What to Visit in Abu Dhabi in One Day – Full Tour from Dubai
Dubai has become one of the top vacation destinations for Romanian tourists in recent years. With direct flights, year-round warm weather, luxurious hotels, and a dazzling skyline, it’s no wonder that tens of thousands flock here every season. But did you know that just 140 km away (about a 1.5-hour drive) lies the capital of the United Arab Emirates – Abu Dhabi? A city very different from Dubai, yet equally impressive.
While Dubai is the capital of innovation and home to world records (tallest building, largest mall, longest dancing fountain), Abu Dhabi – the actual capital of the UAE and of the largest emirate – moves at a calmer pace. More conservative, but deeply elegant, the city offers a perfect blend of tradition, spirituality, and understated modernity. You’ll find majestic mosques, iconic theme parks, and grand palaces. We recently heard that Disney is planning a new park here – a fresh new attraction! We first visited Abu Dhabi 10 years ago, and curiosity brought us back. Honestly? It hasn’t changed as rapidly as Dubai.
So, if you’re vacationing in Dubai, a day tour to Abu Dhabi is the perfect opportunity to explore the cultural and architectural diversity of the Emirates. Among the many offers from Arabian Tour Packages, we chose one that turned out to be a highlight of our trip – despite the scorching heat. They offer many types of excursions – desert safaris, boat rides, city tours – so there’s something for everyone.
We were picked up directly from our hotel in a white SUV with air conditioning. Our guide, Noman from Pakistan, was knowledgeable and shared fascinating insights in English about Abu Dhabi’s history and traditions. Fun fact: as a Muslim from Pakistan, he isn’t allowed to enter the Hindu Baps Temple – one of the tour’s highlights. But we could, and it was stunning.
Abu Dhabi Tour 2025 – What’s Included?
The tour lasts around 8 hours and covers the city’s top landmarks:
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – A breathtaking white marble structure. We spent 90 minutes exploring its courtyard, intricate interior, and iconic floral columns. The underground shopping gallery is now open. Note: You can only walk on the carpet at fixed hours, and only with a guide.
- Emirates Palace – Royal elegance and luxury at its finest. Though we didn’t stay overnight, we did enjoy a quick visit (and dreamed of sipping the famous gold-dusted coffee).
- Heritage Village – A small open-air museum showing life before oil wealth. Similar to Old Dubai but more compact.
- Etihad Towers – A photo stop at the impressive towers featured in Fast & Furious 7. Less shocking after Dubai, but still eye-catching.
- Presidential Palace (Qasr Al Watan) – We stopped by the waterfront to admire it from afar. If the royal family moved from the Emirates Palace to this, it must be something else inside.
- Islamic Art Gallery – A surprisingly lovely stop with fascinating artworks and souvenirs.
- Marina Mall – We didn’t enter, just passed by, but it looked impressive from the outside.
- Abu Dhabi Corniche – A clean, green seafront promenade with great views of the Arabian Gulf.
- Dates Market – The perfect spot to sample premium Emirati dates and buy a sweet souvenir.
- Ferrari World – A photo stop in front of the world’s largest red dome. It’ll definitely tempt you to return for a full day of fun.
- BAPS Hindu Mandir – This Indian temple looks like a sandcastle from the outside and leaves you speechless inside. Entry is based on a QR code received in the app, and security is very strict – no bags allowed (not even a cigarette pack). Photography inside is strictly forbidden.
We took a shared group tour, and by coincidence, we were in the same vehicle as a lady from Romania and her friend from the Czech Republic. This type of tour is a great budget option, allows for socializing, and follows a well-organized schedule.
Shared Tour Pros:
✔ Lower cost
✔ Guide included
✔ Fixed itinerary
Cons:
✘ No flexibility with time or stops
✘ Must follow a strict schedule
A private tour is better for families, couples, or small groups who want comfort and flexibility.
Private Tour Pros:
✔ Personalized itinerary
✔ More time at your favorite stops
✔ Exclusive vehicle
Cons:
✘ Higher cost
What to Bring on a One-Day Abu Dhabi Tour
- Original passport – Mandatory at the emirate border, as there may be random checks.
- Appropriate clothing – Respect the Islamic dress code:
• Women must cover shoulders and knees (long trousers/skirts and a headscarf for the mosque). Abayas are now rented for a fee.
• Men should avoid shorts or tank tops in religious sites. - Sunglasses and sunscreen – The sun is strong year-round.
- Water and light snacks – Handy between stops.
- Charged phone or camera – So many amazing spots to capture.
- Cash (AED) – For shopping at the date market or small souvenirs. Some places don’t accept cards. A small tip for the guide is appreciated.
- Comfortable shoes – Expect lots of walking, especially at the mosque and Heritage Village.
- Wet wipes & hand sanitizer – Useful during the tour.
Good to Know Before the Tour
- The Grand Mosque is closed Friday mornings (until after prayers).
- Public displays of affection (kissing, hugging) are not allowed, especially in religious areas.
- Photography is allowed in the mosque, but only in designated zones and with respectful behavior.
- Respecting local traditions and customs goes a long way – a friendly attitude is always appreciated.
Why Visit Abu Dhabi on a Day Trip from Dubai?
A one-day tour to Abu Dhabi is one of the most enriching experiences you can have in the UAE. While Dubai stuns with futuristic energy, Abu Dhabi offers authentic culture, elegance, and tranquility. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque alone is worth the journey, offering a moment of awe that contrasts beautifully with the modern skyline of Etihad Towers. Whether you opt for a shared or private tour, you’ll return with unforgettable memories and stunning photos.
