Dubai in 1 Day for Families - Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – iconic mosque and cultural centre

In Collaboration with Chiltan Travels & Tours . Updated on February 11, 2026.

Dubai in 1 Day for Families - Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – iconic mosque and cultural centre

Full-day guided sightseeing from Dubai to Abu Dhabi by air-conditioned vehicle. Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Al Bateen coastal area, Emirates Palace, Qasr Al Watan, Heritage Village, the Old Souk at World Trade Center Mall, Mina Zayed Dates Market, and a brief exterior stop at Ferrari World (Yas Island). Pickup and drop-off anywhere in Dubai hotels/apartments/residences. Lunch is not included;

Disclaimer

This itinerary was created in collaboration with Chiltan Travels & Tours , inspired by the tour Abu Dhabi Sightseeing Tour Grand Mosque Oldest Souk Heritage . Please check the tour information during your booking process.

Highlights

  • Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – iconic mosque and cultural centre
  • Emirates Palace – grand hotel exterior and photo stop
  • Qasr Al Watan – presidential palace and exhibitions
  • Heritage Village – traditional Emirati life & crafts
  • Old Souk at World Trade Center Mall – shopping and lunch options
  • Mina Zayed Dates Market – local dates and produce
  • Ferrari World Abu Dhabi – exterior photo stop on Yas Island
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Itinerary

Day 1

Day trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi with pickup in Dubai. Comfortable, family-friendly pacing with short transfers and regular rest stops. Total activity length 7 hours 30 minutes (including roundtrip transfers).

Pickup & transfer: Dubai to Abu Dhabi

08:00 – 09:30 • 1h 30m

Pickup from your Dubai hotel/apartment/residence lobby. Travel by air-conditioned vehicle toward Abu Dhabi (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes each way).

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Tips from local experts:

  • Confirm the exact lobby/entrance pickup point when you receive your voucher to avoid delays.
  • Bring light snacks, a small toy or tablet for children to stay comfortable during the 90‑minute transfer.
  • Use the restroom before boarding if possible; there are scheduled short stops but public facilities may be limited on the motorway.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

09:30 – 10:15 • 45m

Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a landmark of Islamic architecture noted for its white marble domes, courtyards and reflective pools. The stop focuses on exterior and publicly accessible interior areas suitable for families.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed St, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Tips from local experts:

  • Dress modestly: shoulders and knees covered; women should carry a headscarf (loaner abayas/headscarves may be available onsite).
  • Shoes must be removed before entering carpeted prayer areas; wear easy-to-take-off footwear for children.
  • Plan for security checks and short queues—arrive early in the visit window to avoid peak crowds and midday heat.

Al Bateen (coastal viewpoint)

10:15 – 10:30 • 15m

Short stop in the Al Bateen coastal neighbourhood for waterfront views and a quick photo opportunity of traditional Emirati coastal life and the Corniche skyline.

Khalifa Al Mubarak St, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Tips from local experts:

  • This is a quick, mostly outdoor viewpoint; bring sun protection and a hat for children.
  • Stroller-friendly along the Corniche promenade; some paths may be sandy near the shore so a baby carrier can be useful.
  • Public restrooms and cafés are available a short walk away near the Corniche if needed.

Emirates Palace (exterior & lobby)

10:30 – 10:55 • 25m

Visit the iconic Emirates Palace for exterior photos and a brief look at public areas and the main lobby (interior access where permitted). This stop focuses on family-friendly photo opportunities and a short rest.

Emirates Palace, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Tips from local experts:

  • Public areas are accessible but maintain respectful attire and behaviour; large bags may be checked at security.
  • Cafés and public seating areas near the lobby are suitable for families, but lunch is not included in the tour.
  • Allow a little extra time if you plan to use the hotel restrooms or sit for a short refreshment (not part of the included services).

Qasr Al Watan

11:05 – 11:45 • 40m

Guided stop at Qasr Al Watan to view the palace exterior and accessible public halls that highlight UAE heritage, governance and craftsmanship.

Qasr Al Watan, Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Tips from local experts:

  • Security checks are in place—have photo ID ready for adults and accompanying children.
  • Some interior halls are ticketed or have timed entries; this itinerary covers general public areas—allow extra time if you wish to visit special exhibitions independently.
  • Keep children close around staircases and gallery areas; parts of the palace have elevated flooring and reflective surfaces.

Heritage Village

11:55 – 12:15 • 20m

Explore Heritage Village to see reconstructed traditional Emirati houses, craft demonstrations and small exhibits showing local life before oil wealth.

Heritage Village, Corniche - Breakwater Rd, Near Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Tips from local experts:

  • Paths are partially stroller-accessible; for narrow or sandy areas a baby carrier may be more convenient.
  • Live demonstrations run on a schedule—arrive a few minutes early if you want to watch craftspeople or artisans.
  • Souvenir stalls accept cash and cards but small notes and coins are useful for small purchases.

Old Souk & World Trade Center Mall (lunch / free time)

12:30 – 13:05 • 35m

Visit the Old Souk area inside/around the World Trade Center Mall for traditional shopping and a family-friendly lunchtime break (lunch not included). The mall provides food-court and family facilities.

World Trade Center Mall, Liwa Street, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Tips from local experts:

  • The mall has family restrooms and seating—choose from multiple food-court options with kid-friendly menus.
  • Keep an eye on children in busy souk areas; agree on a meeting point in the mall in case anyone gets separated.
  • ATMs and currency exchange are available in the mall; small shops may prefer cash for quick purchases.

Mina Zayed / Dates Market

13:15 – 13:35 • 20m

Short visit to the Mina Zayed market area to see and sample varieties of local dates and dried fruits—popular with families and local shoppers.

Mina Zayed Marketplace area, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Tips from local experts:

  • Samples may be offered at stalls—ask before tasting and supervise children near open displays.
  • Stalls may be outdoors or shaded; during warm months keep children hydrated and use sun protection.
  • Bring small change for quick purchases; larger purchases can usually be paid by card at established stalls.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi (exterior photo stop)

13:50 – 14:00 • 10m

Brief exterior stop at Ferrari World on Yas Island for photos at the iconic red-roofed structure. This is an exterior/photo stop only; park admission/ride access is not included.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Leisure Drive, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Tips from local experts:

  • This stop is for exterior photos only—park entry and rides are not included in the tour price.
  • Nearby Yas Mall offers restrooms and family facilities if needed for a quick break.
  • Traffic to Yas Island can be heavier at peak times; the schedule allows a short dedicated stop but not a full park visit.

Return transfer: Abu Dhabi to Dubai (drop-off)

14:00 – 15:30 • 1h 30m

Return by air-conditioned vehicle to your Dubai hotel/apartment/residence. Expected travel time to Dubai is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes depending on traffic.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Tips from local experts:

  • The driver will drop you at the hotel lobby or the main entrance of your residence; please be ready with luggage and personal items.
  • Collect any items from the vehicle before disembarking and double-check for small belongings.
  • Allow some buffer time on arrival for hotel check-in and settling children after the journey.

Itinerary Attributes

Days1
Highlights7
Season-
Month-
PersonaFamilies
Transfers2
Restaurants-
Total Activities8
Total Places10
Activities TypesTransfer, Culture, Neighborhood, Hotel, Shopping, Attraction

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