Abu Dhabi City tour with a visit to the Grand Mosque and Palace

Highlights

• Visit the monumental Presidental Palace
• Learn the history of Abu Dhabi from your guide
• Visit the monumental Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
• Admire the stunning largest marble mosaic floral design in the world
• Gaze at the dazzling Swarovski chandelier, the third-largest in the world

All about the trip

Join this tour and learn about the rich culture that the capital of the Emirates has to offer! Abu Dhabi is known as the cultural hub for the UAE with the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque being its center point. The world's largest mosque with a brilliantly white facade has been known to mesmerize its guests since its creation. When you visit this monument you'll learn about the history and the different aspects of Islam. The tour will begin with our guide picking you up from your hotel in Abu Dhabi and transporting you to the mosque.

The view of the Grand Mosque showcases the cultural diversity of Islam with modern architecture, encompassing all aspects of the religion. Sivec marble, from North Macedonia, was chosen to encase the Grand Mosque, hence its brilliant white surface. The mosque accommodates thousands of worshippers at a time, which is a sight to behold during Islamic festivals. The entire structure took eleven years to complete and covers over 30 acres of land. From floor to ceiling there is always something to gaze at, most notably the largest handwoven carpet in the world, measuring around 60,570 sq ft. And above your head, you'll see the third largest chandelier in the world, studded with Swarovski crystals, which adorns the main hall. You'll also witness verses of the Holy Quran in beautiful Arabic calligraphy throughout the mosque. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is grand in every sense of the word!

After the tour of the mosque, we'll pass along the city Corniche for a beautiful view of the waterfront, this is the perfect place to take pictures. We'll also visit the luxurious Etihad Towers, which you may recognize from the Fast and Furious 7 movie! After this, we'll move onto the stunning complex of the Qasr Al Watan Palace, which is the Presidential palace. This dazzling palace is opulent and has been recently open to the public since March 2019! Touring the palace is a once and a lifetime opportunity that you don't want to miss!

After you've viewed both of Abu Dhabi's "must-see" attractions, you'll be taken back to your hotel in central Abu Dhabi!

What is included in the price

• Entrance fees
• Cold mineral water
• Entrance to the Etihad Towers
• Transportation in an A/C vehicle
• Visit to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque
• Abaya and scarf for ladies (local long black attire)
• Professional licensed English tour guide as the driver
• Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in Abu Dhabi

What is not included in the price

• Optional tip
• Clothes for men
• Personal expenses
• Meals or refreshments
• Guided tour inside the palace

Instructions

On Fridays the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque will be open from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. It will be closed on certain dates and these days will only be announced few days before. Also, it is not possible to visit the Sheikh Zayed Mosque during any Islamic festival.

Mosques & Palace Dress Code: Women must wear long loose clothing to insure their arms and legs are fully covered. They are also required to cover their heads all the time while inside the mosque. However, for the Mosque visit, company will provide long-local Abaya with a scarf (long black dress-attire) if needed which must be returned back.

Men must not show above their knees and are required to cover their shoulders. Failure to do so will result in refused entry. Company does not provide any kind of clothes to men.

Pick-up will be within 30 minutes of your booked time. For instance, if your selected time is 9:00, you can expect the guide at any time from 9:00 to 9:30 and you should be ready at the hotel / building lobby from 9:00 itself. If there are any changes, you will be notified either by email or WhatsApp.

Tour duration is fixed for any tour/activity. But the drop off may later or sooner the mentioned timing depends on the traffic of the city. At times, the drop off may get late up to 30-45 minutes than the mentioned time.

Free of charge if they do not occupy a seat.

Lunch not included - you will be given time for lunch at Marina Mall, Carrefour or Food court ( closed during Ramadan ) OR The full Corniche view restaurant (at your own expense).

During any Presidential Events, Qasr Al Watan might shut down to the public without any previous announcements as it is a national palace, however, it will be replaced with Qasr Al Hosn or Heritage Village (whichever available on that day)

There is a shuttle bus service to the entrance from the main gate of the palace.

Guided tours are not allowed within the palace; your guide will narrate important information about the palace before the visit.

ANNOUNCEMENT: As per the national government of Abu Dhabi Qasr Al Watan (PRESIDENTIAL PALACE) will be closed from 10th November until 16th November.

This activity is organised by Oceanair Travels LLC, Oud Metha Road, Dubai, 118131, United Arab Emirates, support@oceanairtravels.com.