Abu Dhabi. The name itself conjures images of futuristic skyscrapers, opulent palaces, and vast, golden deserts.

As the capital of the United Arab Emirates, it’s a city that effortlessly blends ancient Emirati heritage with a bold, modern vision.

Home to over 1.5 million people from all corners of the globe, Abu Dhabi is a melting pot of cultures, and it shows in the city’s vibrant art scene, diverse culinary landscape, and the warm hospitality of its people.

For the longest time, Abu Dhabi was on my travel bucket list.

I’d seen countless photos of the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and heard tales of thrilling desert adventures.

 

So, when my fiancé and I planned our journey to Uzbekistan (Tasknet), we realized that Abu Dhabi would be a perfect stopover on the way. We booked a flight from Budapest to Abu Dhabi with Wizz Air for just €90 one way and decided to spend a full day there before continuing east. It turned out to be one of the best spontaneous decisions of the trip.

This wasn’t just going to be any ordinary day trip; it was going to be an adventure he’d never forget.

If you’re planning a trip to the UAE, I wholeheartedly recommend setting aside at least one day for Abu Dhabi.

It’s a city that will surprise and delight you at every turn.

Here’s a glimpse into our unforgettable 24 hours in Abu Dhabi, a day filled with adrenaline, culture, and a few unexpected bumps in the road (literally!).

 

Morning: A Desert Surprise and Dune-Bashing Drama

Our Abu Dhabi adventure began with a secret.

I had booked a desert safari tour through the GetYourGuide app for €44, a little surprise for my fiancé who is a massive car enthusiast. Here you can book this tour – GetYourGuide link.

I kept the details under wraps, and the morning of our trip, the only clue I gave him was that he shouldn’t eat breakfast.

Panic ensued!

He immediately thought we were going bungee jumping or something equally terrifying.

The look on his face when he realised we were heading out to the Wathba desert for some serious off-roading was priceless.

His initial fear quickly turned into pure excitement, and I knew I’d made the right choice.

The dune-bashing experience was absolutely insane!

Our skilled driver navigated the towering sand dunes with a mix of precision and what felt like sheer madness.

We were sliding, drifting, and catching air in a 4×4 vehicle – it was like being on a rollercoaster made of sand.

The adrenaline rush was incredible, and my fiancé’s whoops of joy were the perfect soundtrack to our desert adventure.

Of course, no great story is complete without a little drama.

At one point, we had a bit of a collision with another vehicle in our convoy, and we ended up with a flat tyre.

Changing a tyre in the middle of the desert with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius is an experience I won’t forget!

As if that wasn’t enough, another car in our group got stuck on top of a dune, and we all had to work together to pull it free with a rope.

It was a real team effort and added an unexpected layer of adventure to our morning.

After the dune-bashing excitement, we tried our hand at sandboarding.

We waxed up our boards and slid down the dunes on our stomachs, laughing all the way.

It was so much fun and a great way to cool down after the intensity of the dune bashing.

The tour is definitely suitable for children, but I would not recommend it for pregnant women.

The ride can be quite bumpy, so it’s best to avoid eating a heavy meal beforehand.

For those looking for even more adventure, there’s the option to rent quad bikes for an additional fee of around €30.

We were so exhausted from the morning’s activities that we decided to skip it, but it’s a great option if you have the energy.

Our tour also included a brief camel ride, which was more of a photo opportunity than a real trek, but it was still a fun way to experience a classic desert tradition.

 

Afternoon: Awe-Inspiring Architecture at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

After a morning of desert thrills, we shifted gears for a more cultural and serene afternoon.

Our destination was the world-renowned Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and let me tell you, no picture can truly capture the breathtaking beauty of this place.

It’s one of the largest mosques in the world, and its sheer scale and intricate details are simply awe-inspiring.

As we approached, the mosque’s pristine white domes and minarets seemed to rise from the earth like a mirage.

The vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, was to create a cultural landmark that would unite the world, and it truly feels that way.

The architecture is a stunning blend of Mamluk, Ottoman, and Fatimid styles, creating a harmonious and unforgettable masterpiece.

We spent hours wandering through the vast courtyard, admiring the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet in the main prayer hall and the seven spectacular chandeliers made from millions of Swarovski crystals.

Every corner of the mosque is a work of art, from the intricate floral patterns on the marble columns to the reflective pools that surround it.

It’s a place of peace and tranquillity, and you can’t help but feel a sense of calm as you walk through its hallowed halls.

A few practical tips for your visit

The mosque is open to visitors daily, but it’s always a good idea to check the official website for the latest visiting hours.

Entry is free, but you need to book your visit in advance online.

There’s a strict dress code, so make sure to dress modestly.

Women will be asked to cover their heads, and traditional abayas are available to borrow if needed.

I’d recommend visiting in the late afternoon to see the mosque in the golden light of the setting sun and to witness the magical transition as it’s illuminated at night.

While the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is undoubtedly the star of the show, Abu Dhabi is home to many other beautiful mosques.

We didn’t have time to visit them, but if you have more than a day, you might want to explore the Al-Aziz Mosque or the Mary, Mother of Jesus Mosque.

 

Evening: A Taste of Tradition

As evening descended and the city lights began to twinkle, our thoughts turned to food.

After a day of such incredible contrasts, from the adrenaline of the desert to the serenity of the mosque, we were craving an authentic taste of Emirati culture.

We wanted to find a place that served traditional food, a restaurant that would give us a real sense of local life.

Abu Dhabi’s culinary scene is as diverse as its population, with everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to humble street-side cafes.

We did a bit of research and decided on a place that promised a truly authentic experience.

The restaurant we chose was designed to look like a traditional Emirati home from the 1960s, and from the moment we stepped inside, it felt like we had travelled back in time.

The aroma of spices and grilled meats filled the air, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere was the perfect antidote to our tired feet.

We feasted on a spread of traditional dishes, including Al Harees, a savoury porridge of wheat and meat, and Al Majboos, a flavourful rice dish with chicken.

For dessert, we couldn’t resist trying Luqaimat, sweet, sticky dumplings that are a local favourite.

It was the perfect end to our day of exploration, a delicious immersion into the heart of Emirati cuisine.

While we loved our traditional dinner, Abu Dhabi has something to offer every palate. 

Here are a few other options to consider for your evening meal:

• For Seafood Lovers: Finz Restaurant offers stunning waterfront views and a menu of fresh, contemporary seafood dishes.
• For Meat Enthusiasts: Nusr-Et Steakhouse is a world-famous restaurant known for its high-quality cuts of meat and theatrical presentation.
• For a Taste of Italy: Villa Toscana serves up authentic Italian cuisine in an elegant, Tuscan-inspired setting.
• For a Truly Local Experience: Al Fanar Restaurant & Café is another fantastic option for traditional Emirati food, with a charming, rustic ambiance.

 

Is One Day in Abu Dhabi Enough?

Honestly, one day in Abu Dhabi is just enough to scratch the surface, but it’s also enough to fall in love with the city.

You can certainly experience some of its most iconic highlights, from the vastness of the desert to the splendour of the Grand Mosque.

Our day was a whirlwind of emotions and experiences.

We went from the heart-pumping excitement of dune bashing to the quiet contemplation of the mosque, and we ended our day with a delicious taste of local tradition.

It was a perfect snapshot of what Abu Dhabi has to offer: a city of contrasts, a place where adventure and culture go hand in hand.

So, if you’re short on time, don’t hesitate to plan a day trip.

But I can almost guarantee that after 24 hours in this incredible city, you’ll already be planning your next visit.

There’s so much more to see and do, from the art and history of the Louvre Abu Dhabi to the thrills of Ferrari World.

Abu Dhabi, we’ll be back!