ‘rain of light’)
  • Qasr Al Watan (Presidential Palace interiors)
  • Hotel pickup + drop-off included on most tours
  • 5–6 major stops in a single, seamless itinerary
  • Perfect for travelers who want culture, architecture, and guided storytelling—without an overnight stay

Family fun & flexible options

  • Yas Island parks for every type of traveler:
  • Ferrari World (Formula Rossa)
  • Warner Bros. World, SeaWorld, Yas Waterworld
  • Choose how you explore:
  • Shared day tours
  • Private tours
  • Mosque + Museum combos
  • Mosque + Theme-park combos
  • Great for families, first-timers, and thrill-seekers
  • Abu Dhabi welcomed 24 million visitors in 2023—a sign of its growing appeal
  • A full day gives you both culture in the morning and adventures in the afternoon

Best time to visit Abu Dhabi on a day trip

By season

  • Best overall (Oct–Mar): Cooler temperatures, perfect for mosque courtyards and palace gardens.
  • Shoulder (Apr–May & Sep): Warm but comfortable; ideal for indoor-heavy itineraries like Louvre or Qasr Al Watan.
  • Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot outdoors, but all major stops are fully air-conditioned; earlier start recommended.

By day of the week

  • Weekdays (Sun–Thu): Lighter crowds and smoother traffic.
  • Weekends (Fri–Sat): Busy period for the Mosque and Yas Island.

By time of day

  • Morning: Best for Mosque and Heritage Village.
  • Afternoon: Ideal for Louvre’s lighting and Yas Island theme parks.
  • Evening: Select premium/private tours may catch Qasr Al Watan’s “Palace in Motion” show.

How long does an Abu Dhabi day trip take?

Full-day tours from Dubai (most popular)

  • 8–10 hours total, including 1.5 hours of transfers each way.
  • Ideal if you want Mosque + Louvre or Mosque + Qasr Al Watan or Yas Island.

Private full-day tours

  • 7–9 hours, fully customized to your rhythm.

Theme-park combos

  • 11–13.5 hours, including 4–6 hours at Ferrari World, SeaWorld, WB World, or Yas Waterworld.

Half-day tours?

These start only from Abu Dhabi, not Dubai.

























Book your Abu Dhabi city tour

From Dubai: Abu Dhabi Full-Day City Tour with Qasr Al Watan & Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
8 hr
Guided tour
Transfers available
Pickup available
More details
from
AED 192
From Dubai: Abu Dhabi Full-Day City Tour with Louvre Museum & Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
10 hr
Transfers available
Pickup available
More details
from
AED 180
From Dubai: Abu Dhabi Full-Day City Tour with Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
9 hr
Transfers available
Pickup available
Meals included
More details
from
AED 108.90
From Dubai: BAPS Hindu Temple & Sheikh Zayed Mosque Full-Day Guided Tour
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
10 hr
Transfers available
Pickup available
Meals included
More details
from
AED 210
From Dubai: Abu Dhabi Full-Day City Tour with Ferrari World
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
10 hr - 11 hr
Transfers available
Pickup available
More details
from
AED 399
From Abu Dhabi: Half-Day Guided Tour of Abu Dhabi with Choice of Attraction Tickets
Free cancellation
4 hr - 6 hr
Guided tour
Transfers available
Pickup available
More details
from
AED 146.67
Half Day Private Dubai City Tour
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
6 hr
Transfers available
Pickup available
More details
from
AED 360
Full Day Dubai Private City Tour
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
10 hr
Pickup available
Meals included
More details
from
AED 730
From Dubai: Premium Full-Day Sightseeing Tour of Abu Dhabi with Hotel Transfers
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
9 hr
Transfers available
Pickup available
More details
from
AED 453.11

Tips for booking your Abu Dhabi tour from Dubai

  • Book early during winter or weekends as tours fill up quickly.
  • Dress modestly: Long sleeves and covered legs; women should bring a scarf or abaya.
  • Bring snacks and water: Lunch is sometimes not included.
  • Expect 90–120 minutes of travel each way, depending on where you’re picked up in Dubai.
  • Travel light: Large bags may not be allowed at Qasr Al Watan or the Mosque.
  • Private tours are best for families or those who prefer flexibility.
  • Summer vs winter: Winter (Nov–Mar) is cooler but busier; summer means fewer crowds and shorter queues.
  • Theme parks like Ferrari World or Warner Bros World deserve a full day; so avoid pairing them with sightseeing unless you just want a quick taste.

Frequently asked questions about Abu Dhabi tours from Dubai

Is Abu Dhabi worth visiting on a day trip from Dubai?

Yes. You can comfortably see the Grand Mosque, Corniche, Heritage Village, Emirates Palace, and either Louvre or Qasr Al Watan in a single full-day trip.

How long does it take to reach Abu Dhabi from Dubai?

Usually around 90 minutes each way, depending on traffic and where your hotel is. Most tours include pickup and drop-off, so you can just relax during the ride.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Not always! Some tours stop at local restaurants, while others give you free time to grab a bite. It’s best to check your tour details and carry light snacks just in case.

Can I visit Ferrari World and the Grand Mosque on the same day?

Yes. Many tours combine the morning city tour with 4–6 hours at Ferrari World or other Yas Island parks.

What should I wear to the Grand Mosque?

Everyone needs to dress modestly, men in long pants and sleeved shirts, women with arms, legs, and hair covered. Don’t worry if you forget; most tours provide abayas or scarves.

Do tours run on Fridays or public holidays?

Yes, but timings may change. The Grand Mosque opens later on Fridays, and some sites (like the Louvre) close on Mondays.

What's the best day trip for first-timers?

A classic full-day Abu Dhabi City Tour with Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque + Qasr Al Watan or Louvre.