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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, Abu Dhabi

When you enter Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, you will understand why it is such a special place. Here, people from all walks of life come together to take in the architecture's beauty and gain a deeper understanding of religion and culture in the United Arab Emirates. The mosque is one of the world's largest and was the vision of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - the Founding Father of the UAE. He envisaged the creation of a welcoming and cultural haven that inspires people from all backgrounds.

Even the construction was a cultural collaboration. The grand structure was designed and built by skilled teams from all over the world, including 1,300 Iranian artisans who hand-knotted the main prayer hall's carpet - the world's largest.

On your journey through the marbled halls, you'll see one-of-a-kind treasures, including gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers, the courtyard's vast marble mosaic artwork and reflective pools that mirror some of the many amethyst-and-jasper-embedded columns. When you're outside, look up to see the mosque's four stunning minarets that proudly stand at 106 metres.

You’ll be overwhelmed not just by the architecture but by how welcoming the mosque feels. The open-door policy encourages visitors from around the world, from families to groups, solo travellers to congregations, to not only witness its beauty but also gain a deeper understanding of the Emirate’s culture of open dialogue.

Remember, as well as welcoming visitors to admire the architecture; the building is still an active mosque that welcomes up to 50,000 worshippers daily. Bear this in mind when planning your visit. Respectful clothing is a requirement for visitors to enter Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and on Fridays, the main prayer hall is closed to visitors between 12 pm and 3 pm as Friday prayers take place.

Past visitors will encourage you to take one of the free guided tours. Experts will guide your eyes and ears to details some may usually miss, like the gold-leaf calligraphy which encircles the hollows of the mosque’s remarkable 82 domes.

Make a second trip to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque when the sun goes down to witness the whole facade light up with even more majesty. Combining your evening trip with a visit to the poignant Wahat Al Karama memorial and dinner in the Al Qana district is highly recommended.

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Frequently asked questions about Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

When is the best time to go to grand mosque in abu dhabi.

The mosque is a fantastic place to visit no matter when you arrive; however, dusk is particularly special. The fading sunlight bounces off the white facade to create a beautiful glow, and after the sunset, you can witness the majesty of the building as it becomes illuminated by lights.

Are there guided tours at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque's free guided tours, in Arabic and English, are the best way to get the most from your visit.

What is the dress code for the Grand Mosque?

Visitors to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque must follow a specific dress code as a sign of respect. Visitors must cover their shoulders and knees before entry. Women must wear abayas.

Is there an entry fee to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in the UAE?

There is no fee to enter Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. For ease of entry, book their visit via Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosques’ website .

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre

• Sun,02 Jun 2024
• Dhul Qadah 25, 1445
• Time: 05:39 AM

• Chairman’s message
• DG's message
• Board Members
• Organizational structure
• Sheikh Zayed and the Grand Mosque
• Phases of Construction
• Vision, Mission & Values
• Official Delegates
• Tour Operators
• Lost & Found
• Suggestions and Complaints
• Media Requests
• e-participation
• Photo Gallery
• Video Gallery
• About The Library
• Library Services
• Publications
• Al Jami’ library’s 360 Virtual Tour
• Exhibitions
• Social Initiatives
• Spaces of Light
• “Ewan Aljami” Workshop
• Children's Handbook
• The Mosque’s Walkway
• SZGMC cultural programs
• Friday Sermon
• Ramadan Activities
• HIjri Calendar
• General Architecture

Lunar illumination

Chandeliers, reflective pools.

• Suggestions

General architecture

Architecture: Carpets

Pulpit (Menbar)

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Dear Visitor,

(Does not include worshippers) To enter the mosque and Souq Al Jami ’All, visitors 16 years old and above must display ‘ green pass ‘ status on Al-Hosn App.

pre-booking is obligatory during your visit to the mosque: 1. Obtaining an access pass online by clicking on the following link: ( https://visit.szgmc.gov.ae/ ). 2. Dress appropriately, and observe the mosque’s dress code.

Starting from Friday, August 20, 2021 All visitors must be vaccinated and status must show green on AlHosn app. Excluding : - Those exempted from vaccinations, as per the approved procedures ,and appears on their status in AlHosn app. - Children under 16

Pre-booking is obligatory during your visit to the mosque: 1. Obtaining an access pass online by clicking on the following link: ( https://visit.szgmc.gov.ae/ ). 2. Dress appropriately, and observe the mosque’s dress code.

Starting from 17 March 2022 In line with the precautionary measures in force, all residents and tourists (applicable to those above 16 years of age) must show 'green' status on Alhosn app.

* Visitors who are not vaccinated must present a negative PCR result no more than 48 hours.

* Visitors coming from outside the UAE and who face difficulties using Alhosn App they then can show an internationally approved vaccine certificate which testifies that they have taken two doses and a negative PCR test taken during the 14 days.

* Important note for visitors:

* pre-book and obtain an access pass card online through the following link ( https://visit.szgmc.gov.ae/ )

* Please adhere to the mosque's dress code.

Starting from 15 June 2022 In line with the precautionary measures in force, all residents and tourists (applicable to those above 16 years of age) must show 'green' status on Alhosn app.

* Pre-book and obtain a free online access pass through the following link: ( https://visit.szgmc.gov.ae )

* Due to sudden maintenance work. Visiting doors will be closed on Friday, July 01, 2022 during the morning period only, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and it will resume at 3:00 PM

Starting from 01 January 2022 In line with the precautionary measures in force, all residents and tourists (applicable to those above 16 years of age) must show 'green' status on Alhosn app.

Starting from 05 December 2021 In line with the precautionary measures in force, all residents and tourists (applicable to those above 16 years of age) must show ‘green’ status on Alhosn app.

* Visitors coming from outside the UAE and who face difficulties using Alhosn App they then can show an internationally approved vaccine certificate which testifies that they have taken two doses and a negative PCR test taken during the 14 days. Worshipers are excluded from these measures.

In line with the precautionary measures in force, all residents and tourists (applicable to those above 16 years of age) must show ‘green’ status on Alhosn app.

*Visitors coming from outside the UAE and who face difficulties using Alhosn App they then can show an internationally approved vaccine certificate which testifies that they have taken two doses and a negative PCR test taken during the 14 days. Worshipers are excluded from these measures.

*Important note for visitors:

* Please adhere to the mosque's dress code .

(Excluding Worshipers), pre-booking is obligatory during your visit to the mosque: 1. Obtaining an access pass online by clicking on the following link: ( https://visit.szgmc.gov.ae/ ). 2. Dress appropriately, and observe the mosque’s dress code.

We would like to thank you for your cooperation.

Dear SZGMC ’s Worshippers and Visitors, The Centre would like to announce that the mosque will be temporarily closed for visitors, starting from Sunday 15 March 2020, in order to carry out the disinfection operation of the mosque and its facilities to ensure the well-being and safety of Emiraties, residents and visitors. This comes within the preventative efforts and measures taken by all public institutions and entities across the UAE to counter coronavirus.

In addition, all the mosque’s visitors and SZGMC’s Instagram (szgmc_ae) followers worldwide can also join the live cultural tours broadcast, according to the language chosen for the tours:

Dear SZGMC 's Worshippers and Visitors, The Centre would like to announce that the mosque will be temporarily closed for visitors, starting from Sunday 15 March 2020, in order to carry out the disinfection operation of the mosque and its facilities to ensure the well-being and safety of Emiraties, residents and visitors. This comes within the preventative efforts and measures taken by all public institutions and entities across the UAE to counter coronavirus.

We would like to thank you for your cooperation. We look forward to having you join our exclusive remote cultural tours. All government and private institutions have the opportunity to apply for exclusive remote cultural tours at the mosque, by registering via the Center's website. In addition, all the mosque's visitors and SZGMC's Instagram (szgmc_ae) followers worldwide can also join the live cultural tours broadcast, according to the language chosen for the tours:

Cultural tours in Arabic: Every Sunday of the week, at 5:30 pm. Every Tuesday of the week, at 11:00 am.

Cultural tours in English: Every Thursday of the week, at 8:00 pm Every Saturday of the week, at 11:00 am.

• Tel. No.: +971 2 4191919

Page last updated on:  June 02 2024 at 05:39:43

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Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix Tickets & Packages

Dates: Thursday 5th – Monday 9th December 2024

SEE OUR PACKAGES CIRCUIT GUIDE

Abu Dhabi F1 Ticket & Travel Package

Situated on the Yas Marina Island, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has established itself as a bucket-list event for any F1 fan. Your Grand Prix Package includes Abu Dhabi F1 Tickets, return transfers to the Yas Marina Circuit (for race and qualifying), return flights from the airport of your choice (plus transfers), and 4 nights hotel accommodation in the stunning 5* resorts and hotels. For those that want to extend their stay, additional nights are available on request. We can also add Abu Dhabi F1 Hospitality Packages which include paddock walks, appearances from F1 Drivers, and exclusive hospitality areas.

Stunning Hotels in Dubai.

4 Nights Hotel Accommodation for 2 Stay in 5* Hotels Additional nights available

F1™ Grand Prix From Yas Marina.

F1 Tickets for 2 people Grandstand Seating Circuit transfers for Qualifying & Race Abu Dhabi F1 Hospitality Packages

Flights & Transfers.

Flights & Transfers for 2 People Return flights to Dubai Direct Flights 7 Hours Hotel Chauffeur Transfers Circuit transfers

100% Financial Protection.

100% Refund Guaranteed if a Grand Prix is cancelled. Full ATOL & ABTOT Protection.

OUR ABU DHABI F1 PACKAGES

Bronze package: amwaj rotana jumeirah beach. dubai 4*.

• Includes all concerts
• 4 Nights B&B accommodation (Sea View)
• Return flights to Dubai
• Airport return transfers
• Circuit transfers (Sat & Sun)

Based on 2 sharing

Silver Package: Fairmont The Palm. Dubai 5*

• Includes: Pit-lane walk (Thurs) & all concerts
• 4 Nights “Heritage Room” accommodation
• Circuit transfers (Sat & Sun)

Gold Package: Fairmont The Palm (Sea View). Dubai 5*

• 4 Nights “Palm Sea View Room” accommodation

VIP Package: Park Hyatt Saadiyat Island. Abu Dhabi 5*

• 3-Day Yas Suite Main Gradstand Hospitality tickets ( See Video )
• 4 Nights B&B Accommodation
• Return flights to Dubai or Abu Dhabi
• Circuit transfers to your Grandstand
• Chauffeur from your home & in Dubai

Per Person (based on 2 sharing)

• 3-Day Yas Suite North or Main Hospitality tickets ( See Video )

Where to Sit? Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Grandstand guide.

• Want to know the difference between North, South West or Marina?
• Want the best views, or the slickest hospitality?
• Want the fastest section, or tight & technical?
• Want to know the start time and weekend schedule for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?
• Then click below for our handy guide!

YAS MARINA CIRCUIT

MAP & GRANDSTANDS.

ABU DHABI F1 FAQS.

When will I get my F1 tickets?

• Tickets are normally issued by the organiser 1-2 weeks before the event
• Once we receive them, they will be allocated, and then emailed to each guest

Are tickets physical tickets or electronic tickets?

• Abu Dhabi F1 Tickets are electronic, meaning they will be emailed to you, not posted

Can I select my seats within the grandstand?

• Within each grandstand, seats are assigned automatically by the organiser
• We are therefore unable to offer a specific section, row, or seat, within each grandstand

Will we be seated together?

• Yes, provided you book at the same time, your seats will be located next to each other

Where can I see the weekend race schedule?

• Full schedule of racing is not available until the weeks leading up to the event
• For reference, the 2021 schedule can be found here: Abu Dhabi 2021 F1 Schedule

Are the Abu Dhabi concerts included?

• On each evening of the race weekend, there will be a concert
• All ticket-holders will have access to these concerts
• The performers will be announced in the months/weeks leading up to the event

How & when will I get to the circuit?

• On the Saturday and Sunday of the race weekend, a shared coach will take you to the official circuit parking directly from your hotel
• There will be one pick-up each morning, and two collections each evening. This will give you the opportunity to see attend concerts on both evenings, or head back to Dubai once racing is over.
• Full schedule will be confirmed in the weeks leading up to the event, but a provisional schedule is outlined below:

Qualifying Day:

• Hotel Pick-up: 11am for arrival 12:30pm
• Qualifying: 5pm
• Post Qualifying Pick-up: 8.30pm
• Post Concert Pick-up: 12.30am
• Post Race Pick-up: 8.30pm

Will the coach drop me outside my grandstand?

• Due to the number of people attending the event, Yas Marina will not all coaches to pick-up or drop-off outside each grandstand
• Coaches will park close to the circuit and guests can either walk to their gate or take one of the (free) Yas Marina Shuttle Buses that circle the venue

Why do you only offer transfers on Saturday & Sunday?

• Historically most guests have preferred to spend the first day of their weekend relaxing by the pool, or the beach
• Rather than provide coaches that are not used, it is more economical for everyone to allow guests to make their own way to the circuit on Fridays if this is their preference

Can I attend free practice sessions?

• Holders of 3-day tickets can attend free practice (and Race & Qualifying). Holders of 2-day tickets are eligible to attend Race & Qualifying only.
• Our circuit transfers only operate on Saturdays and Sundays. If you would like to attend the Friday session you will need to take a local taxi, which should cost in the region of £25-£30 each way.

Is there a detailed Yas Marina map?

You can find a map of Yas Marina circuit, shuttle bus routes, and car parks here: Yas Marina Map

GET IN TOUCH TO SECURE YOUR ABU DHABI F1 TICKETS TODAY.

CALL 020 3966 5680

OR COMPLETE THE ENQUIRY FORM BELOW

Abu Dhabi F1 2023 Package

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More Upcoming Packages

Canadian Grand Prix Package

6th - 10th June 2024

Spanish Grand Prix Package

21st - 24th Jun 2024

Austrian Grand Prix Package

28 Jun - 1 Jul 2024

Thursday 5th December

Your Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Package starts here!

Head for the airport and depart for Dubai.

If you have opted for Business Class flights, chauffeur can be arranged to collect you from your home.

Thursday 6th December

Friday is practice day, so you can head to the circuit or simply enjoy everything that Dubai has to offer.

Saturday 7th December

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel.

After breakfast you will be collected from the hotel and transferred to the Yas Marina circuit. From there you will get to enjoy Qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

After qualifying races you will be driven back to your hotel.

Upon return to your hotel you will have the remainder of the evening at leisure.

Sunday 8th December

After breakfast you will be collected from the hotel and transferred to the Yas Marina circuit. From there you will get to enjoy the incredible Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

After racing you will be driven back to your hotel.

Monday 9th December

After breakfast you will be transferred from your hotel to Dubai airport for arrival back home that afternoon. From there, sit back and relax on your flight home.

Why do guests stay in Dubai rather than Abu Dhabi?

Many guests ask why, if the grand prix is in Abu Dhabi, do we locate our guests at hotels in Dubai? After taking over a thousand guests to the F1 finale, there are a number of reasons why we believe staying in Dubai is a far better option than Abu Dhabi. We have outlined these below:

• Circuit Location : Yas Marina circuit is located just outside Abu Dhabi, around a 35-40 minute drive from where most of the Abu Dhabi hotels are located. Travel time to and from Dubai (JBR/Palm area) is only around a 55-60 minute drive.
• Flight Options & Cost : while it is possible to fly direct to Abu Dhabi, this is only possible from a small number of airports, and the costs is usually higher than the alternative – Emirates to Dubai. Emirates from almost every UK airport, and the cost can be as much as much 50% less than flights to Abu Dhabi.
• Airport Transfers : If you wished to fly with Emirates, but stay in Abu Dhabi, this would require an expensive (private) airport transfer on arrival and departure, which can take up to 2 hours. Flying with Emirates and staying in Dubai takes no more than 30-35 minutes.
• Hotel Options & Value : Dubai has over 600 hotels, whereas Abu Dhabi has around 100. Such a large influx of tourists, combined with limited hotel supply, means that cost of hotel accommodation can sky-rocket during Grand Prix weekend. Hotel accommodation in Dubai offers an incredible level quality at a fraction of the cost of staying in Abu Dhabi.
• Entertainment : we find that for guests travelling to ‘destination’ events like the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, want to do more than simply see the weekends racing. Staying in Dubai gives guest s a huge variety of things to see and do. Whether that is shopping, sightseeing, fine-dining, desert adventures, or just lounging on the beach, Dubai offers a wider range of options.

Conclusion:

In summary, while staying in Dubai will require an extra 20 minutes to the circuit each day, guests receive a far superior experience due to the value and convenience that Dubai offers.

What’s Not Included:

• Package prices are based on the lowest cost flights available from a London airport.
• Flight tickets include cabin baggage only, hold baggage can be included for a surcharge.
• Yas Marina Formula 1 Hospitality Packages are available as part of VIP Package, or as an upgrade option.

See the full F1 Race Schedule for 2024 here: F1 Calendar

The Abu Dhabi F1 Package from Yas Marina

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from Yas Marina marks the ending of the Formula One season. Your Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Package includes flights, tickets, and transfers. Plus a fantastic opportunity to explore everything that the UAE has to offer. From bars, restaurants and clubs, to the stunning Museums, Abu Dhabi has it all.

Your Abu Dhabi F1 Package is fully inclusive for 2 people. Including direct UK flights, and airport transfers to your hotels. There will also be transfers to the Grand Prix for Qualifying & Race, and Grand Prix tickets for two people.

Changes can also be arranged. Such as flight upgrades, extra nights, or ticket upgrades.

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From Abu Dhabi: Grand Mosque, Royal Palace and Etihad Towers

  WHY THIS TRIP?

Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. The city has topped among all the other Emirates with its ultramodern skyline. The economy of the Emirate flourished with oil exports and commerce which is quite reflected in its shopping mega centers like the Marina Mall and other modern towers. The city owns gigantic gardens, parks and a chain of cosmopolitan luxury hotels. Abu Dhabi is the second-most populous city in the UAE. Avail Abu Dhabi tours and packages and enjoy your holidays!

  ITINERARY

Pick-up & visit sheikh zayed grand mosque.

Are you pumped up to witness the cultural landmarks of Abu Dhabi? We will begin the exploration with the Sheikh Zayed Mosque that is celebrated for its architecture and wonderful displays such as crystal chandeliers, mosaic courtyard and World’s Largest Hand-Knotted Carpet.

Etihad Towers, Observation Deck- 74 Floor

As we proceed to the next attraction, we will pass by the beautiful waterfront of Abu Dhabi Corniche and the famous luxury hotel, Emirates Palace. Then, we will proceed to the Etihad Towers, admiring the architecture of 5 skyscrapers, entering the Observation Deck on the 74th floor that offers a panoramic view of the Abu Dhabi skyline.

Explore Qasr Al Watan

The iconic Qasr Al Watan Palace is housed in the Presidential Palace compound, offering you a great opportunity for witnessing the architectural features, artifacts and other historical treasures of the palace. 

Once we have seen all the landmarks of our Abu Dhabi Sightseeing, we will bring you back to the hotel/ selected location in Abu Dhabi.

  BOOK NOW

Pick your perfect travel time:, select and set up your experience:,   includes:.

• Pick-up and drop-off at your chosen Abu Dhabi location/hotel
• Air-conditioned modern vehicle
• Professional licensed tour guide
• Entry to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
• Entry to Qasr Al Watan, Presidential Palace
• Visit Etihad Towers, Observation Deck- 74 Floor
• Abaya with a scarf for ladies (to be returned)
• Cold mineral water

  DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Entry inside Emirates Palace (only pass by)
• Guided tour inside the Qasr Al Watan Palace
• Tipping (Not mandatory)
• Any extra services or expenses not mentioned above.

  GOOD TO KNOW

• Tour duration includes pickups and drop-offs.
• Dress modestly: Women should cover their arms, legs, and heads; men should cover their knees and shoulders.
• Avoid Friday tours if you have to catch a flight; traffic may affect drop-off times.
• During presidential events, Qasr Al Watan Palace will be closed to the public without any prior announcement, which could result in its replacement by the Louvre Museum.
• Restaurants are closed during Ramadan; bring food if touring.
• Mosque Hours:
• Sat to Thu: 9:00 am - 10:00 pm (Last entry 9:30 pm)
• Fri: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (Last entry 11:30 am) & from 3:00 pm - 10:00 pm (Last entry 9:30 pm)

Check out these awesome tours and activities in United Arab Emirates:

How to Pick the Best Abu Dhabi Tour from Dubai (+Our Experience)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 26, 2024

Thinking of visiting Abu Dhabi from Dubai for a day and wondering which tour to choose? We had the exact same question on our recent trip – what is the best Abu Dhabi tour from Dubai?

After several hours of research, comparing dozens of itineraries, and reading hundreds of reviews, I can tell you that the choice is overwhelming. There are hundreds of Abu Dhabi tours from Dubai, with widely varying itineraries. You have to read in detail which places you actually visit and which are not more than a quick photo stop. Furthermore, often they also list the sights which you only pass by…

You’ll find private tours and (small) group tours, full-day tours, or those that only take a couple of hours… There is one thing in common – pretty much all Abu Dhabi tours from Dubai visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. But the rest of the itinerary can vary from short stops at some local low-key markets to thorough visits to some of the most impressive landmarks…

In this article, we share our hand-picked selection of Abu Dhabi tours that we shortlisted for our own trip , as well as a detailed description of the tour we ultimately chose. I hope that this guide will save you time and help you choose the best tour from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and have a truly unforgettable experience.

TIP: If you don’t want to read the entire article and simply want to see the best of Abu Dhabi on a day trip from Dubai, we recommend this highly-rated tour . It’s the tour that we chose and it was perfect. It brings you to the three main landmarks in Abu Dhabi – Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Etihad Towers, and Qasr Al Watan – and you actually get to visit each of these places and not just pass by or see from a distance, as with many other tours.

Abu Dhabi Tour from Dubai – OVERVIEW:

• Best places to see on Abu Dhabi day trip
• Review of the tour we did
• Abu Dhabi tour with kids
• Practical info & helpful tips

Why Visit & What to See on Abu Dhabi Day Trip

Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. It’s also the richest of the seven Emirates, home to some of the most prestigious projects and remarkable architectural landmarks. So no trip to the UAE would be complete without at least a short introduction to this beautiful city!

Just like Dubai, Abu Dhabi is a quickly growing city with many new attractions, one more impressive than the other. So you have to understand that there is no way to see all the best places in Abu Dhabi on a day trip from Dubai. There are simply too many options and you would need several days in Abu Dhabi if you want to see all the top sights.

So when looking for a day tour to Abu Dhabi from Dubai, you have to decide which of the top sights and attractions you absolutely do not want to miss. Once you make the choice, it becomes easier to pick the right tour that fits your interests.

Here are some of the TOP attractions in Abu Dhabi:

• Sheikh Zayed Mosque – the most famous landmark in Abu Dhabi, included in pretty much all Abu Dhabi tours.
• Qasr Al Watan – UAE Presidential Palace (sometimes also referred to as the Royal Palace) – an actual visit inside is only included with very few tours.
• Etihad Towers . Many tours pass here, but only a few include a visit to the Observation Deck.
• Louvre Abu Dhabi – the largest museum in the Gulf region, among others, displaying artworks from The Louvre and other top museums in Paris . There are just a few tours that visit here.
• Yas Island where you can find the following theme parks: Ferrari World , Yas Waterworld , Warner Bros. World , and SeaWorld . This is not the best place to visit on a day trip since you could easily spend a day at each of these theme parks and still not see it all. So if tours from Dubai include Yas Island in their itinerary, at best, it’s a half-day visit to Ferrari World (most tours that mention Ferrari World, usually only stop for a picture at the parking in front of it).

Here are some additional sights sometimes included in some Abu Dhabi tours:

• Abu Dhabi Corniche – a waterfront road with bike paths and a nice pedestrian promenade. Most tours just pass by here.
• Founders Memorial – a monument. Most tours just pass by here.
• Emirates Palace – this luxury hotel (full name – Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental ) is one of the most expensive hotels ever built. Some tours include a visit, but most just drive by.

Good to know: The best Abu Dhabi day tours include a visit to 2-3 of the ‘TOP attractions’. Depending on the tour and how much time you spend at the main landmarks, they sometimes include one or two short stops at some of the ‘additional sights’ listed above.

However, some tours only seem to offer great value at first sight. When you look deeper, you realize that the majority of your time will be spent in the car or with short stops at ‘cultural’ attractions, such as a vegetable and dates market, Abu Dhabi Heritage Village, or local art galleries. While this could be a nice addition to the main sights, there are so many better things to do with just a day in Abu Dhabi than spend your precious time shopping… So choose your tour wisely!

Below, you can find our hand-picked selection of the best Abu Dhabi tours from Dubai.

Best Abu Dhabi Tours from Dubai

As I said, there are so many Abu Dhabi tours from Dubai that the choice can look daunting. Based on the research I did for our recent trip, I made a selection of just a few VERY BEST options. This was my personal shortlist.

Here are some of the best-rated Abu Dhabi tours from Dubai , with a short overview of just the main landmarks that you actually visit:

• Premium Full-Day Sightseeing Tour (+-9-10 hrs). Includes a visit to Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Etihad Towers, and Qasr Al Watan. This is the tour we chose and can highly recommend if you want to see the most important landmarks of Abu Dhabi in a day. You can also book this same tour including lunch at a traditional restaurant (we had lunch there too and it was excellent).
• Full Day Tour with Ferrari World (+-10 hrs). This tour includes a visit to Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Ferrari World, as well as a stop at Heritage Village. If you want to see the Mosque and ride some of the fastest rollercoasters in the world, this is by far the best tour. Most others only include a photo stop at Ferrari World.
• Full Day Trip with Mosque & Louvre (+- 9hrs). Includes a visit to Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi.
• Half Day Tour (+- 5hrs). This popular tour only visits the famous Sheikh Zayed Mosque. It’s a good option if you are really short on time.

Good to know: Most of the tours listed here are small-group tours, but they are also available as private tours . You can choose from different options once you select the number of people and travel dates.

Further below, you can read a short review of the tour that we chose and see some more pictures of the places that we visited on this Abu Dhabi day trip.

Review of Our Abu Dhabi Sightseeing Tour from Dubai

As already mentioned, we chose this highly-rated guided tour for our Dubai to Abu Dhabi day trip.

Just to be clear – we do not organize these tours or have anything to do with the company that runs them. Like you, we are just travelers who do their own research, pay for the experiences we like to have, and hope that we made the right choice.

This Abu Dhabi tour was not cheap, but it brings you to the most impressive places in Abu Dhabi. We felt that it offers really good value. If you want to see the most important landmarks of Abu Dhabi in just a day, then you really cannot go wrong with this tour.

Here is what our Abu Dhabi tour looked like:

Pick up in Dubai & Drive to Abu Dhabi

We booked the tour starting at 8:45 AM. The evening before the tour, I received a WhatsApp message from the tour company informing us that they would pick us up at 8:15 AM.

The driver was on time and we stopped to pick up two other people along the way. He then brought us all to yet another hotel where we transferred to a small bus (our group had 18 people).

Good to know: The drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi normally takes about 1.5 hours, but it can also take much longer due to busy traffic. The same on the way back.

PRO TIP: When booking a full-day tour from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, don’t make any other plans for that day – that way, you don’t have to worry about busy traffic or potential delays. If you are planning a half-day trip , I would also foresee some buffer time, or opt for an afternoon tour (or a ‘sunset’ tour, as they call it) – that way, you can still do something else in Dubai in the morning.

Drive through Abu Dhabi

On the way to Abu Dhabi, our guide informed us that we would start our tour with Qasr Al Watan Royal Palace and visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque at the end of the day. This is because there was a big cruise ship in town and since pretty much all visitors go to the Mosque, it’s extremely crowded in the morning.

This was a good decision, indeed. By the time we got to the Mosque, it was just pleasantly lively. I can’t imagine what it must look like in the mornings when several gigantic cruise ships are visiting.

On the way to the President’s Palace, we passed Yas Island and could see the famous Ferrari World and other attractions in the distance. We also saw Saadiyat Island with the Abu Dhabi Louvre – also from quite far away. Once in the city center, we drove past the Corniche – Dubai waterfront – and saw the Founders Memorial as well as the Emirati Palace.

You only get to see all these places from the bus, but it gives you an idea of what Abu Dhabi is like.

Qasr Al Watan

Abu Dhabi’s Presidential Palace sits in a huge opulent complex by the sea overlooking the city in the distance. The main highlight here is Qasr Al Watan .

This magnificent palace might remind you of the famous Taj Mahal in India, but this one was built just recently – between 2010 – 2017. Its architecture and grandeur will take your breath away!

The palace was built using some of the finest materials including Italian marble, gold, Swarovski crystals, and gigantic handmade carpets. It is absolutely magnificent and I would even say that it’s one of the most beautiful buildings on the planet.

Quite frankly, I don’t understand why it’s not as popular as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. These two places are just as impressive and both are absolutely not to be missed in Abu Dhabi!

Our tour guide gave us a short introduction to the Palace and explained where to find the ‘must sees’. After that, we had about more than an hour to explore the palace and its grounds on our own.

This is something I really liked about this tour – we got just plenty of information, but also plenty of free time at each of the landmarks visited.

Good to know: While it is a working palace, it’s mostly used for ceremonial functions and big political gatherings. So the palace is open to the public, except if there is some special political event or a visit by another head of state.

You will have to go through airport-style security here, but you can simply leave all your belongings on the tour bus and just take your camera with you.

Etihad Towers

The next stop on our itinerary was the Observation Deck at the Etihad Towers . There are five skyscrapers here, of varying height. We were told that the five towers represent unity, like the five fingers of a hand. I also read somewhere that they refer to several important Arabic symbols, such as falconry and swords. 

In addition to their unique architecture and symbolism, Etihad Towers offer stunning 360° views of the city and the Arabian Gulf from the Observation Deck at 300 meters . It’s located on the 74th floor of Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers Hotel .

The views from here are spectacular and – in my opinion – more impressive than from most of the viewpoints in Dubai, including the views from Burj Khalifa.

Right below, you can see the entire Presidential Palace complex as well as the Emirates Palace and several other luxury hotels, including Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi which looks like a copy of the famous Atlantis The Palm in Dubai . The seashore and Corniche make the views even more special.

Good to know: Etihad Towers Observation Deck is supposedly just a short stop of about half an hour, out of which you have about 15 minutes to enjoy the views at the top (which sounds little but is actually plenty). However, depending on the queue at the elevators, it might take longer.

After the visit to Etihad Towers, we drove to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. There is an underground mall here – Souq Al Jami – where you can find a big food court with a wide variety of restaurants.

Before we headed for lunch, our guide quickly checked if everyone was dressed ‘acceptably’ for the Mosque visit and went to get some Abaya (long black dress) and scarves for women.

If you wear long pants/skirt, a blouse that covers your arms completely, and have a scarf to cover your hair, you don’t need this dress. But if your clothes are just not long enough or see-through (even a bit), they recommend wearing the Abaya. So I opted for that, just to be safe.

If you choose the tour that includes lunch , you will have a traditional lunch at the Michelin-star Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant. Otherwise, you can decide where you want to eat when you get there. You will find all the famous fast-food chains here as well as Italian and Mexican restaurants, etc. However, it’s your chance to try some really good Arabian food so we recommend that you go to Al Khayma.

We had lunch at this restaurant, following our guide’s recommendation and everything was delicious.

I read in some reviews that people felt lunch was a bit rushed, but we had about 1h15 which was plenty. I even found the time to quietly put on the Abaya before meeting the guide at the agreed time and place.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Mosque is the most famous landmark in Abu Dhabi and a must-see! It’s the finest example of Islamic architecture and is absolutely breathtaking, both outside as well as inside.

As a non-Muslim, you can only visit part of the Mosque, but no worries – you can see the most impressive parts. You are also allowed to view the main worship hall which is nothing short of remarkable.

Here, you can see the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, ornate decorations, and several impressive Swarovski chandeliers. It’s also incredibly spacious and can accommodate about 40,000 people inside!

If you are a Muslim, you can also go to pray inside, but during the week, the main hall seemed to be empty. The main prayer hall is closed to visitors between noon and 3 pm on Fridays, so tours try to visit before or after that.

As mentioned earlier, the Grand Mosque is one place that is included in all tour itineraries and is visited by pretty much every tourist who sets foot in Abu Dhabi, even if just for a few hours. This means that the Mosque is always extremely busy. Tickets have to be reserved in advance, for a specific time slot, etc.

Because of really bad traffic in Dubai on the day of our visit (it rained the day before which only happens a few times a year and leaves the area in chaos :)), we were way too late for the time slot booked. No worries, though. Everything was rearranged by the tour company while we were having lunch.

We entered without any wait at all and our guide made sure that we had plenty of time inside the Mosque (about 15-20 minutes with a guide and more than an hour on our own).

I liked that they didn’t rush us or cut the tour short and gave us the full experience. This meant that we were back in Dubai later than planned but that was no big deal since it was a full-day trip anyway.

Good to know: Also here, you will have to go through airport-style security. As mentioned before, there is a dress code as well. In general, they recommend long, loose ankle-length trousers or skirts. As a minimum, for men, shoulders and knees have to be covered. For women, the rules are stricter and you have to cover up everything except your face, hands, and feet (which means that sandals are ok).

Our tour provided Abaya dresses and scarves for women, which just made things simpler.

Drive back to Dubai

After our visit to the Mosque, the shuttle brought us back to Dubai. There was plenty of time to rest (or even sleep) on the bus.

Just as in the morning, the bus dropped us off at a place where they had private drivers waiting to take everyone back to their hotels. This way, nobody had to wait longer than necessary. The tour was really well organized and I couldn’t fault anything.

The only issues we had that day were related to exceptionally hard rain that left the roads blank and resulted in really bad traffic. Knowing that it only rains a few days per year in the UAE, the risk of you encountering the same is pretty low. Still, as mentioned before, I wouldn’t make any other plans for the evening – that will make your tour more relaxed.

Abu Dhabi Tour with Kids

If you are travelling with children and wonder if you can do a day tour to Abu Dhabi with kids, my answer is yes, of course. Most tours allow children of any age.

However, which tour to choose also depends on your family situation, how many kids you have, how old they are, etc. In addition, consider how well your children can handle a long bus ride, explore the landmarks, and – not to underestimate – practicalities such as the heat or not being able to use the bathroom or eat whenever they fancy.

That being said, if you can keep the kids busy in the car for 1.5- 2 hours and they can behave at the Mosque or the Presidential Palace, I see no reason why you couldn’t take them.

We did this Abu Dhabi tour with teens and – while they were the only kids in our group – we had no issues whatsoever. They were also truly fascinated by the incredible architecture we saw and truly enjoyed the day (having their phones for the long ride definitely helped though).

When I asked them about their top experiences on this trip, the Abu Dhabi day trip was in their top 3, together with a camel ride in the Dubai desert and a boat ride on the Burj Lake . They also really enjoyed Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark but ‘ranked’ the Abu Dhabi day trip as a more special experience.

TIP: If you want to take a day trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi with children, consider booking a private tour. As already mentioned, pretty much all the tours we listed in this article can also be booked as private tours. It will be much more relaxing and you will spend less time in the car since they will pick you up from the hotel and drive directly to Abu Dhabi rather than gathering the whole group in a bus.

Alternatively, look into tours that visit the Mosque and maybe Ferrari World or one of the other theme parks on Yas Island (e.g. this tour ). That way, your tour has something for everyone in the family. That said, with very young kids, consider height restrictions for rollercoasters and similar.

Practical Info & Tips for Abu Dhabi Tours

Here is some additional information you may want to know when considering a tour from Dubai to Abu Dhabi:

• Most Abu Dhabi tours from Dubai include a pick-up/drop-off at your hotel . Keep in mind that the pick-up time can be up to an hour earlier than the official tour starting time (the same as the drop-off).
• Pretty much all tours in the UAE include drinking water (on our tour, there was a large cool box full of water on the bus).
• Keep in mind that entry to Sheikh Zayed Mosque might be restricted at certain times of the day during Islamic holidays and also on Fridays. Qasr Al Watan might also be closed if there are any political meetings at the palace. That’s another advantage of going with a tour – they know the schedules and adjust the visit. Still, you can never exclude a tiny chance of some last-minute changes when visiting places like that.
• Some Abu Dhabi tours also include Abaya dresses for women at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, but that’s not always the case. So be sure to double-check that in the tour description if you need one.
• There is no strict dress code at other places in Abu Dhabi, only at the Mosque. However, if you are visiting the Presidential Palace, they also recommend loose long pants or a skirt and a modest blouse/shirt that covers your shoulders.
• Take some sunscreen lotion and sunglasses with you. A sun hat can be a good idea as well.
• Pack only what you need – it will be easier to go through security checks everywhere. Furthermore, you can safely leave other belongings (food, sunscreen lotion, etc.) on the tour bus.
• There are free bathroom facilities at all the sights we visited on this tour, but not on a bus. They also don’t stop anywhere along the way.
• You get about 60-75 minutes for lunch on this tour, but depending on the traffic, it can be quite late in the day. So if you need some more energy during the day, pack some small snacks with you.

PRO TIP: There’s one thing we noticed when booking our tour to Abu-Dhabi is that on some days, prices were much higher than on others (this could be related to school holidays, public holidays, and similar). So if you are somewhat flexible, check a few different dates when booking the tour – sometimes, travelling a day earlier or later might save you quite some money.

So, this is our guide to Abu Dhabi tours from Dubai and a short review of the tour that we chose. I hope that it gives you a better idea of what to expect and helps you find the best tour that suits your interests.

I want to add that visiting Abu Dhabi was one of the main highlights of our recent trip to Dubai. It’s such a rich and memorable experience, and I’m so glad that we did it. Yes, it was a long day, but it felt rather relaxed and we came home with a much better appreciation of the UAE culture. Highly recommended!

If you want to book the same tour as the one that we did and described here, you can do so via this link through GetYourGuide . This is the website we personally use for all our tour and ticket bookings worldwide and I can only recommend it. We booked all tours and experiences in Dubai through them.

TIP: If you are planning a trip to the UAE and are wondering what to expect in general, take a look at our guide with experience-based tips and tricks for your first visit to Dubai . It contains all the info we wish we had known before our visit. Check it out!

More travel inspiration and information for visiting Dubai:

• What to Wear in Dubai
• How Expensive is Dubai
• Dubai Public Transport
• Dubai Travel Tips
• Dubai in February
• Top Sights & Attractions in Dubai
• Best Tours in Dubai
• Best Things to Do in Dubai with Kids
• Free & Cheap Things to Do in Dubai
• What to See on Dubai Stopover
• Interesting Facts About Dubai

READ ALSO: How to Plan a Trip to Dubai: Itinerary for 1-7 Days

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

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• BJJ Rankings

• Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Tour – Abu Dhabi 2024 Full Results And Review

The Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Tour – Abu Dhabi 2024 took place on May 12th, 2024 and the final champions of the 2023/2024 season were crowned in the results. It was a fantastic event as always, with dozens of elite grapplers making the journey to compete against one another and plenty of surprises as the brackets unfolded. There were some predictable winners in a few divisions as well of course, particularly at lightweight and middleweight where Diego ‘Pato’ Oliveira and Uanderson Ferreira won respectively. In other more predictable results, Lucas Protasio won gold at welterweight and the super-heavyweight champion was Felipe Bezerra .

Theyab Alnuaimi was a surprising winner at light-featherweight and not many people would have predicted that Khaled Alshehhi would win at featherweight, but the biggest shock came in the light-heavyweight division. Frequent masters competitor Jackson Sousa challenged himself against elite adult competitor and came out on top, leaving with a gold medal. There was even more underdog victories in the women’s divisions though, with veteran competitor Ariadne Oliveira winning at light-featherweight and Rafaela Bertolot winning at middleweight.

The biggest shock of the entire tournament came in the women’s heavyweight division though, as 20 year-old brown belt Isabely Lemos emerged victorious in one of the toughest brackets of the tournament. She beat 3 top black belt competitors in a row in order to take home the gold medal, including both of the division’s favorites. The final women’s weight classes were won by their top contenders though, as Diana Teixeira emerged victorious at roosterweight and Julia Alves submitted all three of her opponents to win the middleweight division.

Check out our preview of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Tour – Abu Dhabi 2024 before you find out the full results below.

Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Tour – Abu Dhabi 2024 Full Results

Men’s black belt divisions, light-featherweight – under 52kg.

1 – Theyab Alnuaimi 2 – Gevorg Arutyunyan 3 – Omar Ali Alsuwaidi

Featherweight – Under 62kg

1 – Khaled Alshehhi 2 – Kalel Santos 3 – Yuri Hendrex

Lightweight – Under 69kg

1 – Diego ‘Pato’ Oliveira 2 – Dzhimsher Razmadze 3 – Thiago Macedo

Welterweight – Under 77kg

1 – Lucas Protasio 2 – Luiz Paulo 3 – Jefferson Alves

Middleweight – Under 85kg

1 – Uanderson Ferreira 2 – Pedro Silva 3 – Heitor Senra

Light-Heavyweight – Under 94kg

1 – Jackson Sousa 2 – Henrique Betta 3 – Marcos Carrozzino

Super-Heavyweight – Under 120kg

1 – Felipe Bezerra 2 – Yatan Bueno 3 – Matheus Felipe Xavier

Women’s Brown And Black Belt Divisions

Roosterweight – under 49kg.

1 – Diana Teixeira 2 – Brenda Larissa 3 – Margarita Ochoa

Light-Featherweight – Under 55kg

1 – Ariadne Oliveira 2 – Beatriz Campos 3 – Eduarda Lima

Lightweight – Under 62kg

1 – Julia Alves 2 – Yara Kakish 3 – Violeta Angelova

Middleweight – Under 70kg

1 – Rafaela Bertolot 2 – Gabi Schuck 3 – Raquel Santos

Heavyweight – Under 95kg

1 – Isabely Lemos 2 – Maria Vicentini 3 – Yara Soares

The full results for every other belt level at the Abu Dhabi Grand SLam Tour – Abu Dhabi 2024 can be found here .

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Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque Night Tour Sura launched for 2024

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi will now be accessible to visitors 24/7, which is ideal for transit visitors to the capital who often have many hours to kill between flights during the night.

This latest innovative change has been made possible with a guided tour called ‘Sura’ (Arabic for night walk).

‘Sura’ Evening Cultural Tours

These tours will offer a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque at night, allowing access to the mosque 24 hours a day. The tours are designed to cater to travellers, especially those in transit, who wish to visit the mosque without the hassle of waiting for their connecting flights.

If you’re thinking, ‘But surely overnight, that’s when the cleaning and maintenance happens’, you’re absolutely right. Part of the beauty of the overnight cultural tour is not just understanding the religious significance and visual architecture of the building but the hard work that goes into maintaining the visual beauty, with maintenance and cleaning work that takes place in the tranquillity of the night.

Guests are provided with a multimedia guide device, El-Dellel, available in 14 international languages, including options for the visually impaired and deaf people. The tour is designed to last for 40 minutes.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (@szgmc_ae)

Night Hours at The Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi

Regular open hours during the year see the Grand Mosque open year-round the general public, from 9:00 AM to the last entry at around 9:30 PM (Sometimes these hours adjust for Ramadan ).

The new Sura cultural tours of the mosque allow you to book online for time slots from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

The special night tours can accomodate groups of up to 20 people and cost 20 AED (normally daytime tours and entry to the Grand Mosque are free).

Worshippers can always visit the mosque 24/7 through a separate entrance.

What to wear on a night tour to the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

The express dress code of the Grand Mosque must still be followed no matter what time you visit.

Please note that the mosque no longer lends guest free abayas/kanduras. During the day, these modest garments can be purchased from the attached underground shopping arcade Souq Al Jami, but this souq closes 10:00 PM on weekdays 11:00 PM at weekends.

If you intend to visit the Grand Mosque overnight for a ‘Sura’ tour, please be prepared with something appropriate to wear in your carry-on luggage.

Before you go… Important things to consider when planning a trip to Abu Dhabi

• Pop into our essential planni ng information page ; it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi , a handy guide on what to pack and top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE .
• Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance !
• Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi , or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:

Take me back to the Abu Dhabi Travel Blog

Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our hotel or tour recommendation links . Abu Dhabi Travel Planner

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Bilal is a great guy, good Muslim and... - Pacific Adventures

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Bilal is a great guy, good Muslim and real patriot of Abu Dhabi

Bilal is a great guy, very smart, nice and intellectual. The whole tour was amazing, we had a really good time. We had a flat tire, and Bilal was able to handle it very fast and nice. But the most amazing experience with Bilal was his explanation about the rules of Islam, culture and traditions. Amazing!

It was amazing Abu dhabi is a very beautiful city Our guide Zain Amjad was cool and nice We visited the palace, Ferrari World, dates market, grand mosc it is impressive

Wonderful experience The best part was our tour guide Syed Safeer. He made the experience educational and not just sightseeing he was also knowledgeable and professional. Shared with us about the culture and background of the city. We learned so much. Thanks a lot

Safeer ali picked us on time, drove us nicely around Dubai. He was very polite very professional. Very helpful and co operative during the whole day. The entire trip was pretty good.

Saleem Manik was a fantastic tour guide, most helpful and knowledgeable. He made the day very easy and enjoyable for us. Thank you.

It was an amazing trip the best part was the mosque ! Sr Afzan was amazing and very Kind.I recomended to every person that WANT to know adu Dhabi

AJP TOUR BEIJING INTERNATIONAL JIU-JITSU CHAMPIONSHIP 2024 - GI & NO-GI

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GradSlam 2023

Meet the winnners, grand prize.

Kamil Elkhoury Postdoctoral Associate in  Engineering

Lab-grown Organs: Engineering Life and Hope

Yousra Ajouaou Postdoctoral Associate in Biology

Unraveling the Secrets of Healthy Aging

People's Choice Award

Devjoy Dev PhD Candidate in Biomedical Engineering

A Gut Feeling: Improving Astronaut Sleep With an Electric Pill

Wegood Awad , PhD Candidate in Chemistry |  Crystals, ones that ACTUALLY heal

Fayrouz Abou Ibrahim , PhD Candidate in Chemistry |  Why temperature and humidity sensing really matters?

Yousra Ajouaou , Postdoc in Biology |  Unraveling the secrets of healthy aging

Konpal Ali , Postdoc in Electrical and Computer Engineering |  Meowing our way into 6G

Devjoy Dev , PhD Candidate in Biomedical Engineering |  A gut feeling: Improving astronaut sleep with an electric pill

Kamil Elkhoury , Postdoc in Engineering |  Lab-grown organs: Engineering life and hope

Mai El Sawy , Postdoc in Physics |  Particle physics searches to unveil the secrets of the early universe

Nadine Hosny El Said , Postdoc in Biology |  Switching our bad genes off

Shaza Karaman , PhD Candidate in Biomedical Engineering |  The dark knight within you: Lymph node on chip

Wael Said Abdrabou , Postdoc in Biology |  The curious life of malaria parasite: All want to age gracefully!

Mohammed Tahri-Sqalli , Postdoc in Electrical and Computer Engineering |  From pixels to pulses: The answer is in the doctor’s eyes

Meet the Judges

Aisha Al Naqbi, PhD

Senior Advisor and Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, Student Persistence and Accessibility;  Liaison for The Moses Center for Student  Accessibility in Abu Dhabi

Gregory Pardlo

Visiting Associate Professor of Practice in Literature and Creative Writing, NYUAD

Hana Barakat

Senior Associate Director, startAD

Kathleen Furr, EdD

Director, Preaward and Research Development, Office of Research 

Major sporting events in Abu Dhabi for 2024

• December 26, 2023
• By Shane Reynolds

 Abu Dhabi has once again flexed its muscle when it comes to sporting events with some of the world’s best and biggest stars set to visit in 2024

Abu Dhabi has well and truly become a hotbed for sporting events in the Gulf region in recent years. From the fresh tee boxes of Yas Links to the burning of rubber at Yas Marina Circuit, the smell of sporting success is palpable.

The capital continues to welcome international superstars in their droves and 2024 is no exception with a number of exciting sporting spectacles taking place throughout the year.

Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open

3-11 February, Mubadala Arena

The countdown to the second edition of the highly anticipated Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open has officially begun as this premier tennis event returns to the International Tennis Centre at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi , taking place from 3 to 11 February 2024.

Fans and spectators from around the world can now reserve the best seats in the house for this thrilling nine-day tennis spectacle which features the game’s top-ranked players.

For further information, visit abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net

World Triathlon Championship Series

8-9 March, Yas Island

Now celebrating the ninth edition in the capital Abu Dhabi plays host to triathlon’s most prestigious race series, which attracts thousands of age group and junior athletes from the UAE, GCC and beyond – all excited to join the world’s best elite and elite para triathletes at the iconic blue carpet event.

The world’s best elite, mixed relay and para-athletes will go head-to-head chasing precious Olympic and Paralympic qualifying points in the elite races for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

  For further information, visit abudhabi.triathlon.org

Middle East GAA Championships

8-9 March, Zayed Sports City

Zayed Sport City will be the place to be over this weekend which is the pinnacle of Irish GAA in the Gulf region. Here, close to one-thousand players will compete for championships honours in three different disciplines including football, hurling and camogie .

Expect a carnival like atmosphere throughout as teams from Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman fly in to take part. Not to mention one hell of an after-party later that night at the Park Rotana Abu Dhabi!

For further information, middleeastgaa.com

Monster Jam

8-9 June, Etihad Arena

The world’s most action-packed motorsports experience Monster Jam is bringing its unique blend of full-throttle family fun back to Abu Dhabi for a second consecutive year on the 8 and 9 of June 2024.

This is the ultimate family event with an exciting interactive element enabling fans to vote live after each stunt to help crown the show’s overall winner and an exciting pre-show Pit Party where you can get up close and personal with the trucks and drivers.

  For further information, visit etihadarena.ae

NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024

Yas Island (TBC)

Although dates have yet to be confirmed for this ever-popular event you can already join and register your interest in the NBA Experiences in the beautiful Yas Islands for the 2024 edition!

The event took place in October last year and was a major hit, welcoming players from the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves. Hopes are high that two more exciting NBA teams will be joining this year’s event too. Watch this space!

For further information, visit etihadarena.ae

You might also like: A guide to all the sporting clubs in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Golf Championships

7-10 November, Yas Links

View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@adgolfchamps)

Although usually taking place in late January, the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship takes place this year in November 2024 after Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the European Tour group signed an extension of their long-term partnership.

The agreement secures the Abu Dhabi Championship on the DP World Tour schedule for another five years until 2028. The Rolex Series event is set to embark on a new era and is set to welcome some of the world top golfers to the Gulf region yet again.

For further information, visit europeantour.com

Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

5-8 December, Yas Marina Circuit

Although we can almost still smell the burning rubber from Yas Marina Circuit a few weeks back, plans are already afoot to host the latest edition of the Abu Dhabi Formulae 1 Grand Prix.

The fact that it is always the dramatic climactic final race of the season ensures its prestige amongst motoring fans throughout the world, and the 2024 installment promises to be even bigger and better than before. Start your engines people!

For further information, visit yasmarinacircuit.com

For more sports related events taking place in Abu Dhabi and beyond, visit Yalla Abu Dhabi Life

Image source provided, Instagram, Middle East GAA, World Triathlon Championship Instagram

8 brilliant things to do this weekend in abu dhabi (31 may – 2 june), uae government announces a midday break for workers starting mid-june.

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8 of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi

A s the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is one of the most important cities in the entire Gulf region. Though it was still a mostly desert landscape as recently as the mid-1970s, today it’s towering skyscrapers that form a remarkable backdrop to an exciting modern city.

The streets house a range of impressive galleries and museums, including the city’s own Louvre museum, along with some of the most majestic recent architecture in the Arab world, from the Grand Mosque to a series of elegant palaces and hotels.

Blue waters meet sandy shorelines along the Corniche and on several nearby islands, while those who venture further into nature will find a vast expanse of desert or the rivers of a national park. But with new openings constantly popping up, there’s plenty more to see and do in this ever-evolving city. If you’re looking for how best to spend your time in Abu Dhabi, here are the top things to do.

Stroll along the Corniche

The Corniche is a waterfront promenade that stretches for almost five miles, and includes over a mile of beach areas divided into different sections suitable for families, children and larger groups. Filled with pavements, cycle lanes, manicured public parks, plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants, the walkway is a popular place to spend a few hours.

On the western corner, the Heritage Village, a time capsule village built in the form of a traditional oasis settlement, sits near Marina Mall, a shopping centre with over 400 outlets. The opulent Emirates Palace, the site of a $3bn hotel project, lies just south; though a stay may be out of budget, you can take a guided tour of the famous complex for 150 AED (£32) or enjoy a brunch for 295 AED (£63). The Founder’s Memorial, dedicated to the late Sheikh Zayed, occupies a privileged space at the end of the main beach, and that area contains two gardens and an elevated walkway that provides excellent views of the city skyline, particularly at night.

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Marvel at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Qasr Al Watan

The religious focal point of the city, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, is an architectural masterpiece. Inaugurated in 2007 by the late Sheikh Zayed, it has space for 40,000 worshippers. An elegant showcase of Islamic architecture, it has several intricate design elements, including marbled halls, tiled mosaics, calligraphy and large ornate domes.

The Qasr Al Watan is a working presidential palace. Constructed from white granite and limestone, it has several ornate features – from geometric designs in the interior to a dome that measures 37 metres in diameter – and was opened to the public in 2019. Tours are worth the 65 AED (£14) for the incredible interiors alone, though the eastern wing of the palace contains the so-called “House of Knowledge”, where visitors can see artefacts and manuscripts from across the Arab world, including the first modern map of Arabia and an official replica of the Birmingham Quran, one of the earliest surviving manuscripts of the Islamic holy book.

Take in some art and culture

The city has an ever-growing range of museums and galleries, and one of the most recent additions is the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the result of a cultural collaboration with the French government. It holds hundreds of artefacts and works of art – ranging from ceremonial vases that date back two millennia to a 17th-century work by Rembrandt – in a strikingly futuristic complex.

Other galleries in the city include the Etihad Modern Art Gallery (which shows contemporary art from up-and-coming Emirati artists), the Abu Dhabi Art Hub (showcasing modern art from a range of international artists, as well as themed exhibitions) and the Warehouse 421. This is a larger complex home to a cultural centre and rolling art exhibitions. In addition to showing work from local artists, the centre puts on workshops, readings, lectures and international films.

If exploring the history and culture of the Emirate, start at the Abu Dhabi History Museum. It chronicles the rise of the city from traditional desert life to the discovery of natural resources and the subsequent explosion in development. The Zayed Heritage Centre is a smaller museum but great for learning about the early days of Abu Dhabi, from the establishment of the police and postal services to the life of Sheikh Zayed. Finally, the Heritage Village, built in the mould of a traditional settlement, offers an immersive way to learn about the region’s heritage, from souks and Bedouin camps more modern Abu Dhabi houses.

Get the best view of the city

Located on the 74th floor of the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers , the Observation Deck at 300 is the highest viewpoint in the city at 300m. It offers sweeping birds-eye views of the Corniche, the Gulf and landmarks such as the Qasr Al Watan, and tickets are priced at 95 AED (£20) per person. This price includes a voucher of 55 AED (£11) to spend on food and drinks, so it’s a great opportunity to grab a drink or some food while enjoying the best view you can get. If it’s a particularly special occasion, you can splash out on the cafe’s afternoon tea for 250 AED (£53).

Hit the beach

The city is home to an excellent range of beaches. If you’re with the kids, you can head to the Corniche’s peaceful play areas and closed off sections or the 800m stretch of sands at Al Bateen, a charming location with calm water – great for swimming.

For something a little more isolated, head to Soul Beach, Saadiyat or the island of Hudayriat. You’ll likely see an array of people at food trucks, in great restaurants or on jet skis and playing volleyball. There are small fees of 50 AED (£10) and 75 AED (£16) for Soul and Saadiyat, respectively. Popular beach clubs include Al Maya Island and Yas Beach (prices are 250 AED (£50) and 120 AED (£25), respectively). Although they offer relaxation in parts, they’re best for days filled with music, drinks at poolside bars, brunches and afternoon parties.

Zaya Nurai carries a 480 AED (£102) fee just to enter the island, though you get 420 AED (£90) of that entry fee back to spend on food and drink. It offers perhaps the best beaches in the region, with remarkable emerald waters and fine white sands. Even better, the backdrops consist of large green spaces and low-rise beach huts rather than dizzying skyscrapers.

Take a stroll through a park

Parks across Abu Dhabi cater for a wide crowd: the avid runners, the two-wheelers, families looking for down-time, and those who simply want a stroll. You’ll find several dotted along the Corniche, including Recreation Park, Formal Park, Lake Park and Heritage Park, which include a variety of outdoor facilities, such as outdoor gyms, skate parks and picnic spots with views of the harbour.

Khalidiyah Garden, one of the city’s oldest parks, lies at the heart of the downtown area and is a popular spot for exercise (with plenty of shade). Khalifa Park, covering an area of 500,000 square metres, is home to a mini water park and train rides for kids, as well as a Maritime Museum, sports pitches and several impressive water features. Umm Al Emarat is perhaps the best in the city, offering large green spaces alongside a botanical garden, petting zoo and a 1,000-seat amphitheatre. In the cooler months, there’s also a market in the day and outdoor cinema showings in the evenings every Friday and Saturday.

There are also parks on the islands, including the Yas Gateway Parks, Hudayriyat Island, and Al Fay Park on Reem Island, the latter famous for being home to over 2,000 types of flora.

Visit the Mangrove National Park

A stark contrast to the skyscrapers and desert sands, the Mangroves National Park lies along the central coast area of the city, directly south of Al Reem Island. A sprawling, verdant forest of mangroves (tropical shrubs and trees that grow in the loose soil and salt water of the region) hides salt marshes, mud flats, shores and vast expanses of open water that are great for kayaking, paddleboarding and guided boat trips. This environment is home to several animals, including crabs, turtles, flamingos, a variety of fish and over 60 bird species. The Jubail Mangrove Park – a separate area in the northern region of Al Jubail – is another popular mangrove area, offering the same water sports and dramatic views with the additon of a series of pathways (the longes of which is over a mile long) that call for peaceful strolls through the forest and over the water.

Explore the desert

The Rub Al Khali is the largest continuous sand desert in the world and covers 70 per cent of Abu Dhabi. Known as the “Empty Quarter” in English, it provides the ideal space for desert activities, whether it’s high-octane exploring or guided tours.

A vast expanse of smooth golden sand and imposing dunes awaits those who choose to go on 4x4 safaris, camel riding trips or dune buggy tours, while clear starry skies will welcome anyone who wants to spend a night camping and having dinner under the stars.

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