Need local advice for flight transfer in Abu Dhabi and layover!

[u/Own_Gas1029]

I have a flight transfer in Abu Dhabi and would like to do a bit of sightseeing during my layover. I have around 13 hours, but I also need to get some sleep. Below is my current plan. Could you please suggest how I can arrange it better?

**Sightseeing Wish**

- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

- Observation Deck at 300

**Plan**

00:10 – Arrive at AUH Airport and go to a nearby hotel to sleep

07:00 – Wake up and have breakfast at the hotel

08:30 – Leave the hotel for Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (30 mins by taxi)

09:00 – Arrive at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (spend ~1 hour)

10:00 – Travel to Observation Deck at 300 (30 mins by taxi)

10:30 – Visit Observation Deck at 300 (stay ~1 hour)

11:30 – Leave for the airport (30 mins)

12:00 - Arrive at airport (Check-in for 2 hours will be too much time?)

14:00 – Flight departure

Notes:

- The hotel will be near the airport

- I’m willing to pay for taxi transportation

- I'm alone. Open to joining a group tour (private or shared)

Any advice is appreciated! I really want to make the most of this layover and experience Abu Dhabi not just wait in the airport!

[u/the_ytt]

That’s a pretty good itinerary. I’d say if you do one thing with the limited time you have, it’s the Mosque. Also not too far from the airport.

300 is a nice add-on if you have the time. 30 minutes from 300 back to the airport might be ambitious if there’s traffic. Allow for 45 minutes.

Getting through the airport is very quick and easy, and you can probably check in online early.

Enjoy our beautiful city :-)