Do you only have a few fleeting hours in Abu Dhabi? Perhaps you’re visiting for a special event and only have a day or two to pack in as much as Abu Dhabi has to offer as you can on a stopover (psst, did you know you can get an Abu Dhabi city stopover for FREE?!)

A typical Abu Dhabi city tour will promise to show you the best things to see in Abu Dhabi, but for people who like to go it alone or who want a more tailored itinerary, we’ve put together a few options for Abu Dhabi 1 day itineraries for you to create your own perfect day in the capital.

Top Tips For Getting About in Abu Dhabi

Travel between each location in our itineraries is by taxi, which is an efficient and fairly cost-effective method of transportation in Abu Dhabi when you’re short on time, or only day-tripping from Abu Dhabi Airport. Taxis can be easily hailed at most major sites. Alternatively, download the Abu Dhabi Taxi App to make life just that bit easier.

• Some tourists may be eligible for the free Abu Dhabi shuttle between major attractions.

• Another option is to use the Abu Dhabi Hop-On Hop-Off bus. If you’re only one or two travellers, the cost of your bus tickets may be cheaper than taking taxis between attractions. It can be a fast and convenient way to cut down travel time; with 3-4 passengers, stick to taxis.

• Public Transportation in the UAE capital does exist, but with the need to buy pre-paid bus cards from particular locations, for most visitors, it’s not the most convenient way to see the city on a quick visit.

• Coming from Dubai? If you’re one day in Abu Dhabi is setting out from Dubai, do head over to our detailed Abu Dhabi day trip planning guide on our partner Dubai Travel Planner website.

Abu Dhabi in a Day: Using Our Abu Dhabi 1-Day Itinerary Suggestions

These itineraries are created with an active adult traveller in mind. Of course, some options can be missed out for children or people who prefer a slower pace, but for those who want to see and do as much as possible in a single day, we think these 1 day Abu Dhabi city tour itineraries work well.

Sadly, between May and late September, it’s just too hot to do much outside of air-conditioned spaces, but most of these 1 day Abu Dhabi itineraries can be adapted to make the most of the weather.

Abu Dhabi has something to offer everyone, and taking personal tastes and preferences into account, we have created six 1-day Abu Dhabi itineraries based on distinct interests. These are:

• Culture lovers
• People seeking relaxation
• Those looking for an adrenaline rush
• Nature lovers
• Those who love to shop
• Those who want the best of everything

So whether you’re a culture vulture or a beach bod, check out our ultimate collection of Abu Dhabi 1 Day itineraries below.

Option 1. Abu Dhabi in One Day For Culture Lovers

If you really want to get to grips with the history and culture of this fascinating country, then this itinerary is for you. The itinerary includes:

• Sheikh Zayed Mosque
• Qasr Al Hosn
• Abu Dhabi Corniche & The Observation Deck at Etihad Towers or The Emirates Palace
• Qasr Al Watan or the Louvre
• An evening desert safari

Sheikh Zayed Mosque

Start your day with a light breakfast before travelling to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. If you arrive early (the mosque opens to visitors at 9:00 am every day except Friday), this is the best time to visit as you will beat the crowds (most are day trippers from Dubai).

Access to the Mosque is via an underground visitor centre, where you must register and pass a security check.

There is a strict dress code for the mosque, so be sure to wear non-transparent clothing that covers you from wrist to ankle, without any cuts or slits that reveal skin. If you’re female, be sure to take a head scarf to cover your hair. If you do not have appropriate attire, you will be directed to the nearby souk (market) with the mosque complex to purchase something appropriate (they stopped lending ladies a free abaya during COVID).

Once inside the mosque, you can take a guided tour or do a self-guided tour around the mosque. Information is available from the information desk as you enter the mosque. You should stick to the designated paths and only take photographs at designated photo stops.

2 hours is plenty of time to enjoy this beautiful architectural marvel and symbol of devotion. For an in-depth guide to visiting the Sheikh Zayed Mosque click here.

You may have time for refreshments in the small mall-like area beneath the mosque before taking a 20-minute taxi ride to the next location Qasr Al Hosn & The House of the Artisans, where we would advise spending another 2 hours.

Qasr Al Hosn

Qasr Al Hosn (along with the Al Maqta tower) is the oldest building in Abu Dhabi and was home to the ruling Al Nahyan family and was the seat of government until 1968. Built of white coral stone in the traditional style, the fort has been converted into a museum where you can find out about the history of Abu Dhabi and its people and how the fort has been used over the ages.

Note unlike the Mosque, there is a small entrance fee to visit this important cultural attraction in the capital of the UAE.

Abu Dhabi Corniche

The Corniche (Abu Dhabi’s famous coastal promenade) is within easy reach of Qasr Al Hosn (another 10-minute taxi ride) and is the perfect place to find a spot of lunch.

We would recommend having a light bite at the Observation Deck at 300 in the Conrad Hotel at Etihad Towers. Found on the 74th floor of the five-star hotel, the Observation Deck has stunning views across the city in every direction.

As well as sandwiches, pastries, and cakes, the Observation Deck serves delectable Afternoon teas (which should be booked at least 24 hours in advance if you want to partake in this special experience).

An alternative is to have a spot of lunch at the spectacular Emirates Palace Hotel, situated just across the road – famously known for its camel burgers, gold flake cappuccinos and gold vending machine!

After a refreshment break, head to the end of the Corniche to visit Qasr Al Watan, the presidential palace. This will take no more than 10 minutes in a taxi.

Qasr Al Watan

After a busy morning of sightseeing, you may feel that you want to kick back and relax for an hour or two, but if you can push yourself to keep going, a visit to Qasr Al Watan is well worth it. Very few buildings open to the public anywhere in the world are of this magnitude of opulence.

Everywhere you look, you are met with the most intricate of details, shiny golden sculptures, perfectly constructed mosaics, and elaborate stained glass windows. This is a place that really makes you say wow.

2 hours in ample time to explore the building by yourself. There is a cafe offering refreshments as well as a gift shop that sells stylish and sophisticated gifts.

Alternate Itinerary – Louvre Abu Dhabi

Another option for your afternoon is to visit the stunning Louvre Museum situated on Saadiyat Island. It’s another of the city’s most iconic and beautiful landmark buildings. For art and history lovers, it’s a must!

You could, at a real push, fit the Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Hosn, Louvre and Qasr Al Watan all in one perfect day exploring the capital of the United Arab Emirates, but honestly, you’ll be pushed for time and not able to fully appreciate each, so we’d choose two or three of these four important cultral attractions.

Desert Safari

No trip to Abu Dhabi is complete without a journey into the desert.

A desert safari tour is relatively easy to organise and can be booked through your hotel or through platforms like Get Your Guide. Most tours will pick you up from your hotel or any major tourist attraction, so being picked up anywhere along the Corniche shouldn’t be a problem.

Evening Safaris usually pick up guests around 4:00 pm, dropping guests back to the city around 10-11:00 pm

A desert safari usually includes camel riding, a tasty barbecue dinner featuring lots of local favourites, some form of entertainment like tanoura or belly-dancing, and the option to have a henna tattoo. They may also include dune bashing, sandboarding, and falconry.

There are many different safaris on offer, so we help you choose the best type of desert safari in Abu Dhabi in this detailed guide.

Option 2. One Day in Abu Dhabi For Those Seeking Relaxation

For those seeking a day of opulent indulgence, there is just one word – Saadiyat.

Saadiyat Island is home to five beautiful five-star hotels, all equipped with their own beautiful spa facilities and gourmet restaurants. Be truly pampered in 5-star luxury hotel and let your worries float away while you relax on the 7-kilometre stretch of pristine white coral sand.

Hotel Day Packages

Most hotels offer day packages that include spa treatments, beach and pool access, and afternoon tea or vouchers that can be offset in resort restaurants.

One of our favourite packages can be found at the Park Hyatt Hotel, which includes a yoga session and time for pampering a relaxation – one of the best in the Middle East!

Other Beach Options

A slightly cheaper, but still exclusive option is buying a day pass to Saadiyat Beach Club. Here you can enjoy a heated infinity pool as well as excellent changing facilities, with a steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, and cold plunge pools.

There is also a gym, hairdresser and various health and beauty treatment options on site. Not to mention several wonderful restaurants and access to the Arabian Gulf’s stunning beach and warm waters.

After a day of pampering

It’s easy to stick around for a lovely dinner too, or if you feel like stepping things up a gear, head into the city for a bit of glamour – perhaps try out a ladies’ night, or have a romantic dinner with views across the city.

Our helpful lists of top ladies nights and stunning rooftop bars will help to ensure that you have a wonderful night.

Option 3. 1 Day in Abu Dhabi For Those Looking For An Adrenaline Rush

Simple! Stick to Yas Island and do two theme parks in one day.

We’d recommend starting the day with either Ferrari World (home to the world’s fastest roller coaster and many other thrilling adrenaline experiences) or Warner Brothers World (the world’s largest indoor theme park) and heading to Yas Waterworld to cool off in the afternoon.

Finish your day with dinner and drinks at the W Hotel at the heart of Yas Marina Circuit.

You may be lucky enough to see cars zooming by or local residences jogging or cycling around the track. If you want to party til the early hours, head to Yas Bay and see fire dancers at Siddharta Lounge (certain days only) or join in with some bowling fun at Central.

Option 4. Perfect 1-Day Abu Dhabi Itinerary For Nature Lovers

To really understand a country, you have to understand the natural environment, and there are many opportunities to get to grips with nature in Abu Dhabi. We suggest that you visit:

• Either Jubail Mangrove Park for a walk or Eastern Mangroves for kayaking
• Saadiyat Beach for swimming, snorkelling, and dolphin spotting.
• The desert for a true taste of the natural environment (perhaps including a trip to the fossil dunes or Al Wathba Wetland Reserve.
• Alternatively, stay in the city and visit Um Al Emarat Park.

Visit the Mangroves

Start your day with a kayak tour of the Eastern Mangroves or a stroll around the Jubail Mangrove Park (don’t forget to check the tide times – it’s best to see the mangroves at high tide).

From Jubail Mangrove Park, head to Saadiyat Beach Club or Soul Beach (15 minutes by taxi or 30 minutes by taxi from Eastern Mangroves) to experience the fine white sands and tropical warm water. You might even spot a dolphin or two.

If you want to continue your marine journey indoors rather than sitting on the beach, you could consider heading to the National Aquarium, a 40-minute taxi ride from Saadiyat Beach (13 minutes from Eastern Mangroves), in the sparkly new Al Qana development.

Al Qana is home to a lot of new restaurants, including home-grown Emriati brands, a Wellness Hub The Bridge, and the plush new National Aquarium, which is home to more than 300 different species of marine animals.

Head Out Into The Desert

As the temperature drops later in the day, head out on a Desert Safari to really get to grips with the local environment. Be sure to select an eco-friendly safari that does not include activities like dune bashing, which damage the natural ecosystem of the sand dunes.

Alternatively, talk to your hotel, who may be able to organise a private driver to take you to the Fossil Dunes and/or Al Wathba Wetland Reserve (50km from Abu Dhabi, open from October until the end of April).

Sunset is a great time to visit the wetlands, which are home to a wide variety of birds, including flamingoes.

If you decide to stay in the city, head to one of Abu Dhabi’s beautiful parks for the evening.

There are many parks around the city, but you shouldn’t miss the spectacular Umm Al Emarat Park.

The park includes a botanical garden, a children’s park with a splash pad, a paddling area and petting zoo, a flower garden, beautiful fountains, great food and beverage outlets, and lots of open space to run around.

If you are in Abu Dhabi with young children, this is the ideal way to round out your perfect day in Abu Dhabi with an authentic local experience.

If time allows (really, you need a minimum of two days in the Emirate), we would also recommend a trip to Al Ain to visit Jebel Hafeet (The Green Mountain), the Green Mubazzarah, and Al Ain Oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

En route to Al Ain, stops can also be made to admire the swathes of sand dunes that flank the main road.

The Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre at Al Ain Zoo is also a great place to visit. This could make a full-day trip in its own right, so it is only really advisable if you have a few days to explore the area.

Not everything in Abu Dhabi is expensive! Come and see our guide to the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi for Free (or Really cheap!)

Option 5. What to Do in Abu Dhabi For a Day For Those Who Love Shopping

If there’s one thing the city isn’t short on its shopping malls and ample opportunities to spend!

Unfortunately, there are no old-fashioned souks or bazaars in Abu Dhabi. The closest thing can be found on the World Trade Centre (WTC) ground floor, which occupies your site of the old souk that burned down in 2003.

Designed by Norman Foster, the WTC souk nods to tradition with its brown wooden beams and brightly coloured stained glass. Whilst you will find rows of abayas, lanterns, cushion covers, dates, and spices, it may not be the best place to bag a bargain – for very photogenic and packed with souvenir-buying opportunities.

The streets of Abu Dhabi are full of tailor shops where you can have items made cheaply; there are also lots of little gift shops with items made in China for AED 5 or 10 – the small and unassuming Hamdan Center is a treasure trove of local goodies. Not to mention the famous Madinat Zayed shopping centre, which is jam-packed full of interesting bits and pieces, as well as the city’s Gold Souk.

At the other end of the scale, if designer gear is what you’re after, head to the Galleria on Al Maryah Island, where you will find a large array of high-street stores and high-end boutiques. Al Maryah is very close to Saadiyat, so you could team up a morning of shopping with an afternoon at the beach or a spa treatment in one of Saadiyat’s 5-star hotels.

Yas Mall, on Yas Island, also contains its fair share of designer shops as well as having the added benefit of being close to all of the action on Yas Island. It also contains a multiplex cinema and the Kidzania edutainment centre – great if you’re looking for somewhere to drop the kids whilst you shop until you drop!

You could easily combine a shopping day with a theme park day on Yas if you’d like to mix a little of both the best modern Abu Dhabi experiences.

Option 6. Perfect One Day Abu Dhabi 1-Day Itinerary For Those Who Want The Best of Everything

If you like the sound of the itineraries above but can’t quite squeeze everything in, then we would recommend spending the morning at the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, followed by a few hours at Saadiyat Beach Club, and then ending the day with a desert safari and Arabic barbecue.

You may even be back in time to experience the glitz and glamour of the city at night, so head to Yas Waterfront to stroll along the promenade, grab a few cocktails or dance the night away!

We hope that you will enjoy your time in Abu Dhabi. One day really isn’t enough to experience this fantastic city, but we hope that our selection of one-day itineraries has given you an idea of what not to miss!

Tailored One-Day Tours in Abu Dhabi

If you’re still unsure about what to do in Abu Dhabi for a day, then a guided tour is the best option for you. There are a number of tour providers who can help you, both with Abu Dhabi full-day trips from Dubai and with tours that will cover many of the highlights from Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi Day Tour From Dubai

NB pricing is differentiated between joining a group tour on a coach versus having a private driver or smaller vehicle. You’ll get what you pay for in flexibility and personalised touches by going private if budget permits.

Abu Dhabi Full-Day Tours From Abu Dhabi Hotels

Again, you’ll find a price differential between bigger groups and private or small group tours.

All information is correct at the time of writing May 2023. We highly recommend checking opening times and current pricing directly with the mentioned venue; they can change over the summer, particularly Ramadan, to accommodate prayer times and fasting during the Holy Month.

Staying longer? Check out our 3-Day Abu Dhabi Itinerary

Take me back to the Abu Dhabi Travel Blog

Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our hotel or tour recommendation links.

Abu Dhabi Travel Planner

The post One Perfect Day in Abu Dhabi: Visitor Itinerary Ideas in 2025 appeared first on Abu Dhabi Travel Planner.

Fancy hitting the streets on 2-wheels while you’re in Abu Dhabi? Whilst cycling is certainly not as common in the Middle East as in other parts of the world, there is certainly a growing interest in cycling in the UAE. Bike rental services are available in Abu Dhabi for both tourist ebikes and track bikes.

Let’s take a look at each and where you can head in the city for biking pleasure.

Careem BIKE rentals in Abu Dhabi

Ebike rental services in Abu Dhabi are currently managed by Careem Bikes (these replaced the previous ADCB bikes with the white and red livery). They are easy to spot in bright green. Here’s how you go about renting your bike in Abu Dhabi:

Where Can You Rent Bikes in Abu Dhabi?

Careem Bikes can be found docked in the following locations across Abu Dhabi:

• Al Bateen
• Al Raha
• AD City
• Corniche
• Masdar City
• Reem Island
• Yas Island

How Do I Rent A Careem Bike in Abu Dhabi?

You will need internet access as everything is now done online to access your bike from the automated stations:

• Download the Careem BIKE App (Google Play I App Store)
• Sign up for short-term or an annual membership
• Scan the QR code on a bike to unlock, or enter the 5-digit pin from your App
• Remove your bike when you see the green light
• Return your bike to a Careem docking station

Instructions are included in Arabic and English at all docking station, example here:

Rules and Regulations For Using Your Careem Bike in Abu Dhabi

• Cyclists must comply with Safety requirements issued by RTA – Regulation No. 468 (2019)
• It is suggested that you wear a helmet and reflective vest, but these are not compulsory under local laws.
• Cyclists must not ride on dedicated jogging paths nor roads that are sign-posted over 60km/hr.
• Once cyclist per bike only, and do not carry anything that will imbalance the bike or tow anything.
• On dual-lane pathways, cyclists must stick to the right.
• Crossing roads, you need to dismount and push your bike at pedestrian crossings.
• Wear clothing and shoes fit for purpose.

What Does Careem Bike Membership Cost?

• One year membership is AED 420
• One month membership is AED 75
• One week membership is AED 50
• One-day membership is AED 20
• CPlus members get rides for free (AED 19 per month subscription fee)

Trips are limited to 45 minutes at a time, over overtime fees apply.

Track Cycling in Abu Dhabi

If you’re after something a little faster than a leisurely ride through the city, there are several locations that offer track bikes for hire and proper racing facilities. Two are fairly central in the city, the third; you’ll need some transportation to get there:

1. Al Hudayriyat Island

Abu Dhabi’s latest leisure Island, Al Hudayriyat, opened to the public in 2018 with 5-kilometre and 10-kilometre dedicated riding tracks open 7 days a week, making it a hot spot for fitness enthusiasts early morning and evening.

• You can rent bikes from Yas MENA cycles for AED 50 per hour or 150 AED per day. They’re open 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily; contact Hudayriat_bikerentals@yasvcycles.com.

• Wolfi’s also offers a wide range of bikes for hire, including ebikes, children’s bikes and – check out prices here

Added to the Hudayriyat lineup in 2023 is a mountain biking circuit, Trail X MTB.

Covering 15 kilometres and four different circuits, the track is open 5:00 AM to midnight. The bike hire shops for track cycling also stock the mountain bikes for this new circuit; use of the circuit is free.

2. Yas Marina Circuit

Ever wanted to make your way past the checkered flag on a Grand Prix circuit? No need to be a Formula 1 driver in Abu Dhabi; you can take on the challenge of completing a lap (or a few dozen!) of the Yas Marina Circuit on their open evenings TrainYAS, held on a Monday and Wednesday evening 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

There’s also a TrainAM session for early birds on a Tuesday and Thursday morning, along with a ladies-only session on a Tuesday evening (including Zumba and Yoga sessions).

They now need pre-registration before you enter the track, and you’ll get a safety briefing as a first-timer (bikes head one direction anti-clockwise, while walkers and runners take the outer lane clockwise). You’ll need to be in appropriate sports attire for entry to the track – ie no flip-flops and helmets are mandatory.

There are free bikes to rent for amateur riders, as well as better-quality bikes for a rental fee (expect AED 50)

Note: The track closes to the public during the Formula 1 Grand Prix (usually mid-November) and on selected event nights.

3. Al Wathba

Heading beyond the city into the nearby desert area known as Al Wathba, you’ll find the Al Wathba Cycle Track. It’s around a 45-minute drive outside of the city.

Here, there is a choice of an 8-kilometre, 16-kilometre, 20-kilometre, 22-kilometre and full 30-kilometre track for experienced cyclists. Most popular in the early evenings when the temperature is cooling, the track is floodlit for year-round enjoyment and is free to use 24 hours a day.

Beginners can take on the smaller tracks but do be aware the cyclists here move with speed! Ensure you follow all the track rules to prevent accidents, and safety equipment must be worn.

It is free to use the tracks here if you bring your own gear, or there’s a small shop cycle shop, L’Oxygène For Bicycles on site for equipment hire. It only opens from 4:00 PM in the afternoon and is open all evening.

• Basic bike hire is AED 30/hr or Carbon bikes from AED 60 per hour

Be aware there are no facilities around the track, so you need to take your water with you and any emergency repair kits.

Top Tips For Cycling and Bike Rental in Abu Dhabi

Whilst mid-winter cycling can be mild and pleasant, for much of the year, it is extremely hot during the day. Mid-summer temperatures can be well in excess of 45C F, and the “feel like” well in excess of 50 C /F. Take plenty of water for hydration.

Safety equipment may not be mandated by law on cycle paths and roads in the city, but will be mandatory for use in any of the dedicated facilities mentioned here.

Professional Cycling Events in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi plays host to many major international cycling events during the winter months.

The largest event is UAE Tour which sees many city roads closed for this road race event, usually held around late February. 2024 dates have now been confirmed as 19 to 25 February.

Pop over here to learn more about Transport in Abu Dhabi

The post Bike Rental in Abu Dhabi: Your Cycling Options Explained appeared first on Abu Dhabi Travel Planner.

For anyone making their first trip to the UAE, a day in Dubai is a must. Dubai’s futuristic cityscape and glitzy facade really has to be seen to be believed, but underneath that facade is a dynamic city with a proud heritage and a love of tradition.

Whilst there are lots of organised day trips available, not all itineraries provide you with the opportunity to take your time and soak up the Dubai atmosphere. By planning your own trip to Dubai from Abu Dhbai, you are more flexible and can spend time where it suits you best.

In this article, we explain how to get to Dubai from Abu Dhabi and some of the things that you really shouldn’t miss when you go to Dubai, as well as taking a look at some of the guided tours available.

How to get to Dubai from Abu Dhabi

Driving from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is relatively easy. It takes approximately 75 minutes to drive from Downtown Abu Dhabi to Downtown Dubai (Dubai Mall/Business Bay Area) along the E11 Sheikh Zayed Road.

Once in Dubai, the road system can seem a little confusing, so do take your time so you don’t miss your exit (Using guided navigation is a must! Locally, Waze is a very popular app or trusty old Google Maps).

Rental Cars From Dubai to Abu Dhabi

There are plentiful car hire locations in Abu Dhabi, both in the Downtown area of the city and at the airport. You will just need your international driver’s license or IDP to hire a car (Renters under 25 years old may pay a young driver’s premium).

Pricing will vary significantly based on the model of vehicle you choose to drive.

• If you don’t want to do the driving, why not try Get Transfer? You can ask drivers to bid on your journey and choose the type of vehicle you want – sort of like Uber or Careem but more personalised and you’re locking in your journey for the whole day.

• We have a complete guide here to all our handy tips for self-driving in Abu Dhabi and the UAE to help you decide if you’re confident enough to get behind the wheel.

Public Transport from Abu Dhabi to Dubai

If you do want to take public transport, bus numbers E100, E101 and E102 travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

The E100 and E101 routes begin at Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station (Al Wahda).

• The E100 takes over two hours and costs AED 25 one way to Al Ghubaiba Bus Station (connects to Green Line Metro in Bur Dubai).
• The E101 takes around 85 minutes and terminates at Ibn Battuta Bus Station, where you can connect with the Red Line Metro or local bus services. It also costs AED 25

The E102 starts in Mussafah and travels via Abu Dhabi International Airport to Ibn Battuta Mall Dubai, which takes approximately 115 minutes. The fee is also AED 25 one way.

Taking a taxi from Abu Dhabi to Dubai is by far the quickest and easiest way of travelling between the two cities if you don’t have your own car. A taxi from Abu Dhabi to Dubai Mall costs around AED 300 one way. Once in Dubai, taxis are easy to find and are a fairly inexpensive way of getting around the city.

You can find our complete transport guide between Abu Dhabi and Dubai here

Suggested Day Trip Destinations: Dubai from Abu Dhabi

There are literally hundreds of places you could visit in Dubai on a day trip, but we’ve narrowed it down for you to three of the most popular Dubai locations for a unique day trip experience.

Option 1: Dubai Mall, the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall Fountains

A day at the world’s biggest shopping centre should not be missed by any visitor to the UAE. Even if you don’t plan on spending your hard-earned cash on designer swag, the sheer awesomeness of this ultra-chic mall is sure to impress even the most ardent shopping centre critic.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

At the heart of Dubai Mall is the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Famous for its massive tank and underwater tunnel, the aquarium is home to 33,000 different species of fish and other aquatic creatures. Tickets start at AED 169, with various add-ons. Or you can simply admire the main tank from inside the Dubai Mall.

Shop til you drop

For those that enjoy shopping, some of the flagship stores include Bloomingdales and French department giant La Galleries Lafayette. There is also a designer section of the mall featuring brands such as Armani, Gucci and Dolce and Gabbana.

If you fancy some new threads but don’t want to break the bank, you’ll also find international high-street favourites such as H&M, Zara, M&S, American Eagle and Muji.

Part of the mall is designed like a traditional souk and contains many smaller shops selling finely crafted jewellery, carpets, pashminas and other middle-eastern souvenirs. Adored with fountains and intricate fretwork, the network of alley-like passages join together under a large dome where you will find, rather randomly, the illuminated fossilised skeleton of a diplodocus.

Time to eat in Dubai

If you’re looking for a bite to eat, the Mall basement is a culinary delight. Here you will find international favourites such as Wagamama and Texas Roadhouse, as well as more local flavours. There are a number of specialist luxury chocolate and date shops, such as Laderach, Neuhaus and Bateel, as well as various places to buy ice-cream.

At the Top – Burj Khalifa

As if the mall wasn’t enough if its own right, the whole complex is overshadowed by the magnificent Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building. Visit the ‘At the Top’ experience for magnificent views of the city and coastline. Pre-booking this part of your Dubai day trip is a must:

• Tickets to At The Top start from AED 169, which includes access to the viewing platforms on levels 124 and 125
• You can upgrade your ticket to a skip-the-line Premium experience with VIP access to Level 148, the highest deck open to the public
• Sunset tickets are the most popular, so you can expect to pay more for these valuable time slots!
• You can also look out for packages that include brunch or combo tickets with the Dubai Aquarium are always good value.

Access to the tower is gained at the basement level of the Mall (follow the signs marked ‘At the Top’). Do expect queuing to take up a significant portion of your visit; for those tight on time, we always suggest skipping the journey up as there’s only so much you can fit in one day in Dubai!

• We have a complete guide over here to planning your trip to Burj Khalifa

The Dubai Fountains

After a day of shopping (or visiting Dubai Mall’s other attractions), head outside to the Dubai Mall Fountains. These mesmerising musical fountains form a spectacular display every thirty minutes from 6:00 pm until 11:00 pm daily (timings differ during Ramadan).

• You can enhance your Dubai Fountains experience by taking one of the traditional abra boats out onto the lake

Option 2: Take a Walk Back in Time to Dubai Creek, Al Bastikiya and Jumeirah Mosque

In stark contrast to the glitz and glamour of Dubai Mall, a day in the old part of Dubai will give you an insight into the history and traditions of this rapidly changing global city.

Start your day with a traditional abra ride along the creek or make your way through the souks towards the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (also known as Al Bastikiya).

At present, Dubai Museum and the Al Fahidi fort are under renovation, but there is plenty to see in this area. The neighbourhood is studded with art galleries, workshops and quaint cafes. The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding is a must-stop for those wanting to learn more about Islamic culture.

Don’t miss the coffee museum, where you can sample different varieties of coffee from all over the world as well as see the traditional instruments used in their preparation.

Jumeirah Mosque

Another option away from the shopping malls is a visit to the beautiful Jumeirah Mosque.

• Tours of the mosque are available daily at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm with no booking required.
• There is a charge of AED 35 per person, which includes light refreshments at the end of your visit.
• The Mosque is located on Jumeirah Beach Road, only around a 15-minute drive from the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and can easily be combined with a trip to Dubai Creek and Al Bastikiya.
• For more details and to plan your visit to Jumeirah Mosque, click here.

Option 3: Dubai Marina, JBR & The Burj Al Arab

Another day trip option from Dubai features a trip to Dubai Marina and the Jumeirah Beach area known as JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residences).

Start your day with breakfast or a morning coffee by the waterside at Dubai Marina Mall before admiring the yachts in the swanky marina. You can easily walk from the Marina to the JBR in the cooler months, but from April to October, taking a water taxi may be a less sweaty option.

JBR is a beachside boulevard jammed full of shops and restaurants, as well as frequent pop-up markets and street entertainers. Access to the beach is free (deck chair payable), and there are showers and changing facilities available for a small fee. In addition to the beach, there is a playground and splash park for children as well as other sporting facilities.

It is possible to take boat trips from Dubai Marina along the coast as far as the Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Hotel’s iconic sail-shaped hotel. This is a chilled-out option that allows you to see some of Dubai’s major landmarks whilst relaxing on the deck or in the comfort of the air-conditioned cabin.

The Burj Al Arab do take lunch and afternoon tea reservations from outside guests, so if you want to experience the delights of this 7-star mega-hotel without actually staying the night, this might be the way to do it. For more details, click here.

In addition to scheduled boat tours from Dubai Marina, there are numerous luxury yacht trips available to book in advance, like this one.

As the sun sets, watch the marina light up and treat yourself to sundowners in one of the Marina’s many rooftop bars and restaurants.

Evenings in Dubai

Dubai has a lot to offer for the evening visitor. As the city lights up for the evening, it comes alive as people step out to enjoy the cool evenings.

Apart from Dubai’s nighttime wining and dining scene, Dubai has a number of nocturnal attractions that you might wish to incorporate into your Dubai day or evening trip:

Dubai Glow Garden

Based at Zabeel Park, Dubai Garden Glow is a seasonal attraction featuring a variety of amazing illuminated creations. The park covers a huge area and uses more than 10 million LED lights to illuminate a range of creations made from recycled materials.

Adjacent to the Glow Garden (and accessed through the same entrance) is Dubai Dinosaur Park, a space filled with realistic animatronic models as well as some hands-on dinosaur-based activities.

• Tickets cost AED 70 and are valid for both the Glow Garden and the Dinosaur Park.
• Open 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm daily. For more details, click here.

A night at the Opera

Dubai’s stunning Opera House is the perfect place for a glamorous night out. To find out about upcoming shows and to book tickets, click here.

La Perle

A mesmerising stage performance that tells of a young fisherwoman’s search for a missing pearl featuring acrobatics and pyrotechnics as well as motorcycles. This really has to be seen to be believed! For more details and to book tickets to La Perle, click here.

Dubai Marina Dinner Cruise

Watch the city glimmer from the water on a Dubai Marina Dinner Cruise. There are lots of options to choose from.

Getting Around in Dubai on a Day Trip

Dubai has a fantastic Metro system, and it is fairly easy to get from place to place on the main Metro route through the heart of the city; you will need to get all members of your group over 5 years old a Nol card.

Taxis are, however, a much more convenient option when you’re only briefly day-tripping to Dubai. Don’t underestimate the heat and distances involved in Dubai; walking is often not the best option, even for fairly short distances.

Alternatively, you could buy yourself a ticket for the hop-on-hop-off Dubai Big Bus Tour, which stops at all of Dubai’s major sights and attractions. For more details on Dubai Big Bus, click here.

If you book your tickets directly with Big Bus you can get a combined ticket for Big Bus Abu Dhabi and Dubai – two city tours in one ticket!

Guided Tours From Abu Dhabi to Dubai

Guided tours are a great way to see a new city for the first time. Whilst Dubai is a relatively easy city to explore alone, it’s reassuring to know that you have a guide who will take you to the best spots and teach you what you need to know about them.

Tour groups are often able to jump queues, and lunch reservations are often made in advance, taking the hassle out of you finding a table in what can be very busy areas. In addition to dealing with all of the practicalities once you’re in Dubai, tours to Dubai from Abu Dhabi include transport in the price.

We recommend booking day tours to Dubai through websites like Get Your Guide and Viator as there are certain guarantees that you don’t receive if you book with most trip providers directly. This includes clearly outlined cancellation policies.

These are some of the organized day trips that you might like to consider:

Whole City Guided Tour

There are a number of guided day trips on offer that offer a combination of the sites listed above. One of the most popular is the Full Day Dubai City Tour. Whilst you do see a lot on this tour, you are limited in terms of how much time you can spend in each place.

Half-day tours featuring the Jumeirah Mosque, the Al Fahidi Fort and Museum, Dubai Spice Souk and the Burj Khalifa are also available. These give you the afternoon at leisure to enjoy Dubai Mall or head back to the JBR for some R&R.

The Aladdin Tour with Walks of Dubai comes very highly recommended. The tour takes three hours and covers the Al Fahidi Historical neighbourhood, a ride on an abra, visits to the souks and lots of local drinks and snacks.

For most full-day Dubai city tours you do need to make your way to Dubai yourself. However, the following options include transport from Abu Dhabi and back again in an air-conditioned coach.

Dubai Full Day Tour from Abu Dhabi with Emirates Tours and Safaris

Duration: 9 Hours

Cost: Approximately AED315 (US $ 86)

This guide trip to Dubai includes:

• A professional guide
• Transfer from Abu Dhabi
• A visit to Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Fort (temporarily closed Feb 2023)
• Time to soak up the atmosphere at Deira’s Gold and Spice Souks
• Photo stops at major landmarks including the Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab
• An Abra ride on Dubai Creek
• Time for lunch at Dubai Mall*
• Optional visit to Atlantis and the Hidden Chambers Aquarium.

*Note that this option does not include admission to the Burj Khalifa ‘At the Top experience’.

For more details and how to book this Dubai day tour, click here.

Dubai Tour, including entry to the Burj Khalifa (from Abu Dhabi) with Gray Line- Kurban Tours

Duration: 8 hours

Cost: Approximately AED 576 (US$ 157)

This Dubai day trip includes:

• A professional guide
• Transfer from Abu Dhabi
• Photo stops on the Palm, Jumeirah Beach and at The Burj Al Arab
• A 25-minute stop at the Jumeirah Mosque (NB photo stop, not the tour)
• Pass by Dubai Gold Souk
• Photo stop at Zabeel Palace
• 3-hours at Dubai Mall, including access to the 124th floor At The Top, Burj Khalifa.

For more details and to read reviews of this day tour to Dubai, click here.

Dubai Day Tours Departing in Dubai

If you’re happy to get your own way to Dubai, then these are some day tour ideas you can pick up from within the city:

Dubai from the Air

If you want to get a bird’s eye view of the city, there are a number of helicopter tours available which could be incorporated into your day trip. Rides last from 15 minutes to 1 hour.

To find out more about Dubai helicopter tours, click here.

Have a great time in Dubai!

We hope that this article will help you in making the most of your day trip to Dubai. There really is no shortage of things to do in this glamorous yet traditional city.

If you’d like to spend more than a day in Dubai and need some help with your travel planning, do take a look at our sister website, Dubai Travel Planner, where we take you through itineraries from 1 to 7 days in Dubai, plus we have a detailed guide on where to stay in Dubai to make the most of your short trip.

All information within this article was correct at the time of writing in early 2023.

Take me back to the Abu Dhabi Travel Blog

Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our hotel or tour recommendation links.

Abu Dhabi Travel Planner

The post Day Trip to Dubai From Abu Dhabi – Transport Tips & Itinerary Ideas appeared first on Abu Dhabi Travel Planner.