Beyond Dubai
Abu Dhabi: the back story
The back story
About Abu Dhabi: the back story
Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital, is about 64 minutes from Dubai Station by Etihad Rail. Its Grand Mosque, the Louvre on Saadiyat Island and Qasr Al Watan make a full day, and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi opens on 11 December 2026.
The Grand Mosque
Visitors book an online access pass. Women wear loose, ankle-length clothes with long sleeves and cover their hair; men cover their legs and avoid sleeveless tops (szgmc.gov.ae). Check visiting hours on the centre’s site.
Saadiyat
At Louvre Abu Dhabi, sunlight through the perforated dome makes what the museum calls the “rain of light”; Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi, at the museum, needs no museum ticket. The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi opens nearby on 11 December 2026.
Book the mosque visit online and dress for it.
Qasr Al Watan
The halls, library and collections are open to visitors with tickets from qasralwatan.ae.
Getting there
Etihad Rail from Dubai Station (about 64 minutes), or RTA bus E101 from Ibn Battuta; check the timetables first.
Our advice: the mosque in the morning, the Louvre after lunch, Emirates Palace for coffee.
Why it's on our list
- The Grand Mosque
- Saadiyat
- Qasr Al Watan
- Getting there
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Abu Dhabi: the back story before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from Abu Dhabi: the back story are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 15 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Nearest stations
- Life PharmacyRed Line93 km
- DanubeRed Line95 km
- Expo City DubaiRed Line96 km