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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: 2 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 Promenade
Stop 2
Recommended time: 2-3 hours
This retail and lifestyle hub within the Eastern Mangroves complex is connected to the five-star Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel Abu Dhabi and boasts a mix of fantastic restaurants, health, beauty and leisure outlets, and a supermarket.
Featuring a design inspired by a souk-style (market-style) avenue, the buildings are offset by an arch-fronted, open pedestrian zone where residents and visitors can jog and cycle.
A snapshot of the Eastern Mangroves Promenade’s retail residents includes Café Blanc, a casual hangout serving creative mezze, desserts, traditional juices and hot drinks in a relaxing atmosphere; Carluccio's, a restaurant, café and food shop with indoor seating and a relaxing Mediterranean-style terrace; Flooka, a Mediterranean seafood restaurant with a stunning mangroves-view patio; Peppermill, a fine-dining Indian restaurant serving inventive recipes and flavours; Waitrose supermarket; Nail Spa, and; Marquee hair stylists.
The area’s 50-berth Eastern Mangroves Marina, ideal for berthing yachts up to 24 metres, as well as extensive parking facilities, including valet parking, complement the offering.
Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi
Stop 3
Recommended Time: 1 hours
Zayed International Airport (formerly Abu Dhabi International Airport) serves as a global gateway with over 50 airlines flying to and from approximately 117 destinations across 56 countries. Twice awarded the 'Best Airport in the Middle East' by the World Airport Awards, it's a testament to its exceptional service and facilities.
The airport is conveniently located within a short distance from major Abu Dhabi destinations and Dubai, boasting the spectacular Terminal A, the new hub for Etihad Airways, alongside Terminal 1 which handles many more regional and international flights.
Stop 1
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Recommended Time: 2 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.
