Abu Dhabi and Dubai city tour – 02 cities combo

Rating: 4.5/5 (based on 20 reviews)
Price: $140.00 per person
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Duration: 2 days (approx.)
Supplier: ABC Tourism LLC

What makes this tour appealing?

This two-day combo offers a smart way to see the highlights of both Dubai and Abu Dhabi without the hassle of planning transport or navigating unfamiliar roads. It’s especially handy if you’re short on time but eager to get a taste of the UAE’s two most iconic cities. Air-conditioned transport, hotel pickups, and drop-offs are included, making it a stress-free experience.

Three things we particularly like are the comprehensive itinerary covering key sights, the inclusion of local guides with good knowledge, and the value for money in seeing two major cities for just $140. However, a potential downside is that the tour is quite full, meaning you’ll need to keep a fairly tight schedule and might not get as much time at each stop as you’d like.

This experience suits first-time visitors to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, travelers with limited time, or those who prefer guided tours over self-planned excursions — especially if you want a quick, curated overview of the UAE’s standout attractions.

Key takeaways

• Two cities, one tour: Perfect for those wanting to see both Dubai and Abu Dhabi efficiently.
• All-in-one transport: Comfortably travel in air-conditioned coaches with hotel pickups.
• Guided experience: Insightful guides enhance understanding of each landmark.
• Flexible schedule: Includes stops at major sights like the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Dubai Museum, and the Burj Khalifa.
• Limited time at each site: You’ll get a taste, but not a deep exploration of every location.
• Good value: For the price, you receive two full-day tours, transportation, and some unique experiences like boat rides.

A detailed look at the tour experience

Day 1: Abu Dhabi city tour

The adventure begins with an early pickup from your Dubai hotel, usually around 8:30 am. The air-conditioned coach is comfortable and modern, making the long drive to Abu Dhabi more pleasant. Along the way, you’ll pass the Jebel Ali port, Dubai’s bustling trade hub, giving you a glimpse of the city’s commercial backbone. The guide, often someone with local knowledge, keeps the trip lively with stories about Dubai’s rapid growth and upcoming projects like the 2020 Dubai Expo.

Once in Abu Abu Dhabi, the first stop is the Grand Mosque — a highlight for many travelers. From the magnificent chandeliers to the world’s largest hand-woven carpet, it’s clear this is a place that demands your attention. The guided tour inside is informative, but you’ll want to arrive early to beat the crowds, especially during peak hours.

Next, the tour takes you past Saadiyat Island, known for its cultural projects, and stops outside Ferrari World — an ideal spot for some quick photos or souvenir shopping. The Heritage Village offers a window into Bedouin life, with traditional glass-making stalls and displays of local crafts. The guides, like the highly praised “Anna,” are noted for their helpfulness and enthusiasm, which enhances the experience.

The Emirates Palace, Presidential Palace, and Marina Mall are also on the itinerary, with the guide providing context and stories at each stop. You’ll have a chance to grab lunch at your own expense, with options suggested by the guide.

Travel tip: Reviewers suggest that the Heritage Village might seem less relevant if you’re doing the two-day tour, but overall, the Abu Dhabi day is considered “top notch,” mainly due to the well-organized itinerary and professional guides.

Day 2: Dubai city tour

Back in Dubai, the second day kicks off with a shorter but equally packed tour of the city’s highlights. Starting at the Dubai Creek, you’ll feel the breeze and take photos of the historic waterway that offers a sharp contrast to the modern skyline.

From there, the tour moves into Dubai’s old town, visiting Bastakiya and Al Fahidi Street — bustling areas filled with souks and traditional architecture. Inside Al Fahidi Fort, the Dubai Museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the pre-oil days, though note that the museum is closed on Fridays until 2:30 pm, limiting visits on that day.

A ferry ride across the creek offers a different perspective of Dubai’s evolving skyline and is often praised for its simplicity and charm. Post-ferry, the tour showcases iconic structures like Burj Al Arab, The Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina, giving you a broad overview of Dubai’s luxury and innovation.

The visit to Downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa is undoubtedly the highlight. From the outside, the tower is breathtaking, and plenty of time is allocated for photos. The tour also includes a quick look at the Mall of the Emirates, with its indoor ski slope, giving a humorous reminder of Dubai’s playful approach to luxury.

Transportation and group size

Both days feature group sizes capped at 30, which strikes a balance between intimacy and the ability to see everything efficiently. The bus or coach is spacious, clean, and climate-controlled, adding comfort to what might be a long day.

Guides and commentary

Many reviews mention guides like Binu and Rafeeq, noting their friendly, accommodating manner and local insights, which add value beyond just sightseeing. One reviewer described their guide as “helpful in sharing pickup timings and tour itinerary,” emphasizing the importance of clear communication.

Value and overall impression

At $140, this tour offers solid value considering the transportation, guided commentary, and access to major sights. While the itinerary is tight, most travelers feel it’s a good overview, especially for a short trip.

What could be improved?

• The limited time at each stop means you won’t go deep into any one location unless you extend your stay independently.
• The Friday morning Dubai tour is shorter due to Dubai Museum’s closure, which might disappoint those expecting a full day.
• Some reviews suggest skipping the Heritage Village on the second day if pressed for time, as it seems less integral compared to other sights.

Who is this tour best for?

This tour is ideal if you’re visiting Dubai and Abu Dhabi for a few days and want a structured, guided experience. It’s perfect for those who prefer not to drive or plan logistics themselves and want to maximize sightseeing in a limited timeframe. Budget travelers will also appreciate the reasonable price point for two full days of touring.

It’s less suited for travelers seeking free time to explore each city at their own pace or those interested in in-depth visits to specific attractions. Also, if you’re someone who enjoys more personalized or flexible tours, this might feel a bit rushed.

Detailed FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, your transport from Dubai hotels to Abu Dhabi and Dubai city sights is included, making the trip hassle-free.

Can I get a hotel pickup?
Yes, hotel pickups are offered for centrally located hotels in Dubai, though additional charges apply if you request pickup from your specific hotel.

What about meals?
Lunch is not included, but the guide will suggest options, and you can choose to dine at your own expense.

How long are the tours each day?
Day 1 in Abu Dhabi is approximately 10 hours, while Day 2 in Dubai is about 5 hours.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews highlight guides like Binu, Rafeeq, and Anna for their friendly approach, helpfulness, and insightful commentary.

What are some must-see stops?
The Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Dubai Museum, Burj Khalifa, and the Palm Islands are standout attractions.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Most likely, yes — the itinerary is flexible enough for families, but keep in mind the long hours and group excursions.

Can I cancel?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour begins.

What if I only want to do one city?
This tour is designed as a two-day combo, so choosing a single-day option might require booking separate tours.

Are the sights accessible for all mobility levels?
Most stops are accessible, but some locations, like the mosque and museum, might have limited access for those with mobility challenges.

Final thoughts

This Abu Dhabi and Dubai combo tour offers a convenient, cost-effective way to see the UAE’s most famous sights with guided insights. It’s especially valuable for travelers who want a balanced mix of cultural landmarks and modern marvels without worrying about logistics or transport.

You’ll love the expert guides that bring the sights to life, the comfortable transport, and the organized itinerary that ensures you won’t miss the essentials. While the sightseeing pace is brisk, it’s a great way to get a broad overview if your time in the UAE is limited.

The tour strikes a good balance of value and experience, making it a strong choice for first-time visitors or those wanting a guided snapshot of Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s highlights. Be prepared for a busy schedule, but rest assured that you’ll leave with a solid understanding of what makes these cities so famous.

In summary, if you’re looking for a well-organized, guided introduction to Dubai and Abu Dhabi that covers the key sights and offers good value, this tour really ticks the boxes. It’s best suited for first-time visitors, short-term travelers, and those who prefer guided convenience over exploring independently. Just remember, with such packed days, you’ll want to pace yourself and enjoy the ride — it’s a whirlwind tour, but one that provides plenty of memorable moments.