Our most recommended things to do in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding

1. Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Camel Ride & Sandboarding

Join a small-group or private guided day trip from Abu Dhabi to the desert with hotel transfers included. Enjoy a dune bashing experience, watch the sunset from a Bedouin camp, take part in cultural activities, watch traditional performances, and savor a BBQ buffet dinner while watching the stars. After pickup in an air-conditioned 4WD vehicle, enjoy a comfortable ride to the desert. Once there, visit a camel farm to get up close to these animals who are well-adjusted to desert life. Next, take part in an exhilarating dune bashing experience. Feel your stomach jump as the vehicle heads up and down the steep sand dunes. Then, try your hand at sandboarding by sliding down the dunes on a board. Arrive at the Bedouin desert camp to enjoy a warm welcome of traditional Arabic coffee and dates. Then, walk up a dune to take pictures as the desert changes color as the sun sets on the horizon. At the camp, dive into the local customs and culture of the Arabian peninsula. Enjoy cultural activities such as henna painting, shisha smoking, and camel rides. Then, try on traditional Arabian costumes and take pictures with a falcon. Watch captivating performances of Tanoura dancing and belly dancing, before tucking into a barbecue dinner. Finally, the lights of the camp will be switched off. Sit back and admire the star-lit sky for a peaceful moment of contemplation before returning to the bright city lights of Abu Dhabi.

From Abu Dhabi: Grand Mosque, Royal Palace, and Etihad Tower

2. From Abu Dhabi: Grand Mosque, Royal Palace, and Etihad Tower

Explore Abu Dhabi's top sights on a guided tour of the city. Visit the Etihad Towers, learn about the government of the UAE at the Presidential Palace, and marvel at the beauty of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Get picked up by your driver from your hotel or selected location in Abu Dhabi. Hop into an air-conditioned vehicle and get ready to explore the capital city of UAE. Make your first stop at the beautiful Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Enter this world-famous example of Islamic architecture. See the fabulous craftsmanship of this space which can accommodate around 40,000 worshippers inside its walls.  View the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, 82 domes, chandeliers, and flower-patterned designs before heading to Marina Mall for a lunch break. Either dine in the mall restaurants or food court, at your own expense. Continue on to the Etihad Towers, a complex of 5 opulent skyscrapers. This entertainment hub offers you the chance for leisure dining and shopping. Enjoy the panoramic views of Abu Dhabi city from the observation deck of the Etihad Towers. Finally, visit Qasr Al Watan, the Presidential Palace, a tribute to Arabic heritage and craftsmanship. Gain an insight into governance, knowledge, and artistry that has shaped the nation of UAE. At the end of the tour, be dropped off back at your hotel or a select location in Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi: Ferrari World General Admission Ticket

3. Abu Dhabi: Ferrari World General Admission Ticket

Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi is an award-winning Ferrari-inspired theme park that celebrates the spirit of the legendary marque and is home to 44 thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions, state-of-the-art simulators, spectacular live shows, and popular seasonal festivities that showcase extraordinary performances from around the globe. Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi is home to the world’s fastest rollercoaster, Formula Rossa, and the record-breaking Flying Aces. The theme park also offers a mix of remarkable rides, interactive attractions, and simulators that bring a world of thrills to Yas Island’s blend of unique attractions. The theme park prides itself for hosting exhilarating events throughout the year and offering world-class entertainment including Winter on Italian Street and the Festival of Lights, amongst many other seasonal celebrations, leaving guests entertained all year round.

From Dubai: Abu Dhabi Premium Full-Day Sightseeing Tour

4. From Dubai: Abu Dhabi Premium Full-Day Sightseeing Tour

With its natural islands, premium resorts, cultural attractions, and architectural wonders, Abu Dhabi offers something for every traveler. Brace up to explore the most-iconic attractions of Abu Dhabi on a full-day sightseeing tour from Dubai! Start your day after being picked up from your hotel in Dubai and learn about one of the richest cities in the world as you travel along the Persian Gulf. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in the UAE, is a place that is closely knit to the culture and religion of the UAE. You will see one-of-a-kind treasures while navigating the marbled halls, such as Swarovski chandeliers, patterned designs, and the largest hand-knotted carpet in the world. A drive along the Abu Dhabi Corniche offers you a beautiful view of the Persian Gulf, its turquoise blue waters, and the skylines. Then, the Etihad towers, a striking architectural landmark on the Abu Dhabi Corniche, offer dining, stay, and entertaining options in one location. The breathtaking panoramic views of the city, including the view of Emirates Palace, and the Arabian Gulf from the observation deck enchants anyone who comes there. You will get the time to enjoy lunch (at your own expense) at the mosque. Touring around the Qasr Al Watan, a functioning presidential palace and a cultural place in Abu Dhabi, lets you learn more about the tradition that has defined the history of the UAE. The palace is also an architectural marvel and houses artifacts and treasures. After a full day of fun and sightseeing, enjoy a ride back to your hotel, where we’ll drop you off safely.

Louvre Abu Dhabi: Entry Tickets

5. Louvre Abu Dhabi: Entry Tickets

Experience a major collection of master artworks from around the world. Explore significant classic and modern works which bridge the gap between Western and Eastern art. Set foot in one of the largest museums in the Gulf Region. Take in its landmark architecture and iconic dome. Marvel at its design which is built to resemble palm leaves as you walk through the sun-filled promenades. Browse the museum's immense collection. See a wide array of works from all over the world, and discover the connections between East and West. Enjoy access to the permanent collection and special exhibitions as well as the children's museum. Encounter ancient artifacts or classical works by artists like Manet. After browsing the galleries, pause to reflect in one of the museum's public spaces.

From Dubai: Abu Dhabi City Sightseeing & Sheikh Zayed Mosque

6. From Dubai: Abu Dhabi City Sightseeing & Sheikh Zayed Mosque

Gear up to discover Abu Dhabi's famous tourist attractions on a full-day Abu Dhabi city tour that begins with a prompt pickup from your preferred location or hotel in Dubai. Enjoy a 90-minute drive to the photo stop at the world's most known indoor amusement park, Ferrari World. Strike your best pose to capture breathtaking photographs against the backdrop of this beautiful destination. Find your mind at peace as you enter the spiritual calmness of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi's largest mosque and a symbol of religious harmony, tolerance, and diversity. Marvel at the mosque's architectural magnificence that reflects true Islamic principles. Be lucky to witness the largest hand-knotted carpet and Swarovski crystal chandeliers. Ride along the Corniche, where you may enjoy spending some happy time with your family enjoying the sights of skyscrapers. Get a chance to take some fantastic snaps in the backdrop of Emirates Palace and Etihad Towers, two of the luxurious marvels of the UAE. Stop by the Founders Memorial, a special cultural attraction that celebrates the UAE's founder's life, legacy, and principles. Go through the stories, art, nature, and multimedia experiences, and learn how he influenced the UAE and its people. With the memories of the day etched in your memories, enjoy a drive back to your hotel or preferred destination in Dubai.

Abu Dhabi: Morning Desert Tour, Camel Ride, & Sandboarding

7. Abu Dhabi: Morning Desert Tour, Camel Ride, & Sandboarding

Embark on an exciting morning desert safari in the desert surrounding Abu Dhabi. Ride over the vast dunes in a 4x4 Land Cruiser, glide down the dunes on a sandboard, and enjoy a relaxing camel ride with scenic views. Get ready for a desert safari starting with an early morning pickup at your hotel. A 45-minute drive takes you to the heart of the desert outside Abu Dhabi. Explore the desert in a 4x4 Land Cruiser, bashing the huge dunes. The fun continues with a chance to try out sandboarding. Follow the instructions and glide over the dunes effortlessly. During the safari, there will be plenty of opportunities to pose for some photos in the desert. This special morning safari concludes with a short camel ride before the transfer back to the pick-up point.

Abu Dhabi: Formula Yas 3000 Driving Experience

8. Abu Dhabi: Formula Yas 3000 Driving Experience

Before getting into the driver’s seat you’ll be suited up in full race gear and helmet, and receive a technical briefing from your racing coach. Next, you’ll take familiarization laps around the circuit in a Renault vehicle. During these slow laps, your coach will explain the racing line and how to approach each corner. At this point in your activity you should be ready for the real action. You’ll head back to the pits, where you’ll be further briefed on your car before being tightly strapped in. Prepare to feel every bump, ripple and sensation of the drive. You can be sure that you've never been this connected to a driving machine! Get a grasp of the inner workings of this racing car and experience truly sensational performance first-hand. For 20 minutes For 20 minutes, you’ll be in charge of the paddle shifters, which help shift the gearbox up and down. Two on-board video cameras will capture your drive and allow you to re-live the action later on.

Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Belly & Tannura Dance

9. Abu Dhabi: Desert Safari with BBQ, Belly & Tannura Dance

Discover the true desert of Abu Dhabi. Feel the thrill with an exciting drive over the dunes, visit a camel farm and take to the dunes on a sandboard. Watch the spectacular sunset from the dunes as the afternoon turns. Your journey will continue until you reach the traditional Arabic camp, where you enjoy a unique evening of activities and entertainment. Have the opportunity to try various activities like henna painting, belly dancing, and shisha. Watch the sunset and feast on a BBQ dinner served under the starlit sky. Enjoy live entertainment in the form of belly dancing to ensure you have a night to remember. Experience traditional Arabic hospitality, with Arabic coffee and dates, served as they have been for centuries.

From Dubai: Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Mosque Guided Tour

10. From Dubai: Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Mosque Guided Tour

Depart Dubai and journey to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi by modern air-conditioned vehicle. Relax in comfort on the 90-minute drive with your professional guide. On arrival, marvel at the 8th largest mosque in the world. Spread over 30 acres, the magnificent structure took more than a decade to build and now stands as a showcase for the United Arab Emirate’s Islamic cultural heritage. Roam around the site that can accommodate up to 40,000 worshippers at any one time. Marvel at priceless features, such as the huge Swarovski crystal chandeliers, floral mosaics, and artifacts of gold, silver, and marble. Be amazed by the gigantic carpet in the main prayer hall. Measuring 60,570 square feet and weighing 35 tons, the carpet was made in Iran and is the result of the toil of thousands of carpet weavers over 2 years. Take stunning memorable photos of the complex and its awe-inspiring architecture, and get a better appreciation of the vision of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late president of the UAE and the mastermind behind the mosque. Depart Abu Dhabi and journey back to Dubai for a drop-off at your hotel or designated location.

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Abu Dhabi
From desert dunes to opulent mosques and deluxe urban scenery, this city offers up delightful Arabian treats.

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What are the best day trips and excursions from Abu Dhabi?

The best day trips and excursions from Abu Dhabi are:

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What people are saying about Abu Dhabi

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 31,785 reviews

Fabulous tour in a small-ish group of 16 people - the guide David was excellent and engaging The mosque is just so impressive and we had plenty of time to view it all. The entrance is strict and many people got caught out with incorrect dress and turned away but out tour provided abayas if needed . It is a very busy place and you need to be prepared to queue and walk in lines to get round - lots of photo opportunities and David was very informative and super helpful all the way through. We were picked up in the morning and taken to a rendezvous point where we joined the bus and dropped back after our return to Dubai We highly recommend this tour - very reasonably priced and enjoyable

Our tour guide was Ahmed. Sweet, funny, and very helpful guide who’s driving skills through the dunes were excellent. If you remember to, ask him where in Tokyo he is from and perhaps he will get the joke. We stayed overnight for the open camping and it’s worth it to see the sunrise over those sand dunes. The bathrooms DO have water (not mentioned above in guide information) and they provide a metal frame cot bed with small mattress to sleep with blankets. We went in early March so the weather was not too extreme either way. Picky eaters should bring some snacks just in case. Great experience and there is a lot of entertainment before bed time.

Our guide Noor was excellent, friendly and efficient. He was super helpful at the Grand Mosque, making us feel comfortable and informed about this amazing place. It was truly awesome. The Louvre was great too. We could have spent a little longer there to take into account getting a bite to eat, but overall it was a really good tour. It was relaxing and interesting thanks to Noor.

Sishan did an amazing job today! He was very engaging and a very motivated tour guide who loved to share information on tje tour. Very well done! Also transportstion was perfectly organised. Thank you

Amazing sites, lot of information from our guide Abdul, had great time.