Abu Dhabi Day Trip from Dubai: Grand Mosque, Louvre and BAPS Mandir

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is calmer and more spacious than Dubai, with wide boulevards, a long waterfront Corniche, world-class museums and one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. It is about 140 km from Dubai, around 1.5 hours by road, which makes it an easy day trip.

This guide covers the highlights of an Abu Dhabi city tour, practical tips for visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the BAPS Hindu Mandir, and how to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.

The white-marble Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the highlight of any visit to Abu Dhabi. Completed in 2007, it has 82 domes, more than 1,000 columns inlaid with semi-precious stones, enormous crystal chandeliers and one of the world's largest hand-knotted carpets. At sunset, the reflecting pools and lighting are magical.

• Entry: free, but visitors should register online in advance.
• Timings: open to visitors most days from morning to late evening; closed to tourists on Friday mornings for prayers, with different hours in Ramadan.
• Dress code: men and women must wear long, loose clothing covering arms and legs; women must cover their hair. Shorts, tight or see-through clothes are not allowed.
• Etiquette: remove shoes in prayer areas, speak quietly and avoid touching others in photos.

Opened in February 2024, the BAPS Hindu Mandir at Abu Mureikha, just off the Dubai–Abu Dhabi highway, is the first traditional stone Hindu temple in the region. Built of hand-carved pink sandstone and white marble from India, it has seven spires representing the seven emirates. Entry is free; visitors register in advance, follow a modest dress code and should check visiting days and times, as the temple closes to visitors on some days. It is a moving stop for many Indian families on the way to or from Abu Dhabi.

On Saadiyat Island, the Louvre Abu Dhabi opened in 2017 under a vast latticed dome that creates a "rain of light". Its galleries tell the story of humanity through art and objects from around the world, including pieces on loan from French museums. Allow at least two hours. Nearby, the Saadiyat Cultural District is home to new museums and galleries.

• Qasr Al Watan: the grand presidential palace, open to visitors, with a library, ornate halls and an evening light show.
• Emirates Palace: a famous palace hotel, best known for its gold-topped café treats.
• The Corniche: an 8 km waterfront with beaches, parks and skyline views.
• Heritage Village: a recreation of traditional Emirati life.
• Yas Island: Ferrari World, Warner Bros World, Yas Waterworld and SeaWorld. See our theme parks guide.

• Private car or tour: the most comfortable and flexible way, about 1.5 hours each way; included in our package.
• Intercity bus: regular buses run between the two cities, an affordable option for independent travellers.
• Taxi or ride-hailing: convenient but more expensive for a return trip.

The BAPS Mandir, Dubai Parks and Resorts and Yas Island are all on or near the route, so a well-planned day can combine several stops.

A day trip comfortably covers the Grand Mosque, a city tour and either the Louvre or the BAPS Mandir. If you want Yas Island's theme parks as well, consider a night in Abu Dhabi, or a second day trip. Visiting the Grand Mosque in the late afternoon and staying for sunset is a beautiful way to end the day.

Morning: leave Dubai after breakfast; stop at the BAPS Hindu Mandir on the way. Midday: Louvre Abu Dhabi and lunch. Afternoon: Corniche drive, Emirates Palace and Qasr Al Watan photo stops. Late afternoon: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque for sunset, then return to Dubai.

Children enjoy the Grand Mosque's sheer scale, but plan shorter visits for little ones and remember that the dress code applies to older children too. Yas Island's parks, the Louvre's children's museum and the Corniche beaches make Abu Dhabi a fun family day. Carry water and snacks for the drive.

Our Dubai Delight package includes a full-day Abu Dhabi city tour with the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. We can add the Louvre, the BAPS Mandir, Ferrari World or a night in Abu Dhabi on request. See more day trips from Dubai and all Dubai tour packages.