Join Arabian Explore and admire the major attractions of Abu Dhabi, such as the Grand Mosque. Uncover the gems of Abu Dhabi in a 4-hour shared car journey through the emirate’s capital. Experience Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Heritage Village, the date market, and other significant sites. Explore both traditional and contemporary landmarks.
Join Arabian Explore and admire the major attractions of Abu Dhabi, such as the Grand Mosque. Uncover the gems of Abu Dhabi in a 4-hour shared car journey through the emirate’s capital. Experience Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Heritage Village, the date market, and other significant sites. Explore both traditional and contemporary landmarks.
- 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…
- 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 marvel can accommodate 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. The hall is bathed in sunlight and houses the world’s largest handmade chandelier and carpet. Visitors can also observe the calligraphy encircling the domes, featuring Quranic verses in An-Naskh lettering, painted with gold leaves.
- Heritage Village - Explore the Heritage Village to experience the traditional desert lifestyle and immerse yourself in a time capsule featuring a souk, mosque, and 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 like metalwork, pottery, weaving, and spinning. Craftsmen share their expertise with visitors and occasionally offer them a chance to try these skills. The village’s spice shop offers a variety of dried herbs, handmade soaps, and souvenirs.
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Abu Dhabi Dates Market - The Abu Dhabi Dates Market is the largest market for dates in Abu Dhabi. Various date species are available, especially during the season, including products from Oman and Saudi Arabia. The market offers the best prices in town.
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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 Corniche Beach, a lifeguarded beach park.
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 limited to within 40 meters of the beach, with floating fences and numerous lifeguards ensuring safety.
Abu Dhabi’s pristine Corniche beachfront has earned the prestigious Blue Flag status, an internationally recognized eco-label for beaches and marinas, guaranteeing clean and safe bathing water.
- Etihad Towers - This striking five-tower complex invites residents and visitors to live, work, stay, shop, and dine in one location, 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 unparalleled views of the cityscape and islands.
The Avenue at Etihad Towers boasts one of the world’s most exclusive collections of boutique shops, many offering luxurious private rooms for VIP shopping.
- Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi - This iconic Abu Dhabi landmark combines Arabian splendor with modern luxuries for a magical and memorable experience. By 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, creating 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 features 114 domes, with the central dome rising 72.6 meters above ground. Gold, mother of pearl, and crystals adorn the interior. The Palace boasts 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 passageways and arched ceilings. The hotel offers over 200 rooms, all elegantly decorated with 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.
- 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 a beautifully 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 offers 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, with access to halls typically reserved for official summits. Visitors will also gain a deep appreciation of 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 available at the Visitor Centre car park for AED 80.
Parking is open from 9:30 am to 9:30 pm, seven days a week.

- Drive past the Royal Palace Area
- Visit the Dates Market
- Explore Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Drive past Qasr Al Watan
- Drive past Etihad Tower
- Discover Heritage Village
- Drive along the Corniche
- See the Emirates Palace Hotel
- Drive past the Royal Palace Area
- Visit the Dates Market
- Explore Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Drive past Qasr Al Watan
- Drive past Etihad Tower
- Discover Heritage Village
- Drive along the Corniche
- See the Emirates Palace Hotel
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a place of worship. Visitors are required to follow basic guidelines to ensure a positive and spiritual experience for all. Dress Code: In keeping with the sanctity of the place, all visitors are advised to dress conservatively.
- No transparent (see through) clothing • No short dresses, sleeveless shirts, or shorts • No…
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a place of worship. Visitors are required to follow basic guidelines to ensure a positive and spiritual experience for all. Dress Code: In keeping with the sanctity of the place, all visitors are advised to dress conservatively.
- No transparent (see through) clothing • No short dresses, sleeveless shirts, or shorts • No clothing with profanity • No tight clothing, no swimwear and no beachwear
- We have limited quantity of Qantooras and Abayas. Otherwise you can buy from the mosque itself.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.