Abu Dhabi City Tour

This city tour introduces the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Indeed, pick-up is at around 09:00 at the Abu Dhabi cruise terminal. Moreover, the city surprises most visitors, who expect only towers and find a good deal more.

The Grand Mosque and the Corniche

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque opens the tour, its white marble and 82 domes reflecting in the surrounding pools. Inside lies the largest hand-knotted carpet in the world. Afterwards, the Corniche follows the waterfront for eight kilometres past the modern skyline. Above all, the old quarter and the heritage village show how the emirate looked before the oil era.

Tour Highlights

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The waterfront Corniche promenade
The old quarter and heritage village
Striking modern architecture throughout

A Capital of Contrasts

Abu Dhabi holds most of the oil wealth of the Emirates, yet it has developed far more quietly than Dubai. Indeed, building heights are restricted in much of the city, and wide green boulevards separate the districts. The emirate has put its money into culture and institutions, which is why the Louvre, the Guggenheim and a branch of the Sorbonne have all come here. Moreover, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was conceived as a place where different Islamic traditions would meet, with craftsmen from many countries working on it. Above all, the city feels calmer and more spacious than its neighbour.