Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and home to some of the country's top attractions. Here are the best ways to discover the city from Dubai.
Abu Dhabi is one of the most important cities in the United Arab Emirates. It's also home to some of the most interesting attractions. If you're planning a visit to Dubai, we recommend that you set aside a few days of your trip to discover the country's capital.
The best things to do from Dubai include a bus tour of Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World, the desert between the two cities, a visit to the Grand Mosque and the Louvre, and a visit to the paradise islands of Al Bharani and Dolphin.
Did you enjoy your Abu Dhabi tour? Now find out how to enjoy a safari in Dubai in the best possible conditions!
1. Abu Dhabi day trip from Dubai by bus
Thesefull-day excursions with hotel pick-up will enable you to discover Abu Dhabi's main sights during a bus tour. The tour will take you along the Corniche promenade to visit some of the world's most luxurious buildings, including the famous Etihad Towers.
You'll also see the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosqueone of the world's most remarkable Islamic temples , both for its exterior architecture and its interior decorations. During the tour, you'll have the constant assistance of a guide, who will tell you all about the city's history and sights.
If you choose this alternative, you can have lunch during the stop at the Marina Shopping Centre and then have free time to explore the site at your leisure or go shopping.
Details you need to know :
- Price: these must-see Dubai tours have an initial cost of around 80 euros per person, including round-trip transfer and hotel pick-up in Dubai. - Duration: approximately 8 hours.
- Advantages of this option: you'll be able to see the main sights of Abu Dhabi in a cost-effective way.
- Disadvantages of this option: although this is a full-day tour, as it includes transfers and hotel pick-up, you'll have little time to see certain sites such as the Grand Mosque.
2. Abu Dhabi day trip with Ferrari World tickets
If you want to see the main sights ofAbu Dhabi and combine the visit with an adrenaline-pumping experience, you can opt for the full-day excursion with tickets to Ferrari World. This Ferrari-themed theme park is located on Yas Island, an annex of the Yas Marina circuit, part of the annual Formula 1 calendar.
After visiting the Corniche Promenade and the Etihad Towers, you can immerse yourself in the world of one of the world's most famous car manufacturers. At Ferrari World, you can ride roller coasters, visit the team paddock, take part in go-kart races and ride in car simulators. There are also water attractions.
These excursions are ideal for racing enthusiasts and lovers of extreme experiences. Not only will they allow you to discover the city and its attractions, but also to visit one of the most popular theme parks. If you're planning to travel in summer, which is the best time to visit Dubai, we recommend booking your excursions in advance.
Details to know:
- Price: these tours have an initial cost of around 214 euros per person, including round-trip transfer with hotel pick-up in Dubai, city tour and entry to Ferrari World.
- Duration: approx. 10 hours.
- Advantages: you can combine a leisurely city tour with an adrenalin-filled experience.
- Disadvantages: as the trip is mainly focused on the Ferrari World experience, the city tour is likely to be short.
3. Abu Dhabi desert tour from Dubai with dinner and show
One of the must-do activities on your trip to the United Arab Emirates is a visit to the desert. If you're planning to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, you can take advantage of the journey between the two cities to explore the sand dunes in a 4x4. On these excursions, in addition to the adventure, you can surf on a sandboard.
Desert excursions are ideal for admiring the sunset and the changing colors of the sand. What's more, you can usually include dinner in a tented camp, an Arabian dance show, as well as encounters with camels and other desert animals.
An equally fun alternative is to choose the "vintage" option of these tours, which allows you to cross the desert in a 4x4 van dating back to the 1980s and discover the arid Al Marmoom Nature Reserve.
Details to know:
- Price: these excursions have an initial cost of around 98 euros per person, including round-trip transfer and hotel pick-up in Dubai.
- Duration: approximately 6 to 7 hours.
- Advantages of this option: it's the best alternative for combining the desert excursion with a visit to the outskirts of Abu Dhabi.
- Disadvantages: these tours do not include a visit to Abu Dhabi's main buildings and the Corniche Marina.
4. Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque and Louvre tour from Dubai
The Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque and Louvre are two of the most famous attractions in the capital of the United Arab Emirates. They are the most classic attractions when you decide to visit the city from Dubai.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the largest Islamic temples in the world. With its surrounding gardens and walkways, it covers a total area of 12 hectares. It can accommodate over 40,000 people. You'll also be struck by its luxurious interior and decorations, which combine Muslim art with modern ornamentation.
The Louvre Abu Dhabiis the first museum of its kind outside France. It boasts one of the leading collections in the Arab world, with over 600 pieces on display, including loans from the Centre Pompidou, the Musée d'Orsay, the Château de Versailles and the Louvre in Paris.
Details to know:
- Price: these tours have an initial cost of around 89 euros per person, including round-trip transfer with hotel pick-up in Dubai, entrance fees to attractions and the assistance of an expert local guide.
- Duration: approx. 8 hours.
- Advantages of this option: the best way to see two of Abu Dhabi's main sites in depth.
- Disadvantages: the tour does not include visits outside the museum and mosque.
5. Tour of Al Bahrani and Abu Dhabi's Dolphin Islands from Dubai
If, in addition to visiting Abu Dhabi, you'd like to spend a day at the beach in one of the city's paradise spots, you can opt for excursions that include a visit to the Al Bharani and Dolphin Islands. These two archipelagos can be reached by boat from the Emirati capital, where you will take a bus to the port and then board the boat that will take you to your destination.
on Dolphin Island, you can enjoy the white sands and crystal-clear waters, as well as the scorching heat that characterizes the region. You'll also have time to relax before sailing on to the next stop, Al Bahrani Island. It boasts long stretches of beach and relaxation facilities.
Al Bahrani is also home to a fishing village. So not only will you visit one of the most beautiful spots on the Emirati coast, you'll also be able to immerse yourself in local customs.
If you have a choice of timetables, we recommend you choose the one that includes a sunset visit. They offer some of the best views of Abu Dhabi from the islands. If you plan to travel in summer, we recommend booking tours in advance, to avoid delays and last-minute price increases.
Details to know:
- Price: these tours have an initial cost of around 81 euros per person, including round-trip transfer with hotel pick-up in Dubai and boat crossing to the islands.
- Duration: approx. 7-8 hours.
- Advantages: you can visit 2 of the United Arab Emirates' most beautiful islands.
- Disadvantages: these tours do not include a visit to the main sights of Abu Dhabi, only to the islands, so if you want to see the city, you'll need to combine them with other tours.
How do I book an Abu Dhabi tour from Dubai?
You can either book in advance online, or purchase the tours once in Dubai. However, if you're planning to visit the UAE during the summer months, i.e. in high season, it's advisable to book in advance to avoid last-minute price hikes and guarantee your place on the tours.
If you book online in advance, you can also take advantage of the discounts that many tour operators offer for this type of booking.
How long does a tour to Abu Dhabi from Dubai last?
This depends on the tour you choose. These are generally half-day or full-day tours. Bear in mind that Abu Dhabi is about an hour and a half from Dubai, so you'll need to factor this time into your trip.
The longest excursions are those that include full bus tours of the city's main sites, or those that combine a visit to the Emirati capital with access to the Ferrari World theme park. You can also choose 5- or 6-hour packages, which will leave you plenty of free time to enjoy other activities, especially if you plan to stay in the city for only a short time.
What will I see on these types of tours?
Whichever option you choose, all will allow you to see Abu Dhabi's main sights. Some will give you a glimpse of the city through its main buildings and best districts, such as the Corniche promenade. Others will take you to paradise islands such as Dolphin and Al Bahrani.
If you're an adrenaline junkie, or if you're planning to visit the Emirati capital with children, you can opt for the excursion that includes a visit to Ferrari World, allowing you to combine a tour of the city with one of the country's best attractions.
In conclusion, if you're visiting Abu Dhabi, there's an activity for every traveler profile.
Tips for travelling to Abu Dhabi from Dubai
If you're traveling in high season, it's best to book in advance to avoid last-minute price hikes and guarantee your place on each tour. This will also save you time.
We also recommend that if you plan to visit Dubai in winter, during the rainy season, youtake along a warm, waterproofjacket, especially for outdoor activities. Temperatures can drop rapidly.
How much does a tour to Abu Dhabi from Dubai cost?
Dubai and Abu Dhabi can be expensive compared to other destinations. So it's not uncommon for options to visit the Emirati capital to start at around 80 euros. This applies to just about every alternative that doesn't include a visit to some of the most popular sites, such as Ferrari World.
If you wish to experience Ferrari World and the Yas Marina Formula 1 circuit, the packages are more expensive and can reach over 200 euros per person. The investment is well worth it, however, between the roller coasters and the karting competitions.
Why travel to Abu Dhabi from Dubai?
Abu Dhabi is not only one of the most important cities in the Arab world, but in recent years it has also become one of the most visited destinations in the world. If you ever get the chance to visit Dubai, it's well worth it to visit a world capital that has it all: monumental buildings and magnificent sunsets.
On the other hand, the city offers a wide variety of alternatives, from a traditional bus tour of the main sights to a vintage 1980s 4x4 tour across the desert that separates Dubai from Abu Dhabi.
What are the advantages of a guided tour over a self-guided tour of Abu Dhabi?
You can visit Abu Dhabi on your own, and you'll probably enjoy it immensely. A world city with very intuitive sightseeing, it's also a place that hides many mysteries and, if you really want to make the most of your visit, the ideal is to do so with the help of an expert local guide. Not only will he recommend the best places, but he'll also save you time and money.
What's more, if you opt for a guided tour or an organized tour, you'll be able to relax and discover the city without having to worry about transfers and entrance fees. Not to mention communication, which can be a major obstacle, as Arabic is one of the most difficult languages in the world.
