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A Mosque and Mangroves Layover Adventure
Discover the diverse allure of Abu Dhabi in a 4-5 hour excursion that marries architectural splendour with natural beauty. Start your journey at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, an awe-inspiring symbol of Islamic craftsmanship, open from 9 am to 10 pm. Then, transition to the tranquil Eastern Mangroves, a unique ecosystem open from 5:30 am to 5:30 pm, where you can explore winding waterways and vibrant wildlife.
Getting around is a breeze with the Experience Abu Dhabi Shuttle Bus. From Abu Dhabi Airport Stop 27, catch Bus #8 to Sheikh Zayed Ground Mosque Stop 22, departing at 9:05, 12:05, 16:05, and 19:05. Continue to Eastern Mangrove Stop 29 at 9:35, 12:35, 16:35, and 19:35. Return trips to the airport depart from Eastern Mangrove stop 29 at 10:50, 13:50, 17:50, and 20:50. If you seek a more private ride, Taxis, Uber, and Careem are at your service.
Highlights
4-5 hours
Car, Bus
Highlights
4-5 hours
Car, Bus
Day 1 highlights
Your day in Abu Dhabi will unfold as a mesmerising blend of culture and nature. The grand mosque offers architectural wonders and a serene atmosphere for reflection. Remember to dress modestly, or alternatively, you can avail on-site attire rentals. At the Eastern Mangroves, embrace the serenity of the emerald-green waterways, and consider renting a kayak to navigate the gentle currents. From the intricate mosaics of the mosque to the chirping birds in the mangroves, this tour presents a harmonious convergence of man-made elegance and natural grace, all within easy reach of the airport.
Stop 1
Recommended Time: 1 hours
With more than 50 airlines flying to and from some 102 destinations in over 56 countries, Zayed International Airport has been recognised by the World Airport Awards, with the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ accolade going to this airport more than once.
The airport’s Terminal 1, with design and architecture reflecting traditional Emirati elements set in a high-end, ultramodern ambience, delivers a five-star travel experience.
The home of Etihad Airways – the national airline of the United Arab Emirates – Terminal 3 welcomes travellers to plush Etihad lounges and an award-winning concierge-style check-in. Impressive retail is managed by DFS, the world’s largest luxury retailer, and is complemented by upmarket restaurants and cafés.
The soon-to-come Midfield Terminal Complex (MTC), a centrepiece of Abu Dhabi Airports Company’s (ADAC) multibillion-dollar investment programme, will provide a full terminal building, passenger and cargo facilities, duty-free shops and restaurants for between 27-40 million people a year in the future.
Are you flying into Abu Dhabi? Click here for full flight information.
Abu Dhabi International Airport is also well connected to the rest of the emirate by numerous bus services. For more information on bus services, fares and schedules, or to download bus routes, click here.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Stop 2
Recommended Time: 1 hours
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.
Eastern Mangroves
Stop 3
Arabian Breeze is a human-sized company with a big passion for sailing and the sea, with its sailing experiences featuring private trips and multi-day adventures for up to 10 guests.
Read MoreStop 1
Zayed International Airport
Recommended Time: 1 hours
With more than 50 airlines flying to and from some 102 destinations in over 56 countries, Zayed International Airport has been recognised by the World Airport Awards, with the ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ accolade going to this airport more than once.
The airport’s Terminal 1, with design and architecture reflecting traditional Emirati elements set in a high-end, ultramodern ambience, delivers a five-star travel experience.
The home of Etihad Airways – the national airline of the United Arab Emirates – Terminal 3 welcomes travellers to plush Etihad lounges and an award-winning concierge-style check-in. Impressive retail is managed by DFS, the world’s largest luxury retailer, and is complemented by upmarket restaurants and cafés.
The soon-to-come Midfield Terminal Complex (MTC), a centrepiece of Abu Dhabi Airports Company’s (ADAC) multibillion-dollar investment programme, will provide a full terminal building, passenger and cargo facilities, duty-free shops and restaurants for between 27-40 million people a year in the future.
Are you flying into Abu Dhabi? Click here for full flight information.
Abu Dhabi International Airport is also well connected to the rest of the emirate by numerous bus services. For more information on bus services, fares and schedules, or to download bus routes, click here.
