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. You’ve
minute journey. A tour to our UNESCO
come ashore at a destination where
inscribed heritage heartland of Al Ain,
you can engage with a captivating
or the vast expanse of our Rub al
past,
and
Khali (Empty Quarter) desert, can be
culture, and experience thrilling,
achieved in a day. Why not consider
modern-day attractions.
an overnight desert experience if your
intriguing
traditions
itinerary allows?
No matter how short your stay, we’ll
help you find something to leave you
These short, full day and overnight
wanting to come back for more.
trip
tailor
Our
self-guided
a
can
be
combined
memorable
to
port-of-call
are
experience, whatever your interest.
designed to help you get the best
This collection is not exhaustive –
out of your stay – whether you have
fuller details of activities, events,
a day to soak up a wonderfully warm
dining and attractions can be found
welcome,
to
at www.visitabudhabi.ae, from our
experience our vibrant hotel, resort
dedicated information centre within
and restaurant scene. Abu Dhabi
the cruise terminal or via our visitor
is easy to explore – roads leading
information centres and information
to the cultural and entertainment
points across the city.
or
the
itineraries
ideas
opportunity
destinations of Saadiyat and Yas
Islands are on the doorstep of the
There’s now much more to see and do
cruise terminal, with other key sites
in Abu Dhabi – and you will always be
across the capital within a 30-45
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
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.
visit
duration
and
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. Don’t 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. Don’t forget a complimentary
our dedicated What to See & Do and
City Map to help you find your way.
GETTING
AROUND
THE CAPITAL’S MINA ZAYED cruise
Car Hire
terminal is in the heart of the city
For
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
Abu Dhabi is easy.
to meet disembarking passengers.
Taxis
Cycle
Taxis can be picked up at the terminal’s
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 city’s stunning beachfront
taxis are plentiful and can be flagged
Corniche. Bicycle rental is cheap,
down by the roadside or booked by
with
phone through the TransAD hotline
off
600 535353.
contacting FunRideSports in advance.
a
self-drive
terminal
options
option,
pick-up
easily
all
and
tour
drop-
arranged
www.funridesports.com
by
Observation Deck at 300
DAYTIME
SHORT TOURS
ITINERARY 1
SAMPLE LOCAL CULTURE AND
TRUE ARABIAN HOSPITALITY
Start with a tour of the Sheikh Zayed
worship and give visitors an insight
Grand Mosque, recommended by
into local heritage and traditions.
TripAdvisor as one of the world’s Top
Tours last approximately 1.5-2hrs.
25 landmark attractions. There are
Journey time 20 minutes
daily complimentary ‘walk-in’ guided
from/to Mina Zayed.
tours by trained UAE nationals who
+971 2 441 6444
tell the story of this masterpiece of
www.szgmc.ae
On the nearby beachfront, you’ll 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. There’s 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. They’re
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 there’s 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 world’s 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
ITINERARY 3
GLIMPSE OUR CULTURAL VISION
from/to Mina Zayed.
On Saadiyat Island’s Cultural District
www.falconhospital.com
– soon to be home to a premier
+971 2 575 5155
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 you’ll 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 bird’s eye view of the capital’s
The 90 minute Desert Experience
landmarks
or
tour is a one-way trip to the Qasr Al
experience the majestic Liwa Desert
Sarab Desert Resort deep in the vast
with
Services
splendour of Liwa, at the entrance
helicopter sightseeing tour departing
to the Empty Quarter. Guests stay at
from within the cruise terminal or from
the five-star, award-winning Qasr Al
Marina Mall.
Sarab (Mirage Palace) for the evening
a
and
Falcon
heritage
Aviation
sites
before flying back to Abu Dhabi city the
Daily 20 or 30 minute tours take in
following morning – ideal for passengers
Lulu, Reem, Saadiyat and Yas islands,
looking for an overnight experience.
the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Yas
Journey time 15 minutes
Marina Circuit and Ferrari World Abu
from/to Mina Zayed.
Dhabi – the world’s largest indoor
www.falconaviation.ae
theme park.
+971 2 444 0007
ITINERARY 5
LIFE’S A BEACH
The coveted blue flag flies high over
Abu Dhabi’s pristine white sandy
beaches, most within easy reach
of the cruise terminal. Abu Dhabi’s
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 10–30 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
Al Bateen 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
and Villas (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 city’s parks and at Yas Marina
Circuit. There is no healthier, fun, lowcost way to see the sights!
A NIGHT TO
REMEMBER
OVERNIGHT 1
EXPLORE THE TIMELESS
class facilities and accommodation
ARABIAN NIGHTS VILLAGE
Nestled
among
stunning
in traditional Emirati dwellings and an
dunes,
experience of genuine Emirati heritage
Arabian Nights Village harnesses the
including activities like sand surfing,
soul and essence of old Arabia and is
falconry, quad biking and desert safari.
conceived to let visitors experience
Journey time 90-120 minutes
the mythical and timeless beauty of
from/to Mina Zayed.
the desert and aspects of traditional
+971 2 676 9990
Emirati life. This village offers first–
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 world’s highest sand dunes
in Abu Dhabi’s vast Rub Al Khali
(Empty Quarter). The resort is inspired
by the indigenous desert culture,
which is an integral part of the UAE’s
unique heritage, and is surrounded by
rich history dating back to 9,000-yearold New Stone Age settlements. With
contemporary Arabian-style rooms,
inviting swimming pools and a range
of dining options, desert dawn dune
walking and camel trekking, you’re
OVERNIGHT 3
SWITCH YOUR SEA-LEGS FOR
A DIZZY HEAD FOR HEIGHTS
bound to be impressed.
Housed within Capital Gate – the
Journey time 120-180 minutes
record-breaking
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
‘World’s
Furthest
experience with a difference. Guests
are
invited
to
experience
luxury
guestrooms, suites, and several dining
options including the hotel’s signature
restaurant 18˚ where the terrace
offers fabulous views of the adjacent
sea channel.
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
UAE traditions, all set within the most
Mezlai, Abu Dhabi’s first fine dining
opulent hotel in the world.
Emirati restaurant. This restaurant
Journey time 30 minutes
serves authentic Emirati food with
from/to Mina Zayed.
the kitchen being run by an Emirati
+971 2 690 7999
chef. Mezlai has two floors, a private
www.emiratespalace.com
majlis and an interior design reflecting
EVENING 2
EVENING 3
AWARD-WINNING DINING
AL DHAFRA DINNER CRUISE
AT THE PALACE
While away the hours over dinner on
Voted Restaurant of the Year in the
a traditional dhow, where the cruise
2013 showing of the emirate’s annual
offers great Corniche views of the
culinary festival Gourmet Abu Dhabi,
dramatic back-light of Abu Dhabi’s
Hakkasan at Emirates Palace – a
Manhattan style skyline. Upper deck
branch of London’s renowned modern
seating is presented traditional majlis
Chinese restaurant – presents a menu
style, with the lower deck seating
with dishes that have been specifically
around 50 people in air-conditioned
designed for the local market sitting
comfort, serving traditional regional
alongside Hakkasan classics, such as
dishes and a great range of local
the Peking duck with Royal Beluga
sweets. With the cruise starting just
caviar, steamed dim sum platters, and
minutes from the cruise terminal,
grilled Wagyu beef with King soya
Al Dhafra is a convenient option for a
sauce.
relaxing evening out.
Journey time 30 minutes
Journey time less than 10 minutes
from/to Mina Zayed.
from/to Mina Zayed.
+971 2 690 7999
+971 2 673 2266
www.emiratespalace.com
www.aldhafra.net
A FULL DAY
EXPLORATION
Resplendent with gold leaf chandeliers
ITINERARY 1
and fittings, 114 domes and a gold
ABU DHABI – BLEND TRADITION
dispensing
WITH MODERNITY
ATM
machine,
another
popular pastime is taking High Tea in Le
Head to Abu Dhabi’s spectacular
Café. Recommended visit time 1.5-2hrs.
beachfront Corniche, where you can
Wrap up your visit with a thrill-a-minute
stroll, rollerblade, hire bicycles, or bask
ride on a Yellow Boats Speedboat Tour
on the lifeguarded Blue Flag public
of Abu Dhabi’s spectacular Corniche.
beach which has a minimal US$3 entry
Launching from the exclusive Emirates
fee. There are lots of coffee shops to
Palace Marina, this nautical perspective
sit and sip a brew and people watch.
of the city’s attractions is an experience
Next, close to the expansive Marina Mall
you will simply never forget.
and set beneath Abu Dhabi’s giant flag-
Journey time 15 minutes from/to
pole, visit the free-to-enter Heritage
Mina Zayed.
Village by the Corniche Breakwater and
explore a reconstruction of a desert
Heritage Village
village with a small traditional souk.
+971 2 681 4455
Recommended duration 2-4hrs.
www.visitabudhabi.ae
On level 74 of Tower 2 at the nearby
Jumeirah
at
Observation
Etihad
Deck
at
Towers,
300
the
offers
the highest vantage of Abu Dhabi’s
Observation Deck at 300
+971 2 881 5555
www.jumeirah.com
cityscape where guests can enjoy
delicious
refreshments
against
a
Emirates Palace
spectacular backdrop. Recommended
+971 2 690 9000
visit time 1.5-2hrs.
www.emiratespalace.com
From this 300 metre vantage point, the
Emirates Palace – an iconic Abu Dhabi
Yellow Boats Speedboat Tours
landmark – is a sight to behold and
+971 800 8044
among the world’s most opulent hotels.
www.theyellowboats.com
ITINERARY 2
EXPLORE OUR
HERITAGE HEARTLAND
The Oasis City of Al Ain, with its array of
UNESCO World Heritage sites, offers
insights to Abu Dhabi’s 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 UAE’s traditional irrigation
channel network is the world’s 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
from/to Mina Zayed.
farms.
Visit
the
Sheikh
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
UAE’s 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
Al Ain’s 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
surfing playground in the foothills of
Al Qattara Arts Centre
+971 3 761 8080
Jebel Hafeet. The park’s 3.3 metre
man-made surf wave is the world’s
Wadi Adventure
largest and its 1.7 kilometre kayaking
+971 3 781 8422
ITINERARY 3
YAS THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT
Experience the thrill of Yas Island –
attractions, including five that are one-
our entertainment destination. Here
of-a-kind is not to be missed, and has
you’ll find the Yas Marina Circuit – the
been named the World Travel Award’s
world class motor sports race track
‘Middle East’s Leading Attraction’.
which hosts the annual Formula 1®
A combination ticket, the Yas Park
Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand
Pass, which includes access to both
Prix, the stunning Yas Marina with
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Yas
its superb Yacht Club, the Yas Links
Waterworld is available.
Abu Dhabi Golf Course, and set on
Journey time just 20 minutes
the island’s tranquil southern shores,
each way!
Yas Beach which is a great spot to
relax and enjoy sun, sea, and sand.
Yas Express
Use the complimentary round-island
+971 2 496 8110
Yas Express shuttle service to reach
www.yasisland.ae
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world’s
largest indoor theme park with more
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
than 20 exhilarating and educational
+971 2 496 8001
rides and attractions – including
www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com
Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest
roller-coaster.
Arabian-themed
The
Yas
award-winning
Waterworld
waterpark with its 43 rides, slides &
Yas Waterworld
+971 2 496 8236
www.yaswaterworld.com
ITINERARY 4
PAR AND SPA
Abu Dhabi Golf Club, the parkland
championship-ready
course with its iconic falcon clubhouse
courses within a 25 kilometre radius
is home, each January, to the Abu Dhabi
and six clubs within a 90-minute
HSBC Golf Championship. These are
drive, Abu Dhabi has a wealth of golf
complemented by a city course and
offerings. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is
the Al Ghazal Golf Club – an eco-
the region’s only ‘ocean’ course with
conscious, championship-level ‘sand’
several beautiful beachfront holes, and
course featuring smooth ‘browns’ and
just a chip-and-putt from the cruise
an archaeological site running alongside
terminal. Just up the road, Yas Links
the fifth fairway – a unique golfing
is the region’s premier links course.
experience to talk about when you’re
With
three
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
city’s
sights
from
a
spectacular
departure from Yas Marina. For a
seaborne alternative, Capt. Tony’s
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. Tony’s
+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
along
forest
the
city’s
that
meanders
coastline.
Learn
about the natural wildlife habitats
from an experienced guide before
enjoying a buffet brunch at the nearby
Belevari Marine’s 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
www.noukhada.ae
an
authentic
Emirati
dining
experience. Sample a wide selection
of the market’s 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
www.aldhafra.net
Marina
and
join
the
Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey for a two hour
cruise to understand the enchanting
Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey
history of the Arabian Gulf’s ancient
+971 2 641 9914
pearling industry – you’re 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
www.belevari.com
Gulf’s
largest
catamaran
with
Contact Centre
Inside: 800 555
Outside: +971 2 666 4442
www.visitabudhabi.ae