Abu Dhabi Route: Sheikh Zayed Mosque to Qasr Al Watan

This 37 km route connects Abu Dhabi's most iconic cultural landmarks, from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to Qasr Al Watan Palace, with a detour to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the vast Liwa Desert. Perfect for experiencing the capital's blend of modern architecture, traditional heritage, and natural landscapes.

Distance
37.0 km
Duration
7 h 24 min
Mode
route
Start
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
End
Liwa Desert
Stops
5
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque — The largest mosque in the UAE, first built with intention of welcoming all forms of religious worship; features world's largest mosaic in the courtyard.
  2. Louvre Abu Dhabi — The largest museum on the Arabian Peninsula, blending Eastern and Western Art.
  3. Abu Dhabi — Capital of the United Arab Emirates; starting point exploring the city's iconic sites.
  4. Qasr Al Watan Palace — Royal palace showcasing incredible architecture and Emirati culture.
  5. Liwa Desert — Desert oasis location where travelers camp to experience stargazing.

Useful for your trip

Transport
Dune bashing in Al-Hatim Desert is only an hour's drive out of the city from Abu Dhabi. Be prepared for a bumpy ride.
Where to stay
Casa Al-Salab is a unique desert resort constructed to mimic traditional Arabic architecture from the 1800s, located outside Abu Dhabi in the world's largest uninterrupted sand dunes.
Tip
When visiting Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, dress respectfully. Women can wear abayas provided at the entrance. The Sahana square has a Guinness World Record for the largest mosaic in the world.
Tip
Louvre Abu Dhabi is the largest museum on the Arabian Peninsula. The dome is made up of 8,000 interlocking metallic stars that create changing light patterns every 40 seconds as the sun moves.
Food
Local food tours showcase Arabic and Lebanese cuisine with common ingredients including seven spices, pomegranates, and hot bread. Traditional Emirati cuisine focuses on meat, fish, and rice-based dishes.
Tip
A Formula One circuit is located just a five-minute taxi ride away from central Abu Dhabi, offering racing experiences.
Tip
Qasr Al Watan is a real palace in Abu Dhabi worth visiting for experiencing the incredible scale of the building.
Timing
Plan desert visits to catch sunsets, as they are particularly spectacular in the desert landscape around Abu Dhabi.
Tip
Camping in the Liwa Desert oasis offers stargazing opportunities. ATV exploration is available in the landscape before sunset.
Tip
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was the first mosque built with the intention of welcoming all forms of religious worship, reflecting Abu Dhabi's inclusive nature.

Video on this route

Exploring Abu Dhabi's Iconic Sites: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and Qasr Al Watan | The Next Turn

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