Dubai City Tour with Dhow Cruise Marina and Abu Dhabi City Tour

This tour offers an engaging way to see some of the most famous sights in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in just two days. While we haven’t personally taken it, the detailed itinerary and glowing reviews suggest it’s a solid choice for travelers wanting a balanced mix of modern marvels and cultural highlights.

What we love about this experience is the well-structured itinerary, the incredible views from the dhow cruise, and the access to top landmarks like Sheikh Zayed Mosque. The inclusion of a dinner cruise with entertainment adds a touch of luxury, while the combo with Abu Dhabi’s key sites makes it a smart option for those short on time.

A potential consideration is that the schedule can be quite packed, which means some stops might feel rushed—especially the shorter visits at spots like Jumeirah Mosque or the Heritage Village. If you prefer unhurried exploration, this tour might be a bit intense.

This tour caters best to travelers eager to see the highlights efficiently, enjoy some authentic cultural moments, and indulge in memorable views—all at a reasonable price point given the number of attractions covered.

Key Points

• Includes both Dubai and Abu Dhabi highlights in a 2-day package
• Ideal for travelers seeking convenience without the hassle of independent planning
• Offers a mix of modern architecture, cultural sites, and leisure activities
• Value-packed, with entrance fees, dinners, and transportation included
• Authentic experiences like the dhow cruise and Heritage Village
• Timing is tight, so be prepared for a busy but rewarding schedule

Dubai City Tour with Dhow Cruise Marina and Abu Dhabi City Tour: A Detailed Breakdown

Day 1: Dubai’s Iconic Landmarks and a Scenic Dhow Cruise

Starting Point and Pickups:
Most tours start around 9:00 am, with pickup options available—making it convenient whether you’re staying in a hotel or nearby. This aspect is helpful, especially if you want to avoid navigating Dubai’s traffic or public transport.

Dubai Marina and Dhow Cruise

First stop: Dubai Marina
The journey kicks off with a 2-hour cruise in Dubai Marina. From the lower air-conditioned deck or the open-air upper deck, you get a chance to see the city’s modern skyline, luxury yachts, and vibrant waterside life. It’s a relaxing way to start, and the welcome drinks, tea, and coffee set a pleasant tone. Expect views of some of Dubai’s most upscale residences and hotels, and if you’re lucky, you might catch some boat action or sea birds gliding past.

Why it’s worthwhile:
The cruise isn’t just about scenery; the onboard entertainment, which includes a Tanura show and live music, adds a cultural touch. Reviewers noted that the staff was attentive, making sure everyone was comfortable and engaged — a big plus for families or groups wanting a comfortable experience.

Dinner on the Dhow:
The buffet dinner offers a choice of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, with freshly prepared food. The fully air-conditioned lower deck keeps things comfortable, while the open-air upper deck provides a more lively, panoramic experience. The inclusion of drinks and entertainment is a significant value addition, especially considering the high standards of dishes and service.

Landmark Stops and Photo Opportunities

Burj Khalifa:
The world’s tallest building, towering at nearly 830 meters, is a definite highlight. The tour includes a 2-hour visit, with plenty of time for photos outside and possibly from the observation decks if you choose to upgrade. Its gleaming steel structure against the Dubai skyline is truly a sight to behold and offers a great photo-op.

Burj Al Arab:
Although you’ll only see it from the outside, the iconic sail-shaped hotel is a must-see. It’s the only 7-star hotel in the world, and even just a quick stop for photos adds a sense of opulence. Keep in mind, entrance isn’t included, so if you want inside access, you’ll need to arrange separately.

Palm Jumeirah:
One of the most famous artificial islands, Palm Jumeirah is best appreciated from a distance. The photo stop at Atlantis The Palm is a fantastic chance to capture the grandeur of Dubai’s engineering marvel. The reviews mention that this spot remains one of the most scenic artificial islands on Earth.

Jumeirah Mosque:
Built in traditional Fatimid style, it’s one of Dubai’s most beautiful mosques and a symbol of the city’s open doors policy. A 45-minute visit gives you a glimpse into Islamic architecture and Dubai’s cultural openness. Reviewers appreciated the informative stop, which is included in the tour.

Dubai Gold Souk:
A bustling traditional market, the Gold Souk offers a sensory overload of jewelry, gemstones, and metals. It’s a lively place where you can browse or buy souvenirs. The review highlights that it’s one of the most visited spots—perfect for those interested in traditional markets.

Day 2: From Abu Dhabi’s Grandeur to Cultural Heritage

Abu Dhabi’s Highlights:
The second day extends the adventure with a 7-hour tour to Abu Dhabi, focusing on its cultural and architectural splendors.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque:
This is the tour’s crown jewel. The mosque’s stunning architecture, with white marble and intricate detail, makes it one of the world’s largest mosques. The guided stop includes insights into its design, inspired by various Islamic civilizations, and an opportunity to marvel at its capacity of 40,000 worshippers. Reviewers noted the “glistening architectural marvel” and described it as a must-see.

Heritage Village:
A fascinating look at the traditional Bedouin lifestyle, this spot feels like stepping back in time. You’ll see displays of traditional crafts and life in the desert. It’s a family-friendly attraction and offers a genuine glimpse into Abu Dhabi’s roots.

Abu Dhabi Mall & Emirates Palace:
While the mall showcases the city’s modern shopping scene, the drive-by of Emirates Palace—an iconic, luxurious hotel—adds to the sense of Abu Dhabi’s grandeur. Review comments reveal that seeing the palace from outside impresses visitors, especially given its scale and opulence.

Additional Cultural Stops and Insights

Heritage Village and Marjan Islamic Arts Gallery
These stops complement the mosque visit, giving context to the UAE’s history and artistic heritage. Guests have appreciated the opportunity to learn about Bedouin crafts and Islamic art, enriching the cultural experience.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Comprehensive Coverage:
Covering major sights across two emirates in just two days is ambitious but offers excellent value. The itinerary is designed to include Dubai’s modern icons and Abu Dhabi’s cultural treasures, making it ideal for first-time visitors or those with limited time.

Quality of Inclusions:
From entrance fees to meals, the tour’s inclusions are generous. The international buffet dinner aboard the dhow cruise, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, is a significant highlight. Reviewers praised the freshly prepared food and entertainment, which added a festive atmosphere to the evening.

Authentic Experiences:
Visits to the Heritage Village and the mosque blend sightseeing with cultural learning, giving a well-rounded perspective. The dhow cruise itself, with its scenic views and traditional entertainment, stands out as a memorable feature.

Transportation and Comfort:
The tour offers pick-up and drop-off, making logistics smooth. The group size is not specified but appears to be a private or semi-private experience, enhancing comfort. The entire experience is designed to be as hassle-free as possible, letting you focus on the sights.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This tour appeals most to travelers wanting a balanced overview of Dubai and Abu Dhabi without the stress of planning individual excursions. It’s perfect for those who appreciate luxury, cultural insights, and scenic views—especially the dhow cruise. If you’re after a well-organized experience that covers major landmarks with some authentic cultural moments, this is a solid pick.

However, if you prefer slower, more relaxed mornings or more in-depth time at each site, the tight schedule might feel rushed. It’s ideal for first-timers or those on a short layover aiming to check off the main sights.

FAQs about the Dubai & Abu Dhabi Tour

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included, making it easy to start and end the tour without additional hassle.

How long is the cruise portion?
The dhow cruise lasts about 120 minutes, offering a relaxed sailing experience with dinner and entertainment.

Are entrance fees included for the landmarks?
Yes, tickets for places like Burj Khalifa, Jumeirah Mosque, and Heritage Village are included, but not for Burj Al Arab.

Is vegetarian food available?
Absolutely. The international buffet dinner includes vegetarian options alongside non-veg dishes.

What should I wear?
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is advisable at places like mosques and Heritage Village.

Can I participate if I have mobility issues?
Most stops are accessible, but it’s best to check with the provider, especially for sites with stairs or uneven surfaces.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, families have enjoyed the experience, especially with the mix of sightseeing and cultural stops.

How many people are in the group?
The tour is private for your group, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What’s the best time to do this tour?
Most tours start at 9:00 am, ideal for avoiding the midday heat and making the most of daylight.

What makes this tour good value?
Including multiple landmarks, meals, entrance fees, and entertainment makes it a comprehensive package at a competitive price.

Final Thoughts

This Dubai and Abu Dhabi tour packs a lot into two days, blending breathtaking sights with cultural experiences and leisure activities. It’s especially suited for travelers who value convenience and want to see a broad range of highlights without the stress of organizing each detail themselves. The dhow cruise dinner is a standout feature, offering stunning views and entertainment that elevate the overall experience.

While the schedule is quite full, it provides a well-rounded snapshot of what these two emirates have to offer—modern marvels, rich traditions, and vibrant cityscapes. With positive reviews emphasizing the quality of guides and the memorable views, it’s clear that this tour can deliver a rewarding introduction to the UAE’s dazzling cities.

For travelers eager for a comfortable, all-inclusive sightseeing experience, this tour offers impressive value and a chance to tick off some of the most iconic landmarks with ease.

Note:

Always check the latest details with the tour provider to confirm availability, inclusions, and any specific questions, especially if you have special needs or preferences.