In a nutshell

What makes Abu Dhabi the pride of the United Arab Emirates? Its unique blend of ancient and modern. So follow your guide into a museum that is dedicated to the life of a great emir, take the bus through luxurious neighborhoods and then stop off to take a photo of the city's futuristic skyline and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Finally, stroll through a village from another era: now, even the Abu Dhabi of the past will hold no more secrets for you!

Main stops

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque; Al-Ittihad square: photo stop
Zayed Heritage Center: internal visit
Sightseeing bus tour through the Al Bateen neighborhood to the Emirates Palace Hotel and the Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace
Marina Cafe: photo stop to capture the Abu Dhabi skyscrapers
Heritage Village: internal visit
Sightseeing tour of Abu Dhabi across the Corniche
Dates market

The programme

When you think of Abu Dhabi, a visionary city springs to mind. But what if we told you that it is so much more than this?
Prepared to be stunned as you arrive: the dazzling white marble, the gold of the friezes and the sheer size of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque will leave you speechless. Click?
Keep some space on your camera roll for Al-Ittihad square, which means "union" in Arabic. It is no coincidence that the monuments here take the shape of a coffee pot and an incense burner, symbols of local hospitality.
Then, follow your guide into the museum dedicated to Zayed, founder and first president of the UAE. You'll find photos and archaeological finds which reveal the history of the country under his reign, along with his most cherished objects, such as the vehicles he used to travel in.
Take the bus through the Al Bateen neighborhood, past the world's most luxurious hotel and the presidential palace, before stopping at the Marina Cafe. Here, the outlines of the city's skyscrapers look great in a photo at any time of day. Now it's your turn.
At the end, return to the roots of Abu Dhabi at Heritage Village: a reconstruction that catapults you back to the rural origins of a desert village. Wander between tents, bazaars and ancient customs that have been preserved through time.

Good to know

Wear clothing that is respectful of the culture of the country, avoiding garments that are too tight or low-cut.
On Fridays, the tour will take place in the afternoon and the visit to the Zayed Heritage Center will be replaced with a photo stop at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.