• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center - The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is among the largest mosques globally and uniquely showcases the interaction between Islam and various world cultures. Sheikh Zayed envisioned the Grand Mosque as a blend of architectural styles from different Muslim civilizations, celebrating cultural diversity by creating a truly diverse and inspirational sanctuary. The mosque’s architects hailed from Britain, Italy, and the UAE, drawing design inspiration from Turkey, Morocco, Pakistan, and Egypt, among other Islamic nations. This architectural wonder can accommodate an impressive 40,000 worshippers and visitors.

The mosque’s open-door policy welcomes tourists and celebrants worldwide to admire the stunning onion-top domes, reflective pools surrounding the courtyard, and the iconic prayer hall. This hall is not only bathed in blissful sunlight but also houses the world’s largest handmade chandelier and carpet. Visitors should look for the calligraphy encircling the domes’ hollows, featuring Quranic verses painted with gold leaves in An-Naskh script.

• The Corniche - The Corniche Road stretches over eight kilometers of beautifully maintained waterfront, featuring children’s play areas, separate cycling and pedestrian paths, cafés, restaurants, and the lifeguarded Corniche Beach.

Corniche Beach
This extensive beach runs along Corniche Road from near the Hilton Hotel to beyond Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, where its main entrance is located. During weekdays, beach umbrellas are usually available, but they may be scarce on weekends. Swimming is restricted to within 40 meters of the beach by floating fences, and numerous lifeguards are present.

Abu Dhabi’s pristine Corniche beachfront has earned the prestigious Blue Flag status, an internationally recognized eco-label for beaches and marinas, ensuring clean and safe bathing water.

Each month, 30,000 to 50,000 visitors enjoy the Corniche, which offers three distinct sections for families, singles, and the general public. There are over 1,100 free parking spaces within a five-minute walk of the beach, with a fee of AED 10 (approximately US $2.7) for entry to the family and singles sections. Public beach access is free.

• Heritage Village - Explore the Heritage Village to experience traditional desert life and immerse yourself in a time capsule that brings to life a souk, a mosque, and an encampment from pre-modernized Abu Dhabi. Visitors can shop, explore artifacts, and watch artisans crafting pottery, blowing glass, and weaving fabric on a loom.

Managed by the Emirates Heritage Club, this reconstruction of a traditional oasis village offers a fascinating glimpse into the emirate’s past. It features public workshops where craftsmen demonstrate traditional skills such as metalwork, pottery, weaving, and spinning. Craftsmen share their expertise with visitors and occasionally allow them to try their hand at these crafts. The village’s spice shop offers a variety of dried herbs, handmade soaps, and numerous souvenirs.

• Abu Dhabi Dates Market - The Abu Dhabi Dates Market is the largest and primary market for dates in Abu Dhabi. Various date species are available during the season, including products from Oman and Saudi Arabia. The market offers the best prices in town.

• Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi - This iconic Abu Dhabi landmark combines Arabian splendor with modern luxuries to create a magical and memorable experience. During the day, the hotel’s golden-sandy color contrasts with its lush green gardens, silvery water fountains, and the blue sky. At night, the hotel’s lighting subtly changes, featuring a majestic rainbow effect over the main dome.

The main Palace building spans over a kilometer from wing to wing, with gardens and surroundings covering 100 hectares. The hotel boasts 114 domes, with the central dome rising 72.6 meters above ground. Gold, mother of pearl, and crystals dominate the interior. The Palace features 1,002 chandeliers, the largest weighing 2.5 tonnes. Another notable feature is its two handmade wall display carpets, each depicting the palace and weighing a tonne.

Guests and visitors can explore the majestic halls and corridors, showcasing Arabian design with grand central passageways and arched ceilings. The hotel offers over 200 rooms, all decorated in a comfortable yet chic style with lavish cultural touches. Culinary highlights include modern Chinese cuisine at Hakkasan, fine French dining at Le Vendome, and award-winning local dishes at Mezlai Emirati Restaurant.

• Etihad Towers - This striking five-tower complex invites residents and visitors to live, work, stay, shop, and dine in one destination, offering panoramic views of the city and Arabian Gulf.

A benchmark for luxury experiences, the complex includes three residential towers and the 280-meter-high, five-star Jumeirah at Etihad Towers hotel.

On the 74th floor of Tower 2, the Observation Deck at 300 provides unbeatable views of the cityscape and islands.

The Avenue at Etihad Towers is home to one of the world’s most exclusive collections of boutique shops, many offering luxurious private rooms for VIP shopping.

• Qasr Al Watan - Qasr Al Watan, a new cultural landmark in Abu Dhabi, invites the public to explore the legacy of knowledge and tradition that has shaped the nation’s journey, enhancing cultural understanding of the United Arab Emirates.

An Architectural Landmark
Qasr Al Watan is more than a traditional palace; it is an exquisitely crafted tribute to Arabian heritage and artistry. Its architecture and design reflect the significance of the exhibits within its halls and the function of its iconic rooms.

Cultural Initiative
Qasr Al Watan encourages visitors to learn about the country’s governing traditions and values, exploring a well-preserved legacy of knowledge and enhancing cultural understanding of the UAE.

A Knowledge Hub
Qasr Al Watan opens the door to an inspiring intellectual legacy, highlighting Arab contributions to various fields of knowledge. The Palace also houses the Qasr Al Watan Library, where scholars can explore a vast collection of books and resources about the UAE and learn about the nation’s progressive journey.

An Enriching Visitor Journey
At Qasr Al Watan, visitors will learn about the formation of the UAE and its governance system, gaining access to halls typically reserved for official summits. Visitors will also appreciate Arabian architectural craftsmanship and intellectual heritage in a truly enriching journey.

Parking: Upon arriving at the Visitor Centre by car, visitors will find ample parking spaces available at no charge. Valet parking is offered at the Visitor Centre car park for AED 80.

Parking is open from 9:30 am to 9:30 pm, seven days a week.

• Visit the vibrant Dates Market for a taste of local culture.
• Explore the stunning architecture of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
• Drive by the presidential palace, Qasr Al Watan.
• Discover the glittering treasures at the Gold Souk.
• Enjoy a drive pass by the iconic Etihad Towers.
• Stroll along the scenic Corniche waterfront.
• Step back in time at the Heritage Village.
• See the luxurious Emirates Palace Hotel.

Explore Abu Dhabi’s premier attractions including the majestic Grand Mosque with My Arabian Gate. Embark on a 4-hour journey through the Emirates’ capital in a communal vehicle. See the splendor of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, explore the Heritage Village, browse the dates market, and take in the key sights. Experience the fusion of historic and contemporary landmarks.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.