Everyone goes to Dubai for the glitz and glamour, and Abu Dhabi is often completely neglected by the same visitors.
However, Abu Dhabi, UAE’s capital city, oozes a rich historical and religious heritage, as well as jaw-dropping architecture. Just like its more famous neighbor, it blends incredibly well modernity with tradition.
Even if I prefer Dubai as a city, I must say that I was surprised by the number of world-class attractions in Abu Dhabi! They go from the striking Grand Mosque to Abu Dhabi’s Louvre Museum and the Ferrari World theme park.
While I was a resident in Dubai, I made sure to discover its neighbor city in full, and I highly recommend a visit. The two cities are 85 miles (138 km) apart, and the E11 Highway makes the trip between them a breeze, which is why missing a day trip to Abu Dhabi has no excuse.
To make things even easier for you, I’ve compiled the best Abu Dhabi tours from Dubai in this post. They offer all sorts of experiences, from full-day trips to express visits and photography tours.
➥ Why can you trust my suggestions? I was a resident of Dubai for one year and thoroughly explored the city and the UAE during this time. Leveraging a decade of experience in the travel industry, I’ve carefully selected the best day tours to Abu Dhabi to make sure you get an epic experience.
I generally use Viator and Get Your Guide to book tours around the world. I especially recommend them for their great cancellation policy. If your plans change, you can cancel most activities up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund.
Are you in a rush? These are the top tours:
| THE BEST TOUR | Abu Dhabi Premium Full-Day Sightseeing Tour |
| PRIVATE TOUR | Private Abu Dhabi City Tour from Dubai |
| HALF-DAY TOUR | Abu Dhabi: Half-Day Guided City Tour |
OUR PICK: The BEST Abu Dhabi Tour from Dubai
The Abu Dhabi Premium Full-Day Sightseeing Tour from Dubai is the best excursion from Dubai. It includes all transfers – starting and ending in your hotel – and a friendly guide to make your trip informative and hassle-free.
You’ll start the trip with a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, an absolutely stunning mosque and the country’s largest. Marvel at its intricate architectural details, its massive chandelier covered in Swarovski crystals, and the world’s largest hand-woven carpet.
Your guide will provide an abaya for all the women as the dress code at the mosque is quite strict (they made me buy leggins to cover my ankle).
Enjoy free time to grab some lunch, and then stop by the Louvre Abu Dhabi for some photos from the outside. You’ll then go for a drive along the picturesque Abu Dhabi Corniche.
Your next stop will be at the top of the Etihad Towers. You’ll go up the 74th floor to enjoy breathtaking, 360-degree views of the city.
Finally, you’ll visit Qasr Al Watan, a presidential palace that offers a glimpse into the nation’s traditions. I was mesmerized by the opulence of this palace, and you’ll probably be too!
➤ Why is this the best tour? You mean, except for the 15 THOUSAND 5-star reviews? This super comprehensive trip offers great value and it’s ideal for first-time visitors, as it tackles all the important city landmarks and some. It’s very rare to find such a packed itinerary that makes the most of your time in Abu Dhabi.
Read what the reviews say:
“Very well organized tour. From start to finish, great support and explanations of the sights. Very friendly and competent tour guide. The photos that he took of us at the sights were spectacular! So a big thank you to Fawzy! We would be happy to do it again anytime.”
Betty – Read more reviews
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, and entry tickets to the Grand Mosque, the Etihad Tower observation deck, and Qasr Al Watan. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Other GREAT Tours To Abu Dhabi
▶️ Discover the capital city highlights on this exciting Dubai: Abu Dhabi Day Trip Grand Mosque, Royal Palace & Lunch. It’s a full-day activity that starts with pick-up at your hotel, and takes you to visit the awe-striking Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the largest in the country.
You’ll learn about its various features and history, and get to marvel at its architecture from up close. Then, enjoy a lunch break at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant to refuel with a delectable meal.
Once refueled, you’ll visit the observation deck at Etihad Towers for glorious city views. Did you know stunts from Fast & Furious were filmed in the building?! Snap pictures and take in the scenery before checking off the final attraction: Qasr Al Watan, the presidential palace.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, entrance fees, abaya and scarf rental, lunch, and mineral water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Abu Dhabi City Sightseeing & Sheikh Zayed Mosque from Dubai is a comprehensive trip that starts in Abu Dhabi’s glorious gem: the Grand Mosque. Renowned for its astounding architecture, the mosque is made with 100 thousand tonnes of Macedonian and Greek marble.
It boasts an impressive chandelier covered in a million Swarovski crystals, and is home to the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet.
Tour the building with a knowledgeable guide who’ll be ready to answer all your questions, and then move on for a photo stop at Ferrari World.
Enjoy a peaceful drive along the Corniche with photo stops, and check out the Founder’s Memorial, which celebrates the country’s founder. You’ll have the opportunity to learn even more about UAE history there.
This tour includes: Pick-up and drop-off, a tour guide, entrance to the Grand Mosque, abaya and scarf rental, photo stops, and mineral water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Abu Dhabi Full-Day Trip with Louvre & Mosque from Dubai offers the perfect combination of art, culture, and religion. Everything you need to know to understand the city’s heritage.
Immerse in the radiance of the Grand Mosque, admiring its spectacular tiles, chandelier, and domes as you learn about its history and significance.
You’ll then visit the Louvre Museum, the Emirati counterpart of the French gallery, that showcases classic and modern art from all over the world. Artwork from Paris’ Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, and Pompidou Center are also exhibited on rotation, which is a real treat for art lovers!
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, entrance to the Grand Mosque and the Louvre, abaya and scarf rental, and mineral water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
The BEST Private Tour To Abu Dhabi from Dubai
Discover Abu Dhabi’s highlights with up to five of your closest friends or family members on this Private Abu Dhabi City Tour from Dubai.
Cruise in comfort in your own vehicle, and benefit from your guide’s knowledge as you explore Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the country’s most important monuments.
Drive along the pretty Corniche, check out a bustling dates market, and explore Heritage Village, a recreation of the original desert dwellings. Take your time to visit each attraction, as you’ll get to customize the itinerary and choose the departure time. You can even add extra stops on the route!
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, entrance to the Grand Mosque, and bottled water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Limited Time? Check Out These Abu Dhabi Half Day Tours from Dubai
▶️ This Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Mosque Guided Tour from Dubai is a 5-hour excursion that focuses on the magnificent mosque. It’s the largest in the country and one of the most special places in terms of religion, so it’s well worth the visit.
Built between 1996 and 2007, the striking building holds up to 40,000 worshipers at once, and it’s an architectural masterpiece. Not only that, but it features staggering details and decoration, including a 60,000 square-foot carpet that weighs 35 tons (!!)
Guided by an expert, you’ll get to learn about the Islamic religion and the purpose of the different areas inside the Mosque.
This tour includes: Pick-up and drop-off, a guide, a 2-hour visit to the Grand Mosque, abaya and scarf rental, and mineral water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ With this Abu Dhabi: Half-Day Guided City Tour you’ll unveil the city’s gems, checking out its main attractions with a knowledgeable guide.
Marvel at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s beauty and zip past sleek skyscrapers along the Corniche, one of the prettiest drives in Abu Dhabi. A drive past Saadiyat and Yas islands will give you a more extended view of the city’s wonders.
Delight in the vibrant dates, vegetable, and fish markets of Port Zayed, and learn about the ancient inhabitants of the region at Heritage Village, a reconstructed desert town. Return to Dubai in the afternoon to enjoy more activities, relax, or go to your next destination!
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, Grand Mosque and Heritage Village entry, and mineral water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Abu Dhabi + Ferrari World Tour from Dubai
Ready for a heart-pumping experience? Abu Dhabi City Tour Including Ferrari World Tickets from Dubai is the perfect day trip to enjoy both the cultural gems of the city… And the exhilarating ones!
You’ll start with a visit to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the most important religious site in Abu Dhabi and an architectural masterpiece.
On your drive around the city, you’ll get to photograph the leaning Capital Gate hotel, the Emirates Palace, Etihad Towers, and the incredible palaces at Al Bateen Beach.
Finally, make your way to Ferrari World, home to the world’s fastest rollercoaster, for four hours of non-stop fun and loads of adrenaline.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a guide, access to most rides at Ferrari World, Grand Mosque entrance, water, and soft drinks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Visit Abu Dhabi with a Photographer
Check out this Dubai: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Tour with Photographer. You’ll discover the awe-striking Mosque and all its details through the lens of a professional photographer, who will capture your visit to the religious site.
Pose against the beautiful mosque’s backdrop, and let the expert work their magic. In the meantime, you can get busy marveling at the intricate details, dazzling crystal-covered chandelier, and mesmerizing reflective pools.
The tour lasts half a day, and it also enables you to learn more about the UAE’s history and Islamic culture.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, photography coverage, digital photos, and mineral water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Abu Dhabi Tour with a Spanish-Speaking Guide
Is Spanish your mother tongue, or are you eager to practice your second language? Join an Abu Dhabi Full-Day Tour from Dubai – Spanish-Speaking Guide to explore UAE’s capital city and learn all about its culture and history…in Español.
This unique day tour includes a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and a drive along the Corniche for seafront sights. Dive into Heritage Village’s Arabian crafts, and enjoy free time to refuel with a buffet lunch (own expense).
You’ll pass by photogenic attractions including Yas Island, Al Nahyan Palace, and Emirates Palace. Wrap up the day with a photo stop at Ferrari World, a record-breaking theme park.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, Grand Mosque visit, and a Spanish-speaking guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
