Abu Dhabi itinerary 1 day — What to do & how to spend 24 hours in Abu Dhabi for a layover transit

Since the mosque is a religious site, all visitors are required to dress properly. The strict dress code for women: You must have your arms and legs (even ankles) completely covered with long pants or skirts and long-sleeved shirts; your hair must be completely covered as well.

If you are not properly dressed, you will be sent to the dressing room where you can hire an Abaya (which covers your body) and Shayla (which covers your head).

Photography rules in the Mosque

Photographs and videos are allowed inside the mosque for personal use only. The usage of a tripod is also allowed within permitted areas.

The mosque also has a regulation on the types of photos visitors are not allowed to take to protect the sanctity:

• Do not pose while taking photos and do not sit anywhere in the mosque. By posing, I mean pouting, peace signs, etc. It is considered disrespectful, so just take normal-standing photos. There are enough guards to keep an eye on you and they would make you delete the photos instantly.
• Next, you also can’t sit anywhere inside the mosque premises where there are carpets so be prepared to walk or stand for at least 1-2 hours while you are there. You can only sit outside near the garden area.

If you follow the rules, your experience at this mosque is highly worthy and memorable.

Timings

If you are going to visit during the Holy Month of Ramadan, then Abu Dhabi Mosque visiting hours are as follows:

• From 9:00 am to 10:00 pm, Saturday to Thursday
• Fridays 4.30 pm to 10:00 pm (Friday morning is only open for worshippers coming for prayer ceremony)

You can take a free cultural tour of the grand Abu Dhabi mosque (in both Arabic and English). You can search the tour timings at the official website of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Etihad Towers

Located a 25-minute drive from the mosque, Etihad Towers A dramatic architectural statement on the Abu Dhabi Corniche, this five-tower complex welcomes residents and travelers to live, work, stay, shop, and dine in one destination boasting stunning panoramic city and Arabian Gulf views.

At Tower 2’s 74th floor, the Observation Deck at 300 offers some of the city’s best views. If you are looking for a fabulous place to shop, The Avenue at Etihad Towers is home to some of the world’s most luxurious and exclusive boutique store collections, with many boasting private rooms for VIP shopping. In addition to sightseeing, you can enjoy a light meal, a refreshing drink, or afternoon tea.

The best time to visit is before sunset for the best view. However, this is also the busiest time. If you visit in the morning or the middle of the day there will be fewer visitors. Sometimes there will be sandstorms that limit visibility, so check the weather before visiting to make sure the sky is clear for photography and sightseeing.

Opening hours: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm daily, afternoon tea: 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm.

Cost: Admission is AED 95, including a gift voucher of AED 55 for food or drinks.
Guests staying at the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers hotel have free admission.
The price for afternoon tea is AED 260 per person. You also enjoy afternoon tea in the Lobby Lounge of Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Tower hotel for AED 230 per person. The latest updates on prices you can refer to here.

Afternoon (#one day trip in abu dhabi)

Cultural Heritage Village

This Heritage Village will offer glimpses of local life in the UAE before its oil boom. Inside there is a traditional Bedouin camp, a market, and a mosque for you to explore. Considering the cultural depth that this destination has to offer, I find it not very interesting, but it is your option to understand more about local life.

The village is also home to the Emirates Heritage Club, which hosts workshops for traditional crafts. You can watch craftsmen demonstrate traditional skills such as metalwork, pottery, weaving, and spinning yarn. They may even let you try your hand at their trade too. Don’t forget to check out the village’s little spice shop, which offers a range of dried herbs, handmade soaps, and plenty of souvenirs to take home to family and friends. Furthermore, you will be amazed to know that apart from the nostalgia, there is also a beautiful beach overlooking the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf.

Ticket price: Abu Dhabi Heritage Village tickets are free so you can visit without burning a hole in your pocket.

Timings: The approximate time to explore all the attractions is around 90 minutes.

• Saturday to Thursday between 09:00 am and 04:00 pm.
• On Friday from 03:30 pm up to 09:00 pm.

Qasr Al Watan

Qasr Al Watan is a working Presidential palace in Abu Dhabi and a majestic cultural landmark that invites you to discover the rich legacy of knowledge and tradition that has shaped the UAE’s journey. More than just a traditional palace, Qasr Al Watan boosts cultural understanding of the nation and emphasizes its incredible history. The palace stands as an icon of Abu Dhabi’s skyline with a design exquisitely crafted tribute to its Arabian heritage and artistry. You will feel the grandeur as you enter the grounds. The structure and open halls echo its significance in Emirati culture.

Visitors can learn about diplomacy and protocol as they admire the room’s iconic chandelier and circular layout, symbolizing the UAE’s commitment to illumination and equality.

The palace in Abu Dhabi has one of the city’s most impressive and unmissable attractions, the family-friendly Palace in Motion show, and tickets are AED 25. Be astounded by the spectacular light and sound show that celebrates the UAE’s journey in three breathtaking acts that unfold in front of the main palace every 30 minutes after sundown, with the final entry taken 30 minutes before showtime. Timings are subject to change.

Ticket prices: are AED 60 for adults and AED 30 for children (children below 17 years and Senior Citizens). You can also buy tickets for the Palace in Motion light show, which takes place each night from 8:00 pm with tickets ranging from AED 25 for adults and AED 12 for children. Book your tickets online through the official Qasr Al Watan ticket portal.

Timings: You should plan to spend an hour to an hour and a half at the palace, and make sure to dress modestly wearing knee-length clothes that don’t show off your shoulders. Details are as follows:

• Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (last entry 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm)
• Thursday to Saturday 12:00 pm to 7:30 pm (Last entry 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm), closed on Mondays
• The last entry to the Palace in Motion (Light show) is 30 minutes before the showtime
  The regular show time of Palace in Motion begins at 07:00 pm. Timings may change and are subject to sunset timings.

Evening

Wahat Al Karama

Wahat Al Karama, with its words, including “Wahat” (i.e. Oasis) is inspired by the Emirati landscape, which features green oases with streams running through them. Put together with the word “Karama” (i.e. Dignity), the name symbolizes the heroes’ endless dignity and is a massive timeless tribute to honor the Emirati martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the service of their country. It was the United Arab Emirates’ first permanent monument of commemoration for the armed forces.

Wahat Al Karama was built opposite the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to let the souls of the martyrs always hear prayers from the mosque. I recommend going to this place at sunset. When the sun goes down right behind the mosque is a one-of-a-kind sunset.

Wahat Al Karama is open to the public daily from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm and is free of charge. Guided tours are available in English and Arabic, with the last tour being at 6:00 pm daily.

Dinner at Derwandi restaurant

This is a Lebanese restaurant, serving Lebanese in particular and Arabic in general.
The Derwandi restaurant with many of the best Middle Eastern dishes. The decoration offers all the right elements for your enjoyment and pleasure, in a colorful and vivid ambiance during the day and a cozy and warm setting after sunset.

You can refer to and try to order the following dishes if you eat at the restaurant.

Appetizer with

• Hummus Derwandi
• Lentil soup
• Salads
• Tabbouleh

Main dishes with

• Sujuk Cheese Rolls
• Sambousik Lahmeh
• Mixed Grill

Dessert with

• Knefetna

Address: next to Radisson Blu Hotel – Al Ahkam St – Corniche Rd – Al Bateen – Abu Dhabi, Website: https://www.derwandi.ae/.

Abu Dhabi is an ideal excursion destination from Dubai with many sights. In this article, you will find an overview of the most popular sights in Abu Dhabi as well as exciting information about the capital of the UAE. Anyone who chooses to visit Abu Dhabi can share stories of a truly authentic and unusual holiday.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Abu Dhabi you can refer to

• Shared Van Transfers to Dubai and Abu Dhabi Attractions from Dubai (Round Trip)
• Private Transfers to Yas Island Abu Dhabi Attractions
• Shared Transfers between Dubai and Ferrari World/Warner Bros. in Abu Dhabi
• Private Dubai International Airport (DXB) Transfers for UAE Emirates
• Louvre Abu Dhabi Ticket
• Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
• Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace Ticket in Abu Dhabi
• Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
• Abu Dhabi City Tour with Ferrari World, Warner Bros. or Yas Waterworld Ticket
• KidZania Abu Dhabi Ticket
• Klook Pass Abu Dhabi
• Abu Dhabi Full Day Tour from Dubai (Small Group Tour)
• Abu Dhabi City Small Group Day Tour from Dubai
• Abu Dhabi City Day Tour
• [SALE] Abu Dhabi Half Day City Tour
• Abu Dhabi Small Group Premium Day Tour from Dubai
• Full Day Abu Dhabi City Tour with Louvre Art Museum
• UAE Prepaid 4G SIM Card (BKK Airport Pick Up) from AIS
• Etisalat 5G/4G SIM (UAE wide Airport Pick Up)

Read more Abu Dhabi guide here and Middle East here.