United Arab Emirates · Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi: the guide to the emirate
Capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi brings together cultural landmarks, entertainment islands and the oasis of Al Ain. This guide gathers what the official sources publish and shows how High Class organises the visit.
- Getting there
- Zayed International Airport; from Dubai, a shuttle to Louvre Abu Dhabi or a High Class private driver.
- How long to allow
- From Dubai, planned as a 10-hour excursion; two days cover the capital's main landmarks.
Abu Dhabi
Attractions
The places that feature most in the emirate’s official itineraries.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi
Construction began in 1996 and the mosque opened to worshippers in 2007, according to the official Centre.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
The ticket gives access to the galleries, the exhibitions and the outdoor areas under the dome, according to the official website.
Yas Island
Access to the island is free; attractions, shows and experiences may require a ticket.
Saadiyat Island
The Saadiyat Cultural District brings together Abu Dhabi's museums and cultural institutions.
Qasr Al Watan
Presidential palace with areas open to visitors.
Abu Dhabi Corniche
City waterfront with a beach and a promenade for walking and cycling.
Al Ain
Al Ain Oasis is a highlight of the official Experience Abu Dhabi portal.
Qasr Al Hosn
Historic fort in the centre of Abu Dhabi city.
Emirates Palace
Seafront palace hotel operated by Mandarin Oriental.
Jubail Mangrove Park
Mangrove park on Jubail Island, with wooden boardwalks.
Itineraries
Programme ideas to fit Abu Dhabi into your trip.
Abu Dhabi in 1 day
Morning at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Abu Dhabi in a weekend
Day 1: the Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Island.
Abu Dhabi for families
Yas Island brings together Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.
Cultural Abu Dhabi
The Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Hosn and Qasr Al Watan in the capital.
From Dubai to Abu Dhabi in one day
Louvre Abu Dhabi states that there is a shuttle from Dubai to the museum.
Guides
Reading to decide what to see and how to plan the visit.
Things to do in Abu Dhabi
Culture: the Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, Qasr Al Hosn, the Louvre and the Zayed National Museum.
Grand Mosque, Louvre and Yas Island
Grand Mosque: 82 domes, open to worshippers since 2007, with a dress code.
Before you go
The emirate in brief
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and the largest of the seven emirates. Its territory reaches beyond the capital and includes Al Ain, an inland oasis city that the official portal presents among the emirate's destinations.
For visitors coming from Dubai, Abu Dhabi offers a different pace: museums, palaces open to visitors, beaches and theme parks on islands close to the city. See the Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Yas Island.
What the official portal highlights
Among the places Experience Abu Dhabi presents as unmissable are the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, the Zayed National Museum and Al Ain Oasis. The same portal promotes Yas Island, with Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld.
On each attraction page we bring together what the official sources publish and what is worth knowing to fit the visit into your itinerary.
Culture and etiquette
The official portal asks visitors to respect local culture and recommends modest clothing in public spaces. Religious sites and palaces have their own dress and conduct rules, published on the official website of each place.
Opening times, tickets and access rules change through the year. The High Class team confirms everything for your date on WhatsApp before the programme is booked.
Getting there and getting around
Zayed International Airport is Abu Dhabi's international airport and lies close to Yas Island. The emirate's official shuttle map includes stops at the airport, the Grand Mosque, Yas Island and Louvre Abu Dhabi.
From Dubai, Louvre Abu Dhabi states that there is a shuttle to the museum. For those who prefer to travel at their own pace, High Class organises the day with a private driver and a licensed guide. See the Dubai to Abu Dhabi itinerary.
Abu Dhabi and Dubai on the same trip
The two cities are in the same country and many travellers combine both. If Dubai is also in your plans, read the Dubai guide and see the 6-night Dubai and Abu Dhabi itinerary.
From the blog
Practical guides to plan your visit, written by our local team.
Itineraries12 min read
Abu Dhabi day trip from Dubai: getting there and what to see in one day
The Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, the Louvre and the Corniche in a single day from your Dubai hotel. Here is how to get there, how long the drive takes and the order that works.
Read the guide
Planning10 min read
Dubai or Abu Dhabi: which to choose, how many days in each and how to combine them
Dubai is energy, skyscrapers and nightlife; Abu Dhabi is culture, calm and great landmarks. Find out which suits your style and how to split your days between the two.
Read the guide
Family10 min read
Dubai and Abu Dhabi with kids: theme parks, beaches and a pace the whole family can enjoy
Yas Island, aquariums, beaches and theme parks: how to plan a family trip to the Emirates around the heat, the time difference and your children's energy levels.
Read the guide
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit Abu Dhabi from Dubai?
Yes. Louvre Abu Dhabi states that there is a shuttle from Dubai to the museum, and High Class organises the day with a private driver. See the Dubai to Abu Dhabi itinerary.
What should I wear in Abu Dhabi?
The official portal recommends modest clothing in public spaces. At the Grand Mosque and the palaces, follow the rules published by each site; the High Class team sends the guidance before your visit.
Which attractions should not be missed?
The official portal highlights the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, the Zayed National Museum and Al Ain Oasis. For families, Yas Island brings together the theme parks.
Official sources consulted (6)
- Visit Abu Dhabi (Experience Abu Dhabi). https://visitabudhabi.ae/en Consulted on .
- Visit Abu Dhabi, Things to do. https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/things-to-do-home Consulted on .
- Visit Abu Dhabi, Yas Island. https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/where-to-go/islands/yas-island Consulted on .
- Visit Abu Dhabi, shuttle bus routes map (PDF). https://visitabudhabi.ae/-/media/project/vad/galleryimages/plan-your-trip/around-the-emirate/shuttle-bus/exp-ad_bus-routes-interactive_full_2026.pdf Consulted on .
- Louvre Abu Dhabi, FAQ. https://www.louvreabudhabi.ae/en/about-us/visitor-guidance/faq Consulted on .
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre. https://www.szgmc.gov.ae Consulted on .
Adding Abu Dhabi to your trip?
The High Class team confirms opening times, tickets and transport for your dates and plans the day with a driver and guide.
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