Abu Dhabi City Tour with Qasr Al Watan Entry
Highlights
- The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque stands out as one of the worldu2019s largest mosques, and the only one that captures unique interactions between Islam and world cultures. Sheikh Zayed's vision for the Grand Mosque was to incorporate architectural styles from different Muslim civilizations and celebrate cultural diversity by creating a haven that is truly diverse and inspirational in its foundation. The mosqueu2019s architects were British, Italian and Emirati, and design inspiration was borrowed parts of Turkey, Morocco, Pakistan, and Egypt among other Islamic countries, revealing a glistening architectural marvel with an astonishing capacity of 40,000 worshippers and visitors. nnThe open-door policy invites tourists and celebrants from all around the world who can witness the spectacular onion-top domes, the reflective pools that engulf the courtyard and the iconic prayer hall, which not only overflows with blissful sunlight but also houses the worldu2019s biggest chandelier and carpet, both meticulously handmade. Be sure to spot the calligraphy encircling the hollows of the domes, etched with verses from the Quran and painted with gold leaves in An-Naskh lettering.
- The Corniche Road spreads across an impressive eight kilometres of manicured waterfront that includes childrenu2019s play areas, separate cycle and pedestrian pathways, cafu00e9s and restaurants, and the Corniche Beach - a lifeguarded beach park.nnCorniche BeachnThis lengthy stretch of beach extends along Corniche Road from near the Hilton Hotel to beyond Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, where youu2019ll find its main entrance. During the week you can usually find a beach umbrella, but during the weekend they may all go quickly. You canu2019t swim out very far; floating fences keep you within 40 metres of the beach, and there are plenty of lifeguards around.nnAbu Dhabiu2019s pristine Corniche beachfront has been awarded coveted Blue Flag status - the internationally renowned eco-label for beaches and marinas that guarantees clean and safe bathing water.nnSome 30,000 to 50,000 visitors flock to the Corniche every month, enjoying three separate sections for families, singles and the general public. There are more than 1,100 free parking spaces with a five-minute walk of the beach, which charges AED 10 (the US $2.7) entry to the family and singles sections. Entry to the public beach is free
- Visit the Heritage village to experience the traditional aspects of the desert way of life, and immerse yourself in the time capsule that brings to life a souk, a mosque and an encampment from pre-modernized Abu Dhabi. You can shop, explore artifacts and watch artisans making pottery, blowing glass and weaving fabric on a loom.nRun by the Emirates Heritage Club, this reconstruction of a traditional oasis village provides an interesting glimpse into the emirateu2019s past and features public workshops where craftsmen demonstrate traditional skills such as metal work, pottery, weaving and spinning. The craftsmen share their skills with visitors, and occasionally offer them a chance to try them out. The little spice shop within the village offers a range of dried herbs, handmade soaps and plenty of souvenirs to collect.
- Abudhabi Dates Market is the main and biggest market to get dates in Abu Dhabi. The various products of date species are available usually in the market during the season. You can find date products from Oman and Saudi as well. The prices you can get here are the best in town.
- An iconic Abu Dhabi landmark, this beautiful hotel blends Arabian splendour with the latest luxuries to create a magical and memorable experience. During daytime, the hotelu2019s golden-sandy colour contrasts with its fresh green gardens, silvery water fountains and the blue sky. At night, the hotelu2019s lighting changes subtly, featuring a majestic rainbow-changing effect over the main dome.nnThe main Palace building stretches over a kilometre from wing to wing, and its gardens and surroundings spread across 100 hectares. The hotel features 114 domes, with the central dome at an imposing 72.6 metres above ground. Gold, mother of pearl and crystals dominate the interior. The Palace has 1,002 chandeliers, the largest weighing 2.5 tonnes. Another memorable Palace feature is its two handmade wall display carpets, portraying the palace itself and each weighing a tonne.nnGuests and visitors can wander through the majestic halls and corridors u2013 a showcase of Arabian design, with grand central passageways and arched ceilings u2013 and choose from over 200 rooms, all decorated in a comfortable yet chic style and boasting lavish cultural touches. Culinary highlights include modern Chinese cuisine at Hakkasan, fine French fare at Le Vendome and award-winning local dishes at Mezlai Emirati Restaurant.
- A dramatic architectural statement, this five tower complex invites residents and visitors to live, work, stay, shop and dine in one destination with panoramic city and Arabian Gulf views.nnA benchmark for luxury experiences, the complex includes three residential towers and the 280 metre high, five-star Jumeirah at Etihad Towers hotel.nnOn Tower 2u2019s 74th floor, the Observation Deck at 300 offers unbeatable cityscape and island views.nnThe Avenue at Etihad Towers is one of the worldu2019s most expensive and exclusive collections of boutique shops, with many having luxurious private rooms for private, VIP shopping.
- Qasr Al Watan, the new cultural landmark in Abu Dhabi, opens its doors to the public in an invitation to discover the legacy of knowledge and tradition that have shaped the journey of the nation, boosting cultural understanding of the United Arab EmiratesnnAn Architectural LandmarknMore than a traditional palace, Qasr Al Watan is an exquisitely crafted tribute to the Arabian heritage and artistry, and its architecture and design echo the significance of the exhibits housed within its halls and the function of its most iconic rooms.nnCultural InitiativenQasr Al Watan invites visitors to learn about the countryu2019s governing traditions and values, and explore a well-preserved legacy of knowledge, thus boosting cultural understanding of the UAE.
About this experience
See the top sights of Abu Dhabi including the Grand Mosque with My Arabian Gate. Discover the highlights of Abu Dhabi on a 4-hour tour, traveling in a sharing car through the capital of the Emirates. Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Heritage Village, the dates market and most important attractions. Visit traditional and modern landmarks.
What you’ll do
Stop 1
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque stands out as one of the world’s largest mosques, and the only one that captures unique interactions between Islam and world cultures. Sheikh Zayed's vision for the Grand Mosque was to incorporate architectural styles from different Muslim civilizations and celebrate cultural diversity by creating a haven that is truly diverse and inspirational in its foundation. The mosque’s architects were British, Italian and Emirati, and design inspiration was borrowed parts of Turkey, Morocco, Pakistan, and Egypt among other Islamic countries, revealing a glistening architectural marvel with an astonishing capacity of 40,000 worshippers and visitors. The open-door policy invites tourists and celebrants from all around the world who can witness the spectacular onion-top domes, the reflective pools that engulf the courtyard and the iconic prayer hall, which not only overflows with blissful sunlight but also houses the world’s biggest chandelier and carpet, both meticulously handmade. Be sure to spot the calligraphy encircling the hollows of the domes, etched with verses from the Quran and painted with gold leaves in An-Naskh lettering.
Stop 2
The Corniche Road spreads across an impressive eight kilometres of manicured waterfront that includes children’s play areas, separate cycle and pedestrian pathways, cafés and restaurants, and the Corniche Beach – a lifeguarded beach park. Corniche Beach This lengthy stretch of beach extends along Corniche Road from near the Hilton Hotel to beyond Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, where you’ll find its main entrance. During the week you can usually find a beach umbrella, but during the weekend they may all go quickly. You can’t swim out very far; floating fences keep you within 40 metres of the beach, and there are plenty of lifeguards around. Abu Dhabi’s pristine Corniche beachfront has been awarded coveted Blue Flag status – the internationally renowned eco-label for beaches and marinas that guarantees clean and safe bathing water. Some 30,000 to 50,000 visitors flock to the Corniche every month, enjoying three separate sections for families, singles and the general public. There are more than 1,100 free parking spaces with a five-minute walk of the beach, which charges AED 10 (the US $2.7) entry to the family and singles sections. Entry to the public beach is free
Stop 3
Visit the Heritage village to experience the traditional aspects of the desert way of life, and immerse yourself in the time capsule that brings to life a souk, a mosque and an encampment from pre-modernized Abu Dhabi. You can shop, explore artifacts and watch artisans making pottery, blowing glass and weaving fabric on a loom. Run by the Emirates Heritage Club, this reconstruction of a traditional oasis village provides an interesting glimpse into the emirate’s past and features public workshops where craftsmen demonstrate traditional skills such as metal work, pottery, weaving and spinning. The craftsmen share their skills with visitors, and occasionally offer them a chance to try them out. The little spice shop within the village offers a range of dried herbs, handmade soaps and plenty of souvenirs to collect.
Stop 4
Abudhabi Dates Market is the main and biggest market to get dates in Abu Dhabi. The various products of date species are available usually in the market during the season. You can find date products from Oman and Saudi as well. The prices you can get here are the best in town.
Stop 5
An iconic Abu Dhabi landmark, this beautiful hotel blends Arabian splendour with the latest luxuries to create a magical and memorable experience. During daytime, the hotel’s golden-sandy colour contrasts with its fresh green gardens, silvery water fountains and the blue sky. At night, the hotel’s lighting changes subtly, featuring a majestic rainbow-changing effect over the main dome. The main Palace building stretches over a kilometre from wing to wing, and its gardens and surroundings spread across 100 hectares. The hotel features 114 domes, with the central dome at an imposing 72.6 metres above ground. Gold, mother of pearl and crystals dominate the interior. The Palace has 1,002 chandeliers, the largest weighing 2.5 tonnes. Another memorable Palace feature is its two handmade wall display carpets, portraying the palace itself and each weighing a tonne. Guests and visitors can wander through the majestic halls and corridors – a showcase of Arabian design, with grand central passageways and arched ceilings – and choose from over 200 rooms, all decorated in a comfortable yet chic style and boasting lavish cultural touches. Culinary highlights include modern Chinese cuisine at Hakkasan, fine French fare at Le Vendome and award-winning local dishes at Mezlai Emirati Restaurant.
Stop 6
A dramatic architectural statement, this five tower complex invites residents and visitors to live, work, stay, shop and dine in one destination with panoramic city and Arabian Gulf views. A benchmark for luxury experiences, the complex includes three residential towers and the 280 metre high, five-star Jumeirah at Etihad Towers hotel. On Tower 2’s 74th floor, the Observation Deck at 300 offers unbeatable cityscape and island views. The Avenue at Etihad Towers is one of the world’s most expensive and exclusive collections of boutique shops, with many having luxurious private rooms for private, VIP shopping.
Stop 7
Qasr Al Watan, the new cultural landmark in Abu Dhabi, opens its doors to the public in an invitation to discover the legacy of knowledge and tradition that have shaped the journey of the nation, boosting cultural understanding of the United Arab Emirates An Architectural Landmark More than a traditional palace, Qasr Al Watan is an exquisitely crafted tribute to the Arabian heritage and artistry, and its architecture and design echo the significance of the exhibits housed within its halls and the function of its most iconic rooms. Cultural Initiative Qasr Al Watan invites visitors to learn about the country’s governing traditions and values, and explore a well-preserved legacy of knowledge, thus boosting cultural understanding of the UAE.
What’s included
- Qasr Al Watan
- Dates Market
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Etihad Tower(Drive Pass)
- Corniche
- Heritage Village
- Emirates Palace Hotel
Good to know
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Wheelchair accessible
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What's included
- Qasr Al Watan
- Dates Market
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Etihad Tower(Drive Pass)
- Corniche
- Heritage Village
- Emirates Palace Hotel
Photos