Abu Dhabi

Cruise Tour Tips

www.visitabudhabi.ae
get the most out of your
ABU DHABI
STAY WITH OUR
CRUISE TOUR TIPS
WELCOME TO ABU DHABI. Youve
come ashore at a destination where
you can engage with a captivating
past, intriguing traditions and
culture, and experience thrilling,
modern-day attractions.
No matter how short your stay, well
help you find something to leave you
wanting to come back for more.
Our self-guided itineraries are
designed to help you get the best
out of your stay whether you have
a day to soak up a wonderfully warm
welcome, or the opportunity to
experience our vibrant hotel, resort
and restaurant scene. Abu Dhabi
is easy to explore roads leading
to the cultural and entertainment
destinations of Saadiyat and Yas
Islands are on the doorstep of the
cruise terminal, with other key sites
across the capital within a 30-45
minute journey. A tour to our UNESCO
inscribed heritage heartland of Al Ain,
or the vast expanse of our Rub al
Khali (Empty Quarter) desert, can be
achieved in a day. Why not consider
an overnight desert experience if your
itinerary allows?
These short, full day and overnight
trip ideas can be combined to
tailor a memorable port-of-call
experience, whatever your interest.
This collection is not exhaustive
fuller details of activities, events,
dining and attractions can be found
at www.visitabudhabi.ae, from our
dedicated information centre within
the cruise terminal or via our visitor
information centres and information
points across the city.
Theres now much more to see and do
in Abu Dhabi and you will always be
assured of a true Travellers Welcome.
HOW TO USE
THIS GUIDE

These itineraries provide essential be combined to create action-packed,

tips on not-to-be-missed attractions full day itineraries. They indicate
and experiences for disembarking recommended visit duration and
cruise visitors. They show how easy typical journey time by road from our
it is to explore the emirate, and can Mina Zayed cruise terminal.
WHAT TO SEE & DO,
WHERE TO EAT AND
HOW TO GET THERE!

Abu Dhabi has an extensive array Were to Eat publications available

of attractions, experiences and fine from any visitor information centre
quality dining options, easily searched and selected locations across the
via www.visitabudhabi.ae or through emirate. Dont forget a complimentary
our dedicated What to See & Do and City Map to help you find your way.
WHAT TO SEE & DO,
WHERE TO EAT AND
HOW TO GET THERE!

Abu Dhabi has an extensive array Were to Eat publications available

of attractions, experiences and fine from any visitor information centre
quality dining options, easily searched and selected locations across the
via www.visitabudhabi.ae or through emirate. Dont forget a complimentary
our dedicated What to See & Do and City Map to help you find your way.
GETTING
AROUND

THE CAPITALS MINA ZAYED cruise Car Hire

terminal is in the heart of the city For a self-drive option, all tour
and is linked to all attractions, sights operators will have access to major
and experiences by a well-planned car rental companies and even have
road system so getting around the car delivered to the cruise terminal
AbuDhabi is easy. to meet disembarking passengers.

Taxis Cycle
Taxis can be picked up at the terminals Mina Zayed is connected to Abu Dhabi
dedicated taxi rank, are reasonably city via a spectacular eight-kilometre
priced and most drivers have a good stretch of safe, dedicated cyclepath
command of English. Across the city, along the citys stunning beachfront
taxis are plentiful and can be flagged Corniche. Bicycle rental is cheap,
down by the roadside or booked by with terminal pick-up and drop-
phone through the TransAD hotline off options easily arranged by
600 535353. contacting FunRideSports in advance.
www.funridesports.com
Observation Deck at 300
 DAYTIME
SHORT TOURS

ITINERARY 1
SAMPLE LOCAL CULTURE AND
TRUE ARABIAN HOSPITALITY

Start with a tour of the Sheikh Zayed
Grand Mosque, recommended by
TripAdvisor as one of the worlds Top
25 landmark attractions. There are
daily complimentary walk-in guided
tours by trained UAE nationals who
tell the story of this masterpiece of
worship and give visitors an insight
into local heritage and traditions.
Tours last approximately 1.5-2hrs.
Journey time 20 minutes
from/to Mina Zayed.
+971 2 441 6444
www.szgmc.ae
On the nearby beachfront, youll find Journey time 10 minutes from/to
an array of exquisite hotels where Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
culinary delights await to while away www.visitabudhabi.ae
the hours. Theres the Shangri-La
Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri
home to several award-winning +971 2 509 8888
restaurants and the signature Chi spa www.shangri-la.com/abudhabi
and its sister Traders Hotel. Theyre
connected by waterways to the Souk Qaryat Al Beri
charming Souk Qaryat Al Beri where +971 2 558 1670
you can browse and shop in an Arabian www.soukqaryatalberi.com
market-like atmosphere of stalls and
shops. Then theres the Fairmont Bab Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
al Bahr, with a variety of celebrity chef +971 2 654 3000
eateries. Inspired by 15th to early 17th www.fairmont.com/babalbahr
century Renaissance architecture, the
Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
is the worlds largest Ritz-Carlton +971 2 818 8888
resort, with 10 top-class restaurants. www.ritzcarlton.com
Journey time 30 minutes
from/to Mina Zayed.
ITINERARY 2
THE ANCIENT ART OF FALCONRY
The state-of-the-art Abu Dhabi Falcon
Hospital is an award-winning attraction
dedicated to caring for and protecting
the national emblem of the UAE. On
guided tours, learn why these noble
birds of prey are so revered and try
your hand at the ancient Arabian sport
of falconry.
Recommended visit time 2.5-4hrs.
Journey time 45 minutes
from/to Mina Zayed.
www.falconhospital.com
+971 2 575 5155
ITINERARY 3
GLIMPSE OUR CULTURAL VISION
On Saadiyat Islands Cultural District
soon to be home to a premier
collection of world class museums,
you can visit the free-to-enter Manarat
al Saadiyat exhibition centre and tour
the interactive Saadiyat Story. It will tell
you of the transformation of this natural
island and youll be able to explore the
future with models and explanations
of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, due to open
2015, the Zayed National Museum, to
open in 2016 and the Guggenheim Abu
Dhabi Museum, to open 2017. Often
individual art exhibitions are also held in
an additional gallery.
Recommended visit time 2.5-4hrs
including time to enjoy the on-site
restaurant, Fanr.
Journey time 10 minutes
from/to Mina Zayed.
www.saadiyat.ae
+971 2 643 5781
ITINERARY 4
FLY LIKE A BIRD

Get a birds eye view of the capitals
landmarks and heritage sites
experience the majestic Liwa Desert
with a Falcon Aviation Services
helicopter sightseeing tour departing
from within the cruise terminal or from
Marina Mall.
Daily 20 or 30 minute tours take in
Lulu, Reem, Saadiyat and Yas islands,
the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Yas
Marina Circuit and Ferrari World Abu
Dhabi the worlds largest indoor
theme park.
The 90 minute Desert Experience
or tour is a one-way trip to the Qasr Al
Sarab Desert Resort deep in the vast
splendour of Liwa, at the entrance
to the Empty Quarter. Guests stay at
the five-star, award-winning Qasr Al
Sarab (Mirage Palace) for the evening
before flying back to Abu Dhabi city the
following morning ideal for passengers
looking for an overnight experience.
Journey time 15 minutes
from/to Mina Zayed.
www.falconaviation.ae
+971 2 444 0007
ITINERARY 5
LIFES A BEACH

The coveted blue flag flies high over

Abu Dhabis pristine white sandy
beaches, most within easy reach
of the cruise terminal. Abu Dhabis
eight-kilometre stretch of beachfront
Corniche features beaches open to
all, or those reserved for families or
ladies only, with the additional sandy
retreats of Saadiyat Public Beach Journey time 1030 minutes each
and Al Bateen Wharf within very easy way, dependent on beach.
traveling time. Coupled with private Saadiyat Public Beach (10mins)
beach access on Yas Island, at Monte Corniche Beach Park (15mins)
Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat and within AlBateen Wharf Beach (30mins)
the five-star St. Regis Saadiyat Island www.bakeuae.com
Resort & Spa and Park Hyatt Abu
Dhabi Hotel and Villas, the capital Yas Beach (20mins)
has options galore to soak up some +971 56 242 0435
Arabian sunshine! www.facebook.com/yasbeach

Monte Carlo Beach Club (10mins)

+971 2 656 3500
www.montecarlobeachclub.ae

St. Regis Saadiyat Island

Resort & Spa (10mins)
+971 2 498 8888
www.stregissaadiyatisland.com

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel

andVillas (10mins)
+971 2 407 1234
www.abudhabi.park.hyatt.com
ITINERARY 6
CORNICHE PEDAL POWER

A fun and healthy way to tour the city Journey time 15 minutes
is to hire a bicycle. With cruise terminal from/to Mina Zayed.
pick-up and drop-off options available,
choose from a selection of bikes for FunRideSports
hire from mountain bikes for the +971 2 445 5838
more adventurous, and city bikes www.funridesports.com
which can fit two or three passengers
on the back, there are numerous BykyBike
accessible rental stations along the +971 50 844 0556
eight-kilometre Corniche boardwalk, www.q8byky.com
at the citys parks and at Yas Marina
Circuit. There is no healthier, fun, low-
cost way to see the sights!
 A NIGHT TO
REMEMBER

OVERNIGHT 1
EXPLORE THE TIMELESS
ARABIAN NIGHTS VILLAGE
Nestled among stunning dunes,
Arabian Nights Village harnesses the
soul and essence of old Arabia and is
conceived to let visitors experience
the mythical and timeless beauty of
the desert and aspects of traditional
Emirati life. This village offers first
class facilities and accommodation
in traditional Emirati dwellings and an
experience of genuine Emirati heritage
including activities like sand surfing,
falconry, quad biking and desert safari.
Journey time 90-120 minutes
from/to Mina Zayed.
+971 2 676 9990
www.arabiannights.ae
OVERNIGHT 2
LUXURIATE AT THE MIRAGE PALACE

This five-star resort is the ultimate

experiential getaway. Qasr Al Sarab
(Mirage Palace) Resort & Spa by
Anantara is a luxurious leisure retreat
among the worlds highest sand dunes
in Abu Dhabis vast Rub Al Khali
(Empty Quarter). The resort is inspired
by the indigenous desert culture,
which is an integral part of the UAEs
unique heritage, and is surrounded by
rich history dating back to 9,000-year-
old New Stone Age settlements. With
contemporary Arabian-style rooms,
OVERNIGHT 3
inviting swimming pools and a range
SWITCH YOUR SEA-LEGS FOR
of dining options, desert dawn dune
ADIZZY HEAD FOR HEIGHTS
walking and camel trekking, youre
bound to be impressed. Housed within Capital Gate the
Journey time 120-180 minutes record-breaking Worlds Furthest
from/to Mina Zayed. Leaning Man-Made Tower which
+971 2 886 2088 tilts 18 degrees westward, the Hyatt
www.qasralsarab.anantara.com Capital Gate Hotel provides a five-star
experience with a difference. Guests
are invited to experience luxury
guestrooms, suites, and several dining
options including the hotels signature
restaurant 18 where the terrace
offers fabulous views of the adjacent
seachannel.
Journey time 30 minutes
from/to Mina Zayed.
+971 2 596 1234
www.abudhabi.capitalgate.hyatt.com
EVENING 1
FINE DINING EMIRATI STYLE
Savour the traditional atmosphere of
Mezlai, Abu Dhabis first fine dining
Emirati restaurant. This restaurant
serves authentic Emirati food with
the kitchen being run by an Emirati
chef. Mezlai has two floors, a private
majlis and an interior design reflecting
UAE traditions, all set within the most
opulent hotel in the world.
Journey time 30 minutes
from/to Mina Zayed.
+971 2 690 7999
www.emiratespalace.com
EVENING 2
AWARD-WINNING DINING
ATTHEPALACE
Voted Restaurant of the Year in the
2013 showing of the emirates annual
culinary festival Gourmet Abu Dhabi,
Hakkasan at Emirates Palace a
branch of Londons renowned modern
Chinese restaurant presents a menu
with dishes that have been specifically
designed for the local market sitting
alongside Hakkasan classics, such as
the Peking duck with Royal Beluga
caviar, steamed dim sum platters, and
grilled Wagyu beef with King soya
sauce.
Journey time 30 minutes
from/to Mina Zayed.
+971 2 690 7999
www.emiratespalace.com
EVENING 3
AL DHAFRA DINNER CRUISE
While away the hours over dinner on
a traditional dhow, where the cruise
offers great Corniche views of the
dramatic back-light of Abu Dhabis
Manhattan style skyline. Upper deck
seating is presented traditional majlis
style, with the lower deck seating
around 50 people in air-conditioned
comfort, serving traditional regional
dishes and a great range of local
sweets. With the cruise starting just
minutes from the cruise terminal,
AlDhafra is a convenient option for a
relaxing evening out.
Journey time less than 10 minutes
from/to Mina Zayed.
+971 2 673 2266
www.aldhafra.net
 A FULL DAY
EXPLORATION
ITINERARY 1
ABU DHABI BLEND TRADITION
WITH MODERNITY
Head to Abu Dhabis spectacular
beachfront Corniche, where you can
stroll, rollerblade, hire bicycles, or bask
on the lifeguarded Blue Flag public
beach which has a minimal US$3 entry
fee. There are lots of coffee shops to
sit and sip a brew and people watch.
Next, close to the expansive Marina Mall
and set beneath Abu Dhabis giant flag-
pole, visit the free-to-enter Heritage
Village by the Corniche Breakwater and
explore a reconstruction of a desert
village with a small traditional souk.
Recommended duration 2-4hrs.
On level 74 of Tower 2 at the nearby
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers,
Observation Deck at 300
the highest vantage of Abu Dhabis
cityscape where guests can enjoy
delicious refreshments against
spectacular backdrop. Recommended
visit time 1.5-2hrs.
From this 300 metre vantage point, the
Emirates Palace an iconic Abu Dhabi
landmark is a sight to behold and
among the worlds most opulent hotels.
Resplendent with gold leaf chandeliers
and fittings, 114 domes and a gold
dispensing ATM machine, another
popular pastime is taking High Tea in Le
Caf. Recommended visit time 1.5-2hrs.
Wrap up your visit with a thrill-a-minute
ride on a Yellow Boats Speedboat Tour
of Abu Dhabis spectacular Corniche.
Launching from the exclusive Emirates
Palace Marina, this nautical perspective
of the citys attractions is an experience
you will simply never forget.
Journey time 15 minutes from/to
Mina Zayed.
Heritage Village
+971 2 681 4455
www.visitabudhabi.ae
the Observation Deck at 300
offers +971 2 881 5555
www.jumeirah.com
a Emirates Palace
+971 2 690 9000
www.emiratespalace.com
Yellow Boats Speedboat Tours
+971 800 8044
www.theyellowboats.com
ITINERARY 2
EXPLORE OUR
HERITAGEHEARTLAND

The Oasis City of Al Ain, with its array of

UNESCO World Heritage sites, offers
insights to Abu Dhabis rich cultural
past. This charming city is within the
shadows of Jebel Hafeet, a towering
rocky height, home to significant fossil
discoveries and over 500 ancient
burial tombs dating back 5000 years.
Famed for working examples of the
falaj the UAEs traditional irrigation channel network is the worlds longest,
system the Al Ain Oasis in the makes for a great adrenaline-filled
heart of the city, is filled with palm family day out.
plantations, many of which are still Journey time 90 minutes
working farms. Visit the Sheikh from/to Mina Zayed.
Zayed Palace Museum and see how www.visitabudhabi.ae
the founder of the UAE lived, or the
picturesque Al Jahili fort one of the Al Ain Oasis
UAEs most historic or the Al Qattara +971 3 712 8429 and
Arts Centre, the only arts centre in +971 3 712 8523
Al Ain, which is housed in an historic
renovated fort on a site that dates Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum
to the Iron Age (1100 300BC) in +971 3 751 7755
AlAins Qattara Oasis.
Al Jahili Fort
Alternatively spend the day at the +971 3 711 8311
unique Wadi Adventure, a man-made
white-water rafting, kayaking and Al Qattara Arts Centre
surfing playground in the foothills of +971 3 761 8080
Jebel Hafeet. The parks 3.3 metre
man-made surf wave is the worlds Wadi Adventure
largest and its 1.7 kilometre kayaking +971 3 781 8422
ITINERARY 3
YAS THATS ENTERTAINMENT
Experience the thrill of Yas Island
our entertainment destination. Here
youll find the Yas Marina Circuit the
world class motor sports race track
which hosts the annual Formula 1
Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand
Prix, the stunning Yas Marina with
its superb Yacht Club, the Yas Links
Abu Dhabi Golf Course, and set on
the islands tranquil southern shores,
Yas Beach which is a great spot to
relax and enjoy sun, sea, and sand.
Use the complimentary round-island
Yas Express shuttle service to reach
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the worlds
largest indoor theme park with more
than 20 exhilarating and educational
rides and attractions including
Formula Rossa, the worlds fastest
roller-coaster. The award-winning
Arabian-themed Yas Waterworld
waterpark with its 43 rides, slides &
attractions, including five that are one-
of-a-kind is not to be missed, and has
been named the World Travel Awards
Middle Easts Leading Attraction.
A combination ticket, the Yas Park
Pass, which includes access to both
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Yas
Waterworld is available.
Journey time just 20 minutes
eachway!
Yas Express
+971 2 496 8110
www.yasisland.ae
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
+971 2 496 8001
www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com
Yas Waterworld
+971 2 496 8236
www.yaswaterworld.com
ITINERARY 4
PAR AND SPA
With three championship-ready
courses within a 25 kilometre radius
and six clubs within a 90-minute
drive, Abu Dhabi has a wealth of golf
offerings. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is
the regions only ocean course with
several beautiful beachfront holes, and
just a chip-and-putt from the cruise
terminal. Just up the road, Yas Links
is the regions premier links course.
Abu Dhabi Golf Club, the parkland
course with its iconic falcon clubhouse
is home, each January, to the AbuDhabi
HSBC Golf Championship. These are
complemented by a city course and
the Al Ghazal Golf Club an eco-
conscious, championship-level sand
course featuring smooth browns and
an archaeological site running alongside
the fifth fairway a unique golfing
experience to talk about when youre
back home. All can be easily combined
with a selection of luxury spa and
wellness experiences for non-playing
partners, and club hire is available.
Journey time 10-45 minutes each
way, dependent on club.
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club (10mins)
+971 2 557 8000
www.sbgolfclub.ae
Yas Links Abu Dhabi (20mins)
+971 2 810 7710
www.yaslinks.com
Abu Dhabi Golf Club (30mins)
+971 2 558 8990
www.adgolfclub.com
Al Ghazal Golf Club (45mins)
+971 2 575 8040
www.alghazalgolf.ae
ITINERARY 5
SEA, FLY, DRIVE ON YAS ISLAND

Enjoy a Seawings aerial seaplane

tour which covers all of Abu Dhabi
citys sights from a spectacular
departure from Yas Marina. For a
seaborne alternative, Capt. Tonys
operates a range of cruises around
our scenic natural islands, including
Sunset Cruises, Island Beach Tours,
and tailored Romantic Cruises from
Yas Marina on sustainably operated
craft. Back on terra firma, race like a
champion at the Yas Racing School
which offers expert tuition in a variety embark on a behind the scenes tour of
of cars, such as Aston Martin GT4 the Yas Marina Circuit and its F1 Grand
racers, from specialised instructors for Prix track, and complete their visit with
those who have never driven a racing lunch, afternoon tea or dinner at the
car before. The less adventurous can iconic Yas Viceroy the only hotel in
the world straddling an F1 circuit.
Journey time 20 minutes each way.
www.visitabudhabi.ae

Seawings Abu Dhabi

+971 800 SEAWINGS

Capt. Tonys
+971 2 650 7175

Yas Marina Circuit

+971 2 659 9800 or 800 YAS

Yas Viceroy Hotel

+971 2 656 0000
ITINERARY 6
AT ONE WITH THE SEA

Enjoy the waters of the Arabian Gulf

with an early morning Noukhada
Kayaking Tour of the protected eastern
mangrove forest that meanders
along the citys coastline. Learn
about the natural wildlife habitats
from an experienced guide before
enjoying a buffet brunch at the nearby Belevari Marines three hour odyssey
Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa departing from the exclusive Emirates
by Anantara. Alternatively, get your Palace Marina.
camera ready for the early morning Journey time from 10 to 30 minutes
bustle of the Mina Zayed Fish Souk from/to Mina Zayed.
to capture the array of locally-caught
fruits of the sea before calling for Noukhada Kayaking Tours
lunch at the Al Dhafra Tourist Village +971 2 650 3600
for an authentic Emirati dining www.noukhada.ae
experience. Sample a wide selection
of the markets fresh fish and shellfish Eastern Mangroves Hotel
and try Jesheed a shark speciality +971 2 656 1000
garnished with turmeric. www.abu-dhabi.anantara.com

Later, take a break from the busy Al Dhafra

city and head to the InterContinental +971 2 444 9914
Abu Dhabi Marina and join the www.aldhafra.net
AbuDhabi Pearl Journey for a two hour
cruise to understand the enchanting Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey
history of the Arabian Gulfs ancient +971 2 641 9914
pearling industry youre guaranteed to www.adpearljourney.com
find a pearl to take home as a souvenir.
Then, relax and admire the Arabian Belevari Marine
Gulf shoreline and islands onboard +971 2 643 1494
the Gulfs largest catamaran with www.belevari.com
 Contact Centre
Inside: 800 555
Outside: +971 2 666 4442
www.visitabudhabi.ae