Abu Dhabi: Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan & Etihad Towers Day Trip

4.96

(920 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I nearly missed the pickup because I’d mixed up my phone alarms (jet lag brain). Our guide Khalid just grinned when I tumbled into the van, apologizing in three languages. He handed me a bottle of cold water and said not to worry — apparently, this happens a lot on these Abu Dhabi day trips from Dubai. The drive itself was quiet at first, desert light flickering through the windows. A couple behind us chatted softly in French about the mosque’s dress code; Khalid explained how women get abayas and scarves at the entrance. I’d read it online but hearing it from him made it feel more real somehow.

Walking up to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was... well, I kept blinking because the white marble almost glowed against the sky. There’s this faint scent of incense near the entrance (or maybe just my imagination), and you can hear sandals clicking on stone. Inside, Khalid pointed out tiny details — floral mosaics underfoot, gold-tipped columns — but honestly, I got lost staring at the chandeliers. At one point he joked about how many times he’s tried (and failed) to count all the crystals. We shuffled out slowly because nobody wanted to leave that cool hush behind.

Lunch at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant felt like a pause button — air-conditioning and spiced rice that tasted like nothing I’ve had back home. Someone at our table tried to order in Arabic; our server laughed gently and helped him out. Afterward, we zipped over to Etihad Towers for those famous skyline views (the elevator ride alone is worth it). The city looked unreal from up there — glassy and bright but also kind of peaceful? Maybe that was just me needing a nap after lunch.

The last stop was Qasr Al Watan Palace. No guided tours inside (rules are rules), so Khalid gave us a quick rundown outside before we wandered in on our own. The ceilings were wild — all blue and gold patterns — but what stuck with me was how quiet it felt even with tourists around. On the way back to Dubai, someone asked if we could stop for coffee; Khalid just smiled and said “next time.” I still think about that moment in the mosque sometimes when things get noisy back home.