Abu Dhabi Shore Excursion: Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Falcon Hospital

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Explore Abu Dhabi on a full-day shore excursion, and visit two of the city’s star attractions: Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan Mosque and Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital. After exploring inside one of the world’s largest mosques, travel around town and see more opulent city sights like Emirates Palace Hotel. Spend the afternoon at Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, a fascinating falcon sanctuary, and learn about the country’s respect for their national bird during a tour and falconry display.

Leave Mina Zayed Port in Abu Dhabi and make your own way to the center of town to meet your guide. Then, hop aboard your air-conditioned coach and travel to the city’s A-list attraction: Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan Mosque, or the grand mosque, as it is more often known.

Head inside with your guide to learn about the vast monument, which is said to be one of the world's largest mosques, and the man after whom it was named. The late Sheikh Zayed is still held in high regard by the people of the United Arab Emirates, and he’s believed to have shaped the city into the dynamic capital it is today.

The interior of the grand mosque is incredible to behold, boasting crystal and gold-plated chandeliers, marble mosaics and the world’s largest Persian carpet. Gaze around at the ornamentation and then explore the expansive main prayer hall, in total 40,000 worshipers can be seated in the impressive mosque

After exploring inside, return to your coach and travel around the city to see the sights. Stop for photos by the extravagant Emirates Palace Hotel and see Abu Dhabi Corniche – a sweeping sandy waterfront – and the Breakwater where many of the city’s luxury yachts can be found.

Stop for lunch in town (own expense), and then continue to Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, a working veterinary clinic where the United Arab Emirates’ national birds are treated. The sport of falconry is deeply rooted in the country’s Arabic traditions and culture, and the birds are highly revered, symbolizing force and courage. Learn all about them on a tour of the hospital by one of the trained falcon carers. After exploring the site, walk outdoors to a free flight cage for a closer look at UAE’s national birds live in action.

Enjoy a photo with the birds, if you wish, and then return to your coach. Your tour then finishes in the center of town, at the start point.

Worry-free Shore Excursion:
We will ensure your excursion ends with ample time for you to return to Mina Zayed Port for your ship’s departure. In the extremely unlikely event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded.See our terms and conditions for full details.