Abu Dhabi rewards a full day: world-class museums, a presidential palace and the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. With the right order — and the right timing — you can see all three without rushing.
Plan your day
- From Dubai: leave by 8am; Abu Dhabi is about 90 minutes by road.
- Dress code: wear or pack clothing covering arms and legs (and a headscarf for women) for the mosque and the palace.
- Tickets: book the Louvre and Qasr Al Watan online; register for the mosque if required.
Morning: Louvre Abu Dhabi
Start on Saadiyat Island at Louvre Abu Dhabi when it opens. Spend two hours in the galleries and walk out under the dome to the water.
Lunch: Saadiyat or the city
Eat at the museum café or head into the city for Emirati or Lebanese food.
Afternoon: Qasr Al Watan
Explore the Great Hall and the House of Knowledge at Qasr Al Watan, the UAE’s working presidential palace. Next door, Emirates Palace is famous for its grand interiors and afternoon tea.
Late afternoon: The Corniche
Take a short stroll on the Abu Dhabi Corniche, the city’s long waterfront promenade with views of the skyline and the sea.
Sunset: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Arrive at the Grand Mosque about an hour before sunset. You’ll see the white marble in golden light, then watch the domes illuminated after dark — the perfect ending to the day.
Alternative: Abu Dhabi for families
Swap the palace for Yas Island’s theme parks, and finish at the mosque in the evening.
Why go with a guide?
A guide handles the driving, the timing around prayer times and the stories behind each landmark — turning a long day into an easy one. Explore Abu Dhabi.
