Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, combines stunning modern architecture with cultural depth. The magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Yas Island theme parks make it a compelling port of call.
What to Do in a Day in Abu Dhabi
Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the world's most beautiful mosques, with its white marble domes and crystal chandeliers. Head to Saadiyat Island for the Louvre Abu Dhabi's stunning architecture and art collection. Explore the Corniche waterfront for a stroll, or visit Yas Island for Ferrari World or Yas Waterworld. Try Emirati cuisine at a heritage restaurant.
The tours below are not organized by the cruise lines. Bookings are made directly with GetYourGuide and you are responsible for getting back to the ship on time. If you prefer the cruise line's guarantee, contact our travel advisors after booking.
Cruise Port Address
Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH)
AUH ~40 km from Zayed Port; ~30–45 min by road. There's no direct cruise-terminal bus; public bus A1 links AUH to Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station (AED 4 / ~€1, ~50 min), from where another taxi or bus is needed. Taxis between AUH and Zayed Port ~AED 100–150 (~€25–37). Many itineraries fly into Dubai DXB instead — DXB to Zayed Port ~150 km / ~1.5 hr.
Corniche / Downtown Abu Dhabi
Zayed Port is in the Al Zahiyah / Tourist Club area, walking distance (~10–15 min) to Abu Dhabi Mall and the eastern Corniche. WTC Souk and Mall shuttle pickups are at the terminal. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is ~15 km / ~20 min by taxi (~AED 40 / ~€10). Saadiyat Island (Louvre Abu Dhabi) is ~10 km, ~15 min by taxi. Big Bus hop-on-hop-off picks up at the terminal.
Abu Dhabi Weather by Month
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. High °C | 24° | 25° | 28° | 33° | 38° | 40° | 42° | 42° | 39° | 35° | 30° | 26° |
| Rainfall mm | ☀️ 8 mm | ☀️ 20 mm | ☀️ 15 mm | ☀️ 5 mm | ☀️ 1 mm | ☀️ 0 mm | ☀️ 0 mm | ☀️ 0 mm | ☀️ 0 mm | ☀️ 0 mm | ☀️ 3 mm | ☀️ 8 mm |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises and Royal Caribbean offer excursions including Sheikh Zayed Mosque tours, Louvre Abu Dhabi visits, desert safaris and Yas Island theme park packages.
Ships typically dock for 10–14 hours or overnight. The Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port is about 10 minutes from the city centre.
Yes, taxis are affordable and plentiful. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is about 20 minutes from the port by taxi. For Yas Island, plan about 30 minutes. The city is less walkable than Dubai, so a taxi or organized tour is recommended.