We spent only about half a day in Abu Dhabi (compared to 3 days in Dubai). We took a cab to Dubai Ibn Batuta Mall Bus Station where we then took the E101 bus to Abu Dhabi. The trip takes 1.5 hours and costs 25 AED per person. This bus is the cheapest option to travel between Dubai & Abu Dhabi.
After reaching Abu Dhabi bus station we took a cab to our hotel (Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi). After checking-in and freshening up we took a cab to #1 sightseeing spot in Abu Dhabi and that is the Sheikh Zayad Mosque.
First step to visit the mosque is to do self-registration. After getting a bracelet we went through security. There are strict dress codes for visiting the mosque (more strict for women than men).
All of us were able to get in without any hassle except Mom. She was instructed to borrow an “abaya” type dress and then we proceeded through an underground tunnel to the entrance of the mosque.
The courtyard is considered to be the largest work of marble mosaic in the world.
The carpet in the main prayer hall is considered to be the largest carpet in the world which covers about 60,000 square ft.
After spending about 2 hours in the mosque we took a cab to Abu Dhabi Marina Mall. I had asked the cab driver to take us to some dining area near the Corniche but he took us here instead.
We ended up ordering 2 kebab platters with dolemades while my parents ordered some Chinese.
After lunch we walked by the mall for an hour.
